Ethanolic Extract Of Propolis Research Articles

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Propolis from Northeastern Algeria

Propolis is a bee resinous substance consisting mainly of phenolic compounds having nutritional and therapeutic properties and formed by the mixing of the tree and plant secretions collected by honey bees. Herein, the present study was aimed to assess the antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity of ethanolic and acetone propolis extracts from two sampling sites in Souk Ahras city (northeast Algeria). The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by using the common antioxidant assays (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH], acide 2-2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonique) [ABTS], galvinoxyl radical [GOR], and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity [CUPRAC]), and the anticholinesterase activity was determined against acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Moreover, the total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and condensed tannins (CTC) contents were quantified. The propolis extracts showed a potent antioxidant/inhibitory activity which almost met that of synthetic antioxidants used as standards (butylated hydroxytoluene [BHT] and butylated hydroxyanisole [BHA]). In addition, the AChE activity was highly strongly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the propolis extracts. The propolis extracts proved their richness in bioactive molecules able to enhance various biological activities and processes.

Comprehensive Metabolite Profiling of Berdav Propolis Using LC-MS/MS: Determination of Antioxidant, Anticholinergic, Antiglaucoma, and Antidiabetic Effects.

Propolis is a complex natural compound that honeybees obtain from plants and contributes to hive safety. It is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which contain antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. In this study, the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of propolis were investigated; ABTS•+, DPPH• and DMPD•+ were prepared using radical scavenging antioxidant methods. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of propolis were 53 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 170.164 mg of quercetin equivalent (QE)/g, respectively. The ferric ion (Fe3+) reduction, CUPRAC and FRAP reduction capacities were also studied. The antioxidant and reducing capacities of propolis were compared with those of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), α-tocopherol and Trolox reference standards. The half maximal inhibition concentration (IC50) values of propolis for ABTS•+, DPPH• and DMPD•+ scavenging activities were found to be 8.15, 20.55 and 86.64 μg/mL, respectively. Propolis extract demonstrated IC50 values of 3.7, 3.4 and 19.6 μg/mL against α-glycosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) enzyme, respectively. These enzymes' inhibition was associated with diabetes, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and glaucoma. The reducing power, antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition capacity of propolis extract were comparable to those demonstrated by the standards. Twenty-eight phenolic compounds, including acacetin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, naringenin, chrysin, quinic acid, quercetin, and ferulic acid, were determined by LC-MS/MS to be major organic compounds in propolis. The polyphenolic antioxidant-rich content of the ethanol extract of propolis appears to be a natural product that can be used in the treatment of diabetes, AD, glaucoma, epilepsy, and cancerous diseases.

Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm and Toxicological Assessment of Propolis.

Antimicrobial resistance is a serious problem for the control of infections and infectious diseases. Propolis is a substance produced by honeybees with antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. To consider propolis as an alternative to the use of antimicrobials for infection control, we assessed its antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. To assess propolis for topical medical use, toxicological studies were also performed. A Portuguese 70% propolis ethanolic extract was chemically evaluated and studied for antimicrobial activity on staphylococcal field isolates (n = 137) and antibiofilm action (n = 45). Cell toxicological assessment was performed using keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Pinobanksin, chrysin, acacetin, apigenin, pinocembrin, and kaempferol-dimethyl-ether were detected. All 137 isolates were susceptible to 6.68 mg/mL or lower propolis concentration (80% isolates were susceptible to <1 mg/mL). The mean percentage of biofilm inhibition was 71%, and biofilm disruption was 88.5%. Propolis (<1 mg/mL) was well-tolerated by fibroblasts and moderately tolerated by keratinocytes. The combined antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect of propolis, together with its low toxicity to connective tissue and epithelial cells, suggests a good applicability for topical antibacterial treatment. Therefore, propolis seems to be a good alternative to antimicrobials for the treatment of infections with Staphylococcus spp. that deserves to be evaluated in vivo.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose orally disintegration films produced by tape casting with the incorporation of green propolis ethanolic extract using the printing technique

Green propolis ethanol extract (GPEE) is one of the most used compounds in folk medicine. Alternative dosage forms, such as orally disintegrating films (ODFs) and forms of incorporation of active principles, such as the printing technique, are arousing interest due to the possibility of producing personalized dosages and possible reduction of the degradation of compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of green propolis ethanol extract (GPEE) incorporation on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) using the printing technique (1–4 print layers). GPEE was characterized by apparent viscosity, density, and surface tension. The ODFs with different numbers of printed layers were characterized in relation to color, moisture content, mechanical properties, structure, disintegration time, surface pH, stability, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity tests. GPEE showed properties similar to those observed for commercial inks. The number of printed layers affected film properties. ODFs with GPEE showed anti-inflammatory activity, where a reduction of about 40% NO 2 − concentration against macrophage cells was found after adding one GPEE layer. As such, printing on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose oral films as a vehicle for green propolis ethanolic extract represents an interesting alternative to produce materials with controlled anti-inflammatory activity. • Viscosity, density and surface tension values of GPEE are similar to commercial inks. • Oral films of HPMC-based printed are a promising way to deliver active compounds. • HPMS-based printed films maintain the stability of phenolic compounds. • Films printed with green propolis ethanol extract have anti-inflammatory activity.

Wound healing and antibacterial capability of electrospun polyurethane nanofibers incorporating Calendula officinalis and Propolis extracts

In order to produce a healing accelerator antibacterial wound dressing, different electrospun polyurethane (PU)-based nanofibers inclusive Calendula officinalis and Propolis ethanolic extracts were fabricated. The measurement of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) determined the concentrations of incorporating extracts. Then the morphological properties of the produced polyurethane (PU), polyurethane/C. officinalis (PU/CO), polyurethane/Propolis (PU/PR), polyurethane/C. officinalis/Propolis (PU/CO/PR) were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The physicochemical features and biological characteristics of the fabricated nanofibers were evaluated. Subsequently, the antibacterial and wound-healing efficiency of electrospun wound dressings were tested under in vivo situation. The electrospun PU/CO/PR nanofiber illustrated the most degree of antibacterial, antioxidant, and cell proliferation efficiencies. In vivo examination and histological analysis confirmed significant improvement in the complete, well-organized wound-healing process in MRSA-infected wounds treated with PU/CO/PR. These outcomes described PU/CO/PR electrospun nanofibers as a wound dressing that can significantly facilitate wound healing with notable antibacterial, antioxidant, and cell proliferation properties.

Dynamic gastrointestinal digestion/intestinal permeability of encapsulated and nonencapsulated Brazilian red propolis: Active compounds stability and bioactivity

The objectives were to investigate the effect of dynamic gastrointestinal digestion/Caco-2 cell transport on active compounds stability and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract of Brazilian red propolis (EEBRP), whether encapsulated or not; and the in vivo acute toxicity of the EEBRP after digestion. Eight isoflavonoids, one flavanone, and one chalcone were identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, and quantified by HPLC-PDA. Bioaccessibility was higher for the encapsulated EEBRP (21.4%-57.6%) than for the nonencapsulated (19.3%-30.2%). Conversely, the Caco-2 cell transport was higher for the nonencapsulated EEBRP. Similarly, the nonencapsulated EEBRP showed higher ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, which was especially attributed to calycosin, and to decrease NF-κB activation, and the levels of TNF-α and CXCL2/MIP-2 after Caco-2 cell transport. Hence, there is an indication that EEBRP is a promising alternative dietary source of bioavailable isoflavonoids. Further studies on encapsulation should be encouraged to improve bioactivity, and expand its food applications.

Nano-Delivery System of Ethanolic Extract of Propolis Targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis via Aptamer-Modified-Niosomes

Tuberculosis (TB) therapy requires long-course multidrug regimens leading to the emergence of drug-resistant TB and increased public health burden worldwide. As the treatment strategy is more challenging, seeking a potent non-antibiotic agent has been raised. Propolis serve as a natural source of bioactive molecules. It has been evidenced to eliminate various microbial pathogens including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). In this study, we fabricated the niosome-based drug delivery platform for ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) using thin film hydration method with Ag85A aptamer surface modification (Apt-PEGNio/EEP) to target Mtb. Physicochemical characterization of PEGNio/EEP indicated approximately -20 mV of zeta potential, 180 nm of spherical nanoparticles, 80% of entrapment efficiency, and the sustained release profile. The Apt-PEGNio/EEP and PEGNio/EEP showed no difference in these characteristics. The chemical composition in the nanostructure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. Apt-PEGNio/EEP showed specific binding to Mycobacterium expressing Ag85 membrane-bound protein by confocal laser scanning microscope. It strongly inhibited Mtb in vitro and exhibited non-toxicity on alveolar macrophages. These findings indicate that the Apt-PEGNio/EEP acts as an antimycobacterial nanoparticle and might be a promising innovative targeted treatment. Further application of this smart nano-delivery system will lead to effective TB management.

In vitro evaluation of the compressive strength of glass ionomer cement modified with propolis in different proportions

Background: Antibacterial additives are frequently added in an effort to enhance the antibacterial properties of glass ionomer cement (GIC). GIC modified with ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) has been proven to improve GIC’s antibacterial properties, but this modification is suspected to have detrimental impacts on its compressive strength. Objectives: To evaluate the compressive strength of GIC incorporated with different proportions of propolis extracts from Trigona spp. from Garut, Indonesia. Methods: This experimental in vitro laboratory study comsisted of 20 cylindrical glass ionomer specimens divided into four groups according to the proportions of propolis added to the GIC liquid: Group A: conventional GIC (control), Group B: 25% EEP added (% w/w), Group C: 30% EEP added (% w/w), and Group D: 35% EEP added (% w/w). A universal testing machine was used to assess compressive strength after the samples were immersed in artificial saliva and incubated for 24 h. Data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (P < 0.05). Results: The addition of EEP decreased the compressive strength of the GIC liner. Mean compressive strength values were 118.06 ± 24.1 MPa (Group A), 103.17 ± 10.26 MPa (Group B), 79.18 ± 9.99 MPa (Group C), and 77.03 ± 6.13 MPa (Group D). In comparison to the control group, a nonsignificant difference was observed when 25% EEP was added (P > 0.05), whereas both 30% EEP and 35% EEP resulted in significant decreases in compressive strength (P < 0.05). Conclusion: GIC modified with 25% EEP might be a promising restorative material for cavity linings.

Comparative study of chemical composition and the antimutagenic activity of propolis extracts obtained by means of various solvents

The present study is aimed to evaluate the chemical characterization and antimutagenic potential of propolis extracted in three different solvents (ethanol, polyethylene glycol and water). The chemical properties of different extracts of propolis were identified using HPLC-DAD and LC?MS/MS and polyethylene glycol extract of propolis were found to be richer than the ethanolic and water extracts of propolis considering chemical composition. In addition, the antimutagenic activities of propolis extracts were determined using Ames assay. The concentrations of 3, 1.5 and 0.75 mg plate-1 of ethanolic and polyethylene glycol extracts, as well as 0.3, 0.15 ? 0.075 mg plate-1 of water extract of propolis were used as active materials. Propolis extracted in three different solvents indicated strong antimutagenic activity against both 4-nitro- -o-phenylendiamine and sodium azide mutagens in the Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and 100 strains at all concentrations. Ethanolic extract of propolis had the highest inhibition rates for both bacterial strains and these rates were 98.94 and 97.37 % for TA98 and TA100, respectively. The inhibition rates of polyethylene glycol extract of propolis ranged from 68.27 to 98.94%. Moreover, it was determined that water extract of propolis had the lowest inhibition rates, which were 56.86 and 55.35% for TA98 and TA100, respectively. The toxicological safety of natural products such as propolis has gained great importance due to extensive usage.

The Philippines stingless bee propolis promotes hair growth through activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Although hair loss is not a horrible disease, it sometimes reduces the patients' quality of life (QOL) and increases their mental stress. Currently, there is no effective treatment for hair loss. It is known that honeybee propolis has various biological activities, including stimulating the proliferation of hair matrix keratinocytes. However, little is known with the hair promoting activity of stingless bee propolis. Hence, this study investigates the hair growth-promoting activity of Philippines stingless bee propolis extract and the underlying a molecular mechanism of promoting hair growth. For the evaluation of hair growth stimulating activity, 99.5% ethanolic extract of Philippines stingless bee propolis is examined using the simple shaving model in C57BL/6N mice. Melaninization of dorsal skin and histological analysis of hair follicles (HFs) revealed that propolis promotes hair growth by stimulating HFs development. The expression of mRNA (Wnt3a, Ctnnb1/β-catenin, Lef1, and Bmp2) and protein (WNT3A and β-catenin) of selected Wnt/β-catenin associated genes explains Philippines stingless bee propolis promoting HFs development by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These results suggest that the treatment of propolis strongly promotes hair growth by stimulating the development of HFs via activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This further indicates the potential of Philippines stingless bee propolis as a novel promising agricultural product for hair growth.

Role of Propolis Ethanolic Extract as an Antioxidant Supplement in Tris-Extender to Enhance Semen Quality of Egyptian Buffaloes during Cryopreservation

Role of Propolis Ethanolic Extract as an Antioxidant Supplement in Tris-Extender to Enhance Semen Quality of Egyptian Buffaloes during Cryopreservation

DETERMINATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, TOTAL PHENOLIC AND FLAVONOID CONTENTS OF MALAYSIAN STINGLESS BEE PROPOLIS EXTRACTS

This study aims to determine the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract propolis (EEP) and water extract propolis (WEP) derived from six Malaysian stingless bee species. The TPC and TFC were measured by Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The results indicated that EEP of Geniotrigona thoracica had the highest TPC and TFC at 259.84 ± 4.97 mg/g GAE and 435.00 ± 6.57 mg/g QE, respectively. Similarly, EEP of G. thoracica exhibited the greatest free radical scavenging activity with the percentage of inhibition at 88.00 ± 13.34% and IC50 of 104.20μg/mL. Antioxidant activity was highly correlated with TPC (R2 = -0.744, p &lt; 0.05) whereas no correlation was observed between TFC and antioxidant activity. This study indicates that the antioxidant property of the propolis extract may be influenced by elevated levels of phenolic content. In conclusion, ethanolic extract of G. thoracica is the greatest source of antioxidants among the six tested Malaysian stingless bee propolis and this suggests that the extract may serve as a promising source of antioxidant agent.

Comparative Study on Antioxidant Activity of Propolis of Apis mellifera from Different Regions of Nepal

Propolis is a waxy material obtained from honey bee hives. The physical and chemical property of this product is variable based on the source of hive, plant biodiversity where honeybee feed, season of collection, geographical origin etc. Propolis has several useful chemical compounds, and among them polyphenols are mainly contributing for their broad spectrum of medicinal quality such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities as well as antioxidant properties. The present study aims to analyze the ethanolic extract of propolis for their phenol and flavonoid content as well as its antioxidant characteristics. The samples (SPLs) were collected from farmers of six different locations of Nepal i.e. Jhapa, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Banke and Chitwan districts. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured by Folin Ciocalteu method and the aluminum chloride method respectively expressed as the gallic acid (GAE) and quercetin (QE) and equivalent (GAE) per gram. The Diphenyl-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay method was used to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity. The antioxidant effect of propolis was reported in ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity per gram of propolis. The highest content of phenolic and flavonoid content was found in sample SPL 2. The range of these compounds' concentrations were from 127.36±5.50 mg GAE/gram to 242.7±4.50 mg GAE/gram. Similarly, total flavonoid content ranged from 1.3197±0.0261 QE mg/ grams to 5.3921±0.0261 QE mg/ grams. Whereas samples from SPL 2, and SPL 5 showed highest antioxidant properties. All samples were found to have strong antioxidant capacity which was greater than standard. It is concluded that there is no direct correlation on total antioxidant property of propolis with their total phenolic and total flavonoid content among collected samples. The phenolic characteristics of the samples were variable to the geographical location, and plant diversity of their origin.

Effect of propolis on membrane bound enzymes linked with breast cancer.

According to estimates from the World Health Organization [WHO], in 2020, 685000 people worldwide died and 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer will be the most common cancer in the world by the end of 2020, when 7.8 million women will still be living who had received a diagnosis within the previous five years. The current study was formulated to note the effects of ethanolic extract of Propolis and Withaferin-A on Breast tumor initiation by benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)p], and its effects on ATPase enzyme levels. Na+/ K+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase, and calcium ATPase enzyme activities were decreased in the erythrocyte membrane and tissues of breast cancer-bearing animals compared with control groups. The levels of enzyme activities were near normal in Propolis treated animals. It wasapparent that the beneficial effect of Propolis was primarily exerted during the initiation and post-initiation stage of B(a)p-induced breast carcinogenesis. Overall, the data indicated that Propolis has modulating effects when administered intra-peritoneally on breast cancer-bearing animals.

Metabolism-independent phenomenon in ethanolic propolis inhibitory capacity towards enterococcus spp proteolytic activity

Background: Root canal bacteria produce many virulence factors which are responsible for endodontic pathological states. Bacteria are assumed to utilize energy from bacterial cell metabolism activity for producing these virulence factors. Propolis extracts are commonly reported to have antibacterial abilities against dental pathogens. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible correlation between bacterial proteolytic and metabolism activities under the treatment of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP).Method: The 0.00125%; 0.05%; 0.1%; 0.2%; 0.4%; and 0.8% ethanolic propolis were prepared for recovery rate confirmative procedure, proteolytic, and metabolism activity assay, with 2% of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) was used as a positive control. The bacteria were cultured in brain heart infusion (BHI) media after EEP treatment. Bacterial suspension was initially prepared in broth culture dilution with BHI media, followed by the gelatin liquefaction measurement for proteolytic assay. Phenol-red and arginine dehydrogenase enriched media for observing both carbohydrate and arginine metabolism activities, respectively, in the clinical Enterococcus spp. and E. faecalis ATCC 29212.Result: The recovery rate of the bacteria was not terminated after several EEP treatments. Proteolytic activity of the bacteria was likely decreased in several EEP treatments. EEP tended to affect the carbohydrate and arginine metabolism of the bacteria in certain fashions.Conclusion: This study suggested that the EEP treatment affected both proteolytic and metabolism activity in negative regulation tendencies.

The Effect of Ethanol Propolis Extracts on Inhibition of Growth of Fusarium solani on Hen Eggs

The inhibition of growth of Fusarium solani mold on the shells of coated table hen eggs of a ethanol extract of propolis was investigated. Hen eggs were inoculated with F. solani spores and then coated with propolis extract at a concentration of 1, 2, 3, 5 or 10% using the spray method. Hen eggs were stored at room temperature for 28 days. Weight loss and the color of coated hen eggs were checked during storage. The color of hen eggs was tested using the CIELab method. Propolis extract was found to inhibit the growth of F. solani on hen eggshells. A reduction of three log cycles in the number of molds was observed on hen eggs coated with 10% propolis extract. Coating hen eggs with propolis extract slowed down and limited weight loss. No statistically significant changes in color parameters or sensory characteristics were observed during storage of hen eggs. There was a slight smell of propolis on the shells of hen eggs. Spraying table hen eggs with propolis extract at a concentration of 10% can help to improve the microbiological safety of hen eggs in terms of anti-mold protection.

Elemental Analysis of Propolis Tinctures by Microwave Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES)

Propolis tinctures are popular alternative medicines, but mandatory labeling requirements relating to the inorganic content or percentage of ethanol are absent. Knowing the elemental content is useful for quality assurance/quality control of the tinctures between batches, as well as the safety of the products for consumers. Microwave plasma – atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) is a relatively low-cost, robust, multielemental technique that can analyze ethanolic extracts of propolis following minimum sample preparation. However, there are no published papers using MP-AES for this application. The technique was evaluated for the determination of sixteen elements in lab-made preparations and in 23 products from markets in Mexico. The matrix effects of the ethanol content of the samples were also evaluated and were found to affect the detection limit of some elements. There was high variability in the elemental composition of the major (K, Fe, Mg, and Na) and minor (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn) elements among the samples. The median concentrations of cadmium, and lead in the propolis tinctures were below 0.28 µg·L−1 and 2.8 µg·L−1, respectively.

Antimicrobial Activity of Propolis from the Brazilian Stingless Bees Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides and Scaptotrigona depilis (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini).

Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides and Scaptotrigona depilis are species of stingless bees capable of producing propolis, which has considerable bioprospecting potential. In this context, the objective of this study was to determine the chemical compositions and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of propolis produced by M. q. anthidioides and S. depilis. The ethanolic extracts of propolis of M. q. anthidioides (EEP-M) and S. depilis (EEP-S) were prepared, and their chemical constituents were characterized by HPLC-ESI-MS. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against bacteria and fungi, isolated from reference strains and hospital origin resistant to the action of antibiotics. From EEP-M, phenolic compounds were annotated, including gallic acid, ellagic acid, and flavonoids, as well as diterpenes and triterpenes. EEP-S showed mainly triterpene in its chemical composition. Both extracts inhibited the growth of medically relevant bacteria and fungi, including hospital-acquired and antimicrobial-resistant. In general, EEP-S showed better antimicrobial activity compared to EEP-M. The MIC of EEP-S against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis was 3.50 mg/mL, while the MIC of EEP-M was 5.33 ± 0.16 mg/mL. In conclusion, this study shows that propolis produced by M. q. anthidioides and S. depilis has the potential to be used for the prevention or treatment of microbial infections.

Chemical Structure and Antifungal Activity of Agean Region of Propolis in Türkiye

The chemical composition of propolis from Aegean Uşak (Balcıdamı and Kaşbelen), Afyon ( Emirdağ and Dinar), Manisa (Salihli and Kula), Denizli (Merkez and Çivril), Muğla (Milas and Merkez), İzmir (Kemalpaşa and Menemen), Aydın (Söke and Kuşadası) and Kütahya (Hisarcık and Tavşanlı) was studied in order to determine the major compounds by using GC-MS. In this study, 8 % ethanol extract of propolis prepared by mixing 920 ml of 70 % ethanol and 80 g of propolis was used. Chemical analysis of propolis extracts indicated that the propolis samples had high concentrations of the aromatic acids, esters and other derivatives which are responsible for the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of propolis such as benzyl cinnamate, methyl cinnamate, caffeic acid, cinnamyl cinnamate and cinnamoylglcine besides the most common compounds as fatty acid, terpenoids, esters, alcohols hydrocarbons and aromatic acids. Also, in this research the antifungal effects of 7 concentrations (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 ppm) of propolis ethanol extract (PEE) against Fusarium oxysporum was investigated in vitro conditions. Propolis was mixed alone or in combination with potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium at various concentrations. The results indicated that the mycelial growth of the tested fungi decreased with each increase in PEE concentrations. Propolis extract collected from Muğla province showed 77.81% antifungal effect against Fusarium oxysporum at the highest concentration (50 ppm). The lowest antifungal effect (64.52%) against the pathogen was detected in the propolis extract collected from Denizli province.

Antimicrobial activity of flavonoids glycosides and pyrrolizidine alkaloids from propolis of Scaptotrigona aff. postica

Stingless bees, or simply meliponines, are a large group of bees (about 550 described species), comprising the tribe Meliponini. They belong in the family Apidae, and are closely related to Apis mellifera. Scaptotrigona affinis postica Latreille, 1807 from northeast of Brazil is popularly known as “tubi” in Maranhão State. Flavones di-C-glycosides, and the pyrrolizidine alkaloid 3-methoxy-7-(2-methylbutyryl)-9-echimidinyl retronecine (7) were reported previously in propolis from S. postica and detected only in samples collected in October, November and December. The presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and their N-oxides were reported in honey and pollen. In the present study, the preparative liquid chromatography in reversed-phase column from ethanolic extract of propolis allowed the separation of fractions 40AEP and 40 MEP, which were analyzed by LC-MS. Many pyrrolizidine alkaloids, among them, lithosenine (14), lithosenine arabinoside (19), 7-angeloyl-9-(2,3- dihydroxybutyryl) retronecine (1), 7-(2- methylbutyryl) retronecine (3), 9-sarracinoyl retronecine (13) and viridinatine (8), besides the flavonoids schaftoside (15), aromadendrin-7-O-methyl ether (12), 7- methoxy-5,6,3’,4’,5’,6’-hexahydroxy-flavone-3-O-glucuronide (11), mangiferin (10) and mangiferin-O-methyl ether (17) were detected in these fractions. Fraction 40MEP showed antibacterial effect against gram positive and gram negative bacterial pathogens with MIC ranging from 62.5 μg/mL to 200 μg/mL, while fractions 40AEP and 40MEP showed antimicrobial activity against gram negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli D31- streptomycin resistant. The cells were treated with 40MEP and 40AEP at a concentration of 200 μg/mL and were not observed statistical difference between treated and untreated cells. HIGHLIGHTS Propolis from Scaptotrigona aff. postica bees exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli D31- streptomycin resistant. Preparative liquid chromatography in reversed-phase column allowed the separation of fractions rich in alkaloids and flavonoids. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids and flavonoids were detected as the main constituents. Flavones di-C-glycosides and flavones C-glycosides were reported in propolis. Cell viability demonstrated that pyrrolizidine alkaloids did not cause cytotoxicity in epithelial cells.