Hydroalcoholic Extract Of Propolis Research Articles

Antiviral action of aqueous extracts of propolis from Scaptotrigona aff. postica (Hymenoptera; Apidae) against Zica, Chikungunya, and Mayaro virus

The limited availability of antivirals for new highly pathogenic strains of virus has become a serious public health. Therefore, news products against these pathogens has become an urgent necessity. Among the multiple sources for news antibiotics and antivirals, insect exudates or their products has become an increasingly frequent option. Insects emerged 350 million years ago and have showed a high adaptability and resistance to the most varied biomes. Their survival for so long, in such different environments, is an indication that they have a very efficient protection against environmental infections, despite not having a developed immune system like mammals. Since the ancient civilizations, the products obtained from the bee have been of great pharmacological importance, being used as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and several other functions. Investigations of biological activity of propolis have been carried out, mainly in the species Apis mellifera, and its product have showed activity against some important viruses. However, for the Meliponini species, known as stingless bees, there are few studies, either on their chemical composition or on their biological activities. The importance of studying these bees is because they come from regions with native forests, and therefore with many species of plants not yet studied, in addition to which they are regions still free of pesticides, which guarantees a greater fidelity of the obtained data. Previous studies by our group with crude hydroalcoholic extract of propolis demonstrated an intense antiviral activity against Herpes, influenza, and rubella viruses. In this work, we chose to use aqueous extracts, which eliminates the presence of other compounds besides those originally present in propolis, in addition to extracting substances different from those obtained in alcoholic extracts. Therefore, this study aimed to identify, isolate and characterize compounds with antiviral effects from aqueous propolis extracts from Scaptotrigona aff postica, in emerging viruses such as zicavirus, chikungunya, and mayaro virus. The evaluation of the antiviral activity of the crude and purified material was performed by reducing infectious foci in VERO cell cultures. The results obtained with crude propolis, indicate a high reduction of zica virus (64×) and mayaro (128×) when was used 10% v/v of propolis. The reduction of chikungunya virus was of 256 fold, even when was used 5% v/v of propolis. The chemical characterization of the compounds present in the extracts was performed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Through the purification of propolis by HPLC and mass spectrometry, it was possible to identify and isolate a peak with antiviral activity. This substance showed activity against all viruses tested. When purified fraction was used, the reduction observed was of 16 fold for zicavirus, 32 fold for mayaro virus and 512 fold for chikungunya virus. Likewise, it was observed that the antiviral response was concentration dependent, being more intense when propolis was added 2 h after the viral infection. Now we are carrying out the chemical characterization of the purified compounds that showed antiviral action.

In vitro and in vivo burn healing study of standardized propolis: Unveiling its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in relation to its phytochemical profiling.

Natural propolis has been used since decades owing to its broad-spectrum activities. Burn injuries are a global health problem with negative impacts on communities. Bacterial infections usually accompany burns, which demand implementation of antibiotics. Antibiotics abuse led to emergence of microbial drug resistance resulting in poor treatment outcomes. In such instances, the promising alternative would be natural antimicrobials such as propolis. Full chemical profiling of propolis and evaluation of in vitro antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as well as in vivo burn healing properties. Chemical profiling of propolis was performed using Liquid chromatography (UHPLC/MS-PDA and HPLC-PDA). In vitro assessment was done using Disc Diffusion susceptibility test against Staphylococcus aureus and infected burn wound mice model was used for in vivo assessment. In vitro antioxidant properties of propolis were assessed using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP techniques. The anti-inflammatory effect of propolis was assessed against lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma mediated inflammation. UHPLC/MS-PDA results revealed identification of 71 phytochemicals, mainly flavonoids. Upon flavonoids quantification (HPLC-PDA), Pinocembrin, chrysin and galangin recorded high content 21.58±0.84, 22.73±0.68 and 14.26±0.70 mg/g hydroalcoholic propolis extract, respectively. Propolis showed concentration dependent antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo burn healing via wound diameter reduction and histopathological analysis without signs of skin irritation in rabbits nor sensitization in guinea pigs. Propolis showed promising antioxidant IC50 values 46.52±1.25 and 11.74±0.26 μg/mL whereas FRAP result was 445.29±29.9 μM TE/mg. Anti-inflammatory experiment results showed significant increase of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA levels. Nitric oxide and iNOS were markedly increased in Griess assay and western blot respectively. However, upon testing propolis against LPS/IFN-γ-mediated inflammation, TLR4, IL-6 and TNF-α expression were downregulated at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Propolis proved to be a promising natural burn healing agent through its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

The Antimicrobial Activity of Propolis Ethanolic Extract and Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Green Method on Gram-Positive and Negative Bacteria

Background: The increasing resistance of bacteria to different classes of antibiotics has become an important public health concern. This study was aimed at the effectiveness of the antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles and propolis (AgNPs@propolis) on bacteria. Methods: A hydroalcoholic extract of propolis was used for prepare of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs@propolis). The characteristics, anti-bacterial effect and cell toxicity of AgNPs@propolis were examined in vitro. Results: The size of the synthesized nanoparticles was 32 to 85 nm. The AgNPs@propolis had no toxic effect up to a concentration of 200 μg/mL. Compared to AgNPs and propolis, AgNPs@ propolis showed a greater inhibitory effect on the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. propolis as a natural substance has an inhibitory effect on the growth of bacteria. Conclusion: Green synthesis of AgNPs@propolis has a low toxic effect on the cell and has a high effect in inhibiting the growth of various bacteria.

Leishmanial activity of Brazilian brown propolis and its diterpenes

Propolis is a natural product widely used in folk medicine. Among its various applications, its antiparasitic properties stand out. Due to its great biodiversity, Brazil is a major producer of several types of propolis. This study proposes to evaluate the leishmanicidal properties of the hydroalcoholic extract of propolis collected in the southern region of Brazil (Brown propolis – HEBP) and its main isolated compounds: abietic acid (1), 13-epi-cupressic acid (2), 13-epi-torulosol (3), dehydroabietic acid (4), cis-communic acid (5) and ent-agatic acid (6). In general, the diterpenes did not show activity against the promastigotes of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis at the evaluated concentrations. However, the HEBP was very active with an inhibition concentration of 50% at 8.32 µg/mL. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assays showed morphological and structural alterations in promastigote forms of L. (L.) amazonensis when incubated with HEBP.

Development and Characterization of New Green Propolis Extract Formulations as Promising Candidates to Substitute for Green Propolis Hydroalcoholic Extract.

The technologies used to produce the different dosage forms of propolis can selectively affect the original propolis compounds and their biological activities. The most common type of propolis extract is hydroethanolic. However, there is considerable demand for ethanol-free propolis presentations, including stable powder forms. Three propolis extract formulations were developed and investigated for chemical composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity: polar propolis fraction (PPF), soluble propolis dry extract (PSDE), and microencapsulated propolis extract (MPE). The different technologies used to produce the extracts affected their physical appearance, chemical profile, and biological activity. PPF was found to contain mainly caffeic and p-Coumaric acid, while PSDE and MPE showed a chemical fingerprint closer to the original green propolis hydroalcoholic extract used. MPE, a fine powder (40% propolis in gum Arabic), was readily dispersible in water, and had less intense flavor, taste, and color than PSDE. PSDE, a fine powder (80% propolis) in maltodextrin as a carrier, was perfectly water-soluble and could be used in liquid formulations; it is transparent and has a strong bitter taste. PPF, a purified solid with large amounts of caffeic and p-Coumaric acids, had the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and therefore merits further study. PSDE and MPE had antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and could be used in products tailored to specific needs.

Brazilian green propolis extracts modulate cholesterol homeostasis in a preclinical guinea pig model: an in vitro and in vivo study.

Green propolis produced by Apis melífera bees, having Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. (Asteraceae) as the primary botanical source, has been used in traditional medicine to treat numerous disorders. However, studies evaluating propolis' potential in treating cardiovascular diseases via its effects on cholesterol metabolism are lacking. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of green propolis extracts on lipid metabolism in hypercholesterolemic guinea pigs. Chemical characterization of ethanolic extracts of green propolis samples was undertaken using HPLC. The in vitro characterization included an evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of the hydroalcoholic extract of green propolis (DPPH and FRAP assays) and its ability to act as an inhibitor of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. In vivo, we investigated the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of green propolis on lipid metabolism in hypercholesterolemic guinea pigs. Results obtained validated previous reports of significant antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis confirmed that coumaric acid, artepillin C, and baccharin were the most common and abundant compounds in green propolis samples among the studied compounds. Furthermore, the compounds in these extracts acted as effective HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in vitro. In vivo assays demonstrated that a hypercholesterolemic diet significantly reduced serum levels of the HDL cholesterol fraction. Simvastatin and propolis hydroalcoholic extracts promoted a significant increase in HDL cholesterol, suggesting that these extracts can improve the serum lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic guinea pigs. Results obtained in this study provide a perspective on the possible hypocholesterolemic effect of green propolis, suggesting that it can improve the serum lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic guinea pigs.

Development of a Polymeric Membrane Impregnated with Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) Nanoparticles Loaded with Red Propolis (RP).

The main objectives of this study were to develop and characterize hydrophilic polymeric membranes impregnated with poly-lactic acid (PLA) nanoparticles (NPs) combined with red propolis (RP). Ultrasonic-assisted extraction was used to obtain 30% (w/v) red propolis hydroalcoholic extract (RPE). The NPs (75,000 g mol−1) alone and incorporated with RP (NPRP) were obtained using the solvent emulsification and diffusion technique. Biopolymeric hydrogel membranes (MNPRP) were obtained using carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and NPRP. Their characterization was performed using thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids contents (TFC), and antioxidant activity through the radical scavenging assay with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The identification and quantification of significant RP markers were performed through UPLC-DAD. The NPs were evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. The TPC for RPE, NPRP, and MNPRP was 240.3 ± 3.4, 191.7 ± 0.3, and 183.4 ± 2.1 mg EGA g−1, while for TFC, the value was 37.8 ± 0.9, 35 ± 3.9, and 26.8 ± 1.9 mg EQ g−1, respectively. Relevant antioxidant activity was also observed by FRAP, with 1400.2 (RPE), 1294.2 (NPRP), and 696.2 µmol Fe2+ g−1 (MNPRP). The primary markers of RP were liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, and formononetin. The particle sizes were 194.1 (NPs) and 361.2 nm (NPRP), with an encapsulation efficiency of 85.4%. Thermal analysis revealed high thermal stability for the PLA, nanoparticles, and membranes. The DSC revealed no interaction between the components. FTIR allowed for characterizing the RPE encapsulation in NPRP and CMC for the MNPRP. The membrane loaded with NPRP, fully characterized, has antioxidant capacity and may have application in the treatment of skin wounds.

Red propolis exhibits chemopreventive effect associated with antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Red propolis is synthetized from exudates of Dalbergia ecastophyllum (L) Taub. and Symphonia globulifera L.f., presents isoflavones, guttiferone E, xanthochymol, and oblongifolin B and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities. This study aimed to evaluate the antigenotoxic and anticarcinogenic potential of red propolis hydroalcoholic extract (RPHE) in rodents. The influence of RPHE in doxorubicin (DXR)-induced genotoxicity was investigated through the micronucleus test in Swiss mice. Blood samples were also collected to investigate oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Was investigated the influence of RPHE in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced aberrant crypt foci, as well as its influence in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in colon of rats, by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that RPHE (48mg/kg) reduced DXR-induced genotoxicity. Animals treated with DXR showed significantly lower GSH serum levels in comparison to the negative control. RPHE treatments did not attenuated significantly the DXR-induced GSH depletion. No difference was observed in cytotoxicity parameters of mice hematopoietic tissues between the treatment groups, as well as the biochemical parameters of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. RPHE (12mg/kg) reduced the DMH-induced carcinogenicity and toxicity, as well as DMH-induced PCNA and COX-2 expression in colon tissue. Therefore, was observed that the RPHE has chemopreventive effect, associated to antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Influence of red propolis on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) salami

To reduce the number of preservatives in foods, this study evaluated the oxidative, microbiological, and sensory stability of fish salami containing a red propolis hydroalcoholic extract (RPHE) in place of the butyl hydroxytoluene (BHT) antioxidant. Initially, the RPHE was characterized chemically and biologically. Subsequently, the antimicrobial and physicochemical activity of the most accepted salami formulation in sensory analysis (F3 = 0.4% RPHE) and of the control formulations (F1 = 0.01% BHT and F5 = without antioxidant) were evaluated during the maturation. RPHE showed promising biological activity. 16 chemical compounds were identified in the RPHE, including the chemical marker formononetin. Salami with 0.4% RPHE showed high sensory acceptance and effectively delayed deterioration (19.67 mg TVB-N 100/g) and lipid oxidation of salami (0.7 mg MDA eq/kg). The use of RPHE as a natural preservative is promising to produce fish salami.

The Success of Topical Treatment of Onychomycosis Seems to Be Influenced by Fungal Features.

Aim To evaluate the topical treatment of onychomycosis using a 10% hydroalcoholic propolis extract (PE) in two aleatorily chosen patients and analyze possible risk factors from hosts including some particularities of the isolated fungi that may justify the outcomes achieved. Materials and Methods A topical treatment, with PE, was started in two cases of toe onychomycosis due to T. rubrum. The in vitro PE antifungal activity against these isolates was confirmed. Moreover, the ability of the fungi to infect the human nail was evaluated also in an ex vivo study, analyzed by histopathology. Results Within four months, both patients showed evident improvement, but with different outcomes. The possible host-related risk factors justifying the poorer outcome in patient 1 include a longer duration time of onychomycosis (50 years). Some particularities in the T. rubrum strain isolated from this patient in relation to that found in patient 2 were observed: (1) the hypha morphology suggesting a major adaptation of the fungus to the host; (2) a 16 times greater propolis concentration was required in vitro; and (3) a faster ability to start a growth using the nail as the only nutritional source. Additionally, this isolate was more efficient in producing a biofilm on the nail surface. Conclusions A partial clinical and complete mycological cure for the two patients was achieved after four months of PE daily use. Despite a complete recovery, a different outcome was observed between both cases. A more persistent onychomycosis, added to greater fungal potential to produce biofilm on the nail, seems to influence greatly the success of a topical treatment with PE.

Chemical profiling, HPLC characterization and in-vitro antioxidant potential of Pakistani propolis collected from peripheral region of Faisalabad.

Propolis is a highly adhesive and resinous product of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) which is produced from the exudations of plants. Bee propolis being a source of bioactive compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids imparts numerous biological properties including, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Present study was designed to elucidate the composition and antioxidant status of locally available propolis using in-vitro conditions. Propolis collected from locally found apiaries and its hydroalcoholic extract of propolis was prepared using different concentrations of ethanol and methanol. The results regarding proximate composition of propolis showed a higher proportion of ether extract (85.59±0.87%) and lowest contents of crude fiber (0.31±0.08%). Among the mineral's sodium, potassium and calcium was found in a concentration of 11.33±0.91, 52.10±2.9 and 10.53±0.83.59±0.23mg/Kg respectively whilst zinc was noticed as 3.59±0.23mg/Kg. HPLC characterization indicates a highest concentration of Chlorogenic acid 31.80±2.56mg/Kg whereas gallic acid (0.21±0.01mg/Kg) was found in lowest concentration among the polyphenols. Ethanol extract represents more phenolic contents, DPPH activity and antioxidant status as 327.30±14.89mg/gGAE, 73.18±4.43% and 60.59±4.38% accordingly in comparison to methanol and water extract. Bee propolis found an effective source of natural antioxidants which retards the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species thus help to cope oxidative stress.

Preventive role of propolis against hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in Sprague dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus) animal modelling system.

Human diets with functional ingredients showed promising role in management of diseases of modern age like hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and even cancer. The study designed to elucidate role of honeybee propolis for management of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia states through animal modeling system. Hydroalcoholic extract of propolis was used for development of functional drink with standard recipe and addition of specified dose of extracts (400mg/500mL). Animals were grouped into three studies including study-I fed on regular diet, study-II fed on sucrose enrich diet and study-III fed on diet enriched with cholesterol and monitored to evaluate the results. Various parameters like feed consumption, liquid intake of animals measured regularly whereas body weight recorded at the end of each week of study. At the end of the study animals were analyzed for different blood indicators like blood lipid indices (cholesterol, LDL, HDL concentration and triglyceride contents)), glucose concentration and insulin contents as well. The maximum feed and drink intake were examined in animals, fed with control diet whereas a non substantial mode of intake was recorded in rest of two groups of animals. The consumption of honeybee propolis based drink reduced cholesterol (6.63% to 10.25%) and LDL (9.96% to 11.23%), whilst a sharp increase in HDL level was ranged as 4.12 to 4.49% among animal groups fed with high cholesterol and high sucrose diet. Blood glucose level was decreased by 10.25% and 6.98% however 6.99% and 4.51% increase were observed in plasma insulin level in both studies, study-II and study-III correspondingly. The overall findings of the study showed that drinks prepared using propolis of propolis found effective for management of hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia in present animal modelling system.

Effectiveness of six different methods in green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using propolis extract: Screening and characterization

AbstractSelenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) were fabricated with propolis hydro-alcoholic extract and six different methods, namely, hydrothermal, microwave irradiation, ultrasonication, UV radiation, self-assembling, and conventional heating. Results indicated that antioxidant activity, turbidity, pH, and brix values of the provided hydroalcoholic propolis extract were 85.8%, 2.235% a.u., 4.1, and 3.2°Bx, respectively. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that approximately 38 bioactive compounds were detected in the provided extract within 40 min of retention time, including chalcone. Results also revealed that each method had advantage in fabrication of Se NPs compared to others, but spherical Se NPs with overall appropriate physicochemical attributes of particle size (50–60 nm), polydispersity index (0.362), zeta potential (−41.8 mV), maximum broad absorption peak (321 nm), and antioxidant activity (12.4%) were synthesized using the ultrasonication method with a frequency of 20 kHz and a power of 300 W for 10 min.

Development of Antimicrobial Films Based on Aloe vera and Fabricated AgNPs Using Propolis...

Antimicrobial edible coatings and films have gained more interests because of their numerous applications in different areas, especially in food packaging. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using propolis hydro-alcoholic extract and microwave heating, and were conjugated to Aloe vera gel. Effects of different drying temperatures (40–60 °C) and different amounts of glycerol (0–5% V/V) on drying rate of the provided coatings were evaluated. Results indicated that by increasing temperature in preparation of all three edible film containing 0, 2 and 5% V/V glycerol, drying rate significantly (p < 0.05) increased and maximum drying rate, 0.177 (% of removed water/min), was achieved at 60 °C for that containing 5% V/V glycerol. However, drying rates for the provided films with 2% V/V glycerol and without that were 0.134 and 0.137 (% of removed water/min), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated that prepared coating containing 2% V/V glycerol was clear and smooth. However, cracks and shrinkages were observed in the SEM images of the prepared edible film containing without glycerol and that was contained 5% V/V glycerol, respectively. Antimicrobial activity of the developed edible coating based on Aloe vera gel, AgNPs and glycerol (2%) against seven pathogenic strains, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Penicillium aculeatum indicated that the provided coating had high bactericidal and fungicidal activities. However, this effect was higher on Ca. albicans and P. Aeruginosa.

Brazilian green propolis hydroalcoholic extract as a therapeutic adjuvant to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis

Brazilian green propolis hydroalcoholic extract as a therapeutic adjuvant to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis

Evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of red propolis hydroalcoholic extract and its fractions obtained by partition

Abstract. Squarisi IS, De Freitas KS, Lemes DC, Ccana-Ccapatinta GV, Mejia JAA, Bastos JK, Veneziani RCS, Ambrosio SR, Tavares DC. 2018. Evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of red propolis hydroalcoholic extract and its fractions obtained by partition. Biofarmasi J Nat Prod Biochem 18: 66-69. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of red propolis hydroalcoholic extract (RPHE) and its fractions obtained by partition, hexanes (HF), dichloromethane (DF), ethyl acetate (AF) and n-butanol (BF), on tumor and non-tumor cell lines. For this purpose, the XTT colorimetric assay was performed on human lung fibroblasts (GM07492A, non-tumor cell), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), glioblastoma (U343) and cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells. The results showed that RPHE, HF and DF presented not only cytotoxic potential to all tumor cell lines but also to normal cell line, indicating selectivity absence. HF presented the lowest IC50 (half minimal inhibitory concentration; 33.8-133.3 µg/mL), with significant difference from those observed for RPHE (137.0-262.7 µg/mL). BF and AF revealed an IC50 which was higher than 1250 µg/mL in all cell lines. The results showed that red propolis has substances with antiproliferative activity, indicating that its hexanes fraction may have substances with antitumor potential.

Chemical characterization and in vitro antimicrobial activity of honeybee propolis and Scaptotrigona jujuyensis geopropolis against tomato pathogenic bacteria

The antimicrobial activity of four concentrations of hydroalcoholic extracts from honeybee propolis and Scaptotrigona jujuyensis geopropolis was screened in vitro against five tomato pathogenic bacteria. The agar-well diffusion method was used and the tested bacteria were Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, Xanthomonas gardneri, Xanthomonas vesicatoria, Pseudomonas corrugata, and Pseudomonas mediterranea. The main chemical characteristics of propolis and geopropolis, including the polyphenol profile through HPLC-DAD, were also determined. Geopropolis raw sample presented higher values of moisture (7.78%), waxes (50.79%) and ashes (3.69%) than propolis (4.59%, 31.16% and 2.42% respectively). The total polyphenol content and the dry extract were higher in propolis hydroalcoholic extract (3.83 mg eq galic acid mL-1 and 7.87%, respectively) than in the extract of geopropolis (0.16 mg eq galic acid mL-1 and 0.15%, respectively). Chromatographic analysis confirmed the presence of caffeic acid, quercetin, 1,5,7-trihydroxy-flavanone, apigenin, pinobanksin, chrysin, pinocembrin, and galangin in both extracts. The antimicrobial assay showed significant differences between the hydroalcoholic extract activities, as well as between the sensitivity of the tested bacteria. Propolis hydroalcoholic extract dilutions had an inhibitory effect over four of the five tested bacteria, while geopropolis hydroalcoholic extract dilutions were only effective against C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, and to a lesser extent. The sequence of bacteria sensitivity to propolis treatments was: C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis > X. gardneri > X. vesicatoria > P. corrugata. Pseudomonas mediterranea was not sensitive to any of the hydroalcoholic extracts. The antimicrobial activity of both extracts was dose-dependent where the most concentrated treatments were the most effective (15.0 mg mL?1 of geopropolis and 78.7 mg mL?1 of propolis dry extract, respectively). The polyphenol content and the HPLC-DAD profile of the hydroalcoholic extracts disclosed differences in chemical composition that helped to explain the outcomes of the in vitro assay. These results are a contribution to the characterization of bee bioactive products, specifically to propolis and geopropolis. This study indicates the likelihood of using propolis as a non-conventional strategy to control tomato bacterial diseases.

Red propolis hydroalcoholic extract inhibits the formation of Candida albicans biofilms on denture surface.

BackgroundTo evaluate the antifungal activity of the red propolis hydroalcoholic extract (RPHE) against Candida albicans biofilms. Material and MethodsThe minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC and MFC) of the RPHE were determined by the microdilution technique. C. albicans biofilms were formed on the surface of resin specimens preconditioned with artificial saliva (1h). The specimens (N=48) were equally divided according to the four solutions used for anti-biofilm evaluation (n=12 per group). After overnight incubation, biofilms were daily exposed (2x/day for 15 min) along 3 days with 3% RPHE, 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), 50,000 IU/mL nystatin (NYS) or saline (0.9% NaCl). Biofilms were analyzed regarding the number of viable microorganisms (CFU/mL), the metabolic activity (MTT assay) and the proportion of hyphae (optical microscopy). ResultsThe MIC and MFC of RPHE were respectively 0.29 mg/mL (0.03%) and 1.17 mg/mL (0.12%). There was no difference in the microorganisms’ viability (CFU/mL) among groups treated with RPHE (4.92×103), CHX (3.33×102) or NYS (6.8×104), being all of them different from NaCl (3.93×107) (p<0.05). The CHX (0.133) had the lowest metabolic activity (p<0.05), followed by RPHE (0.292) and NYS (0.302) (p>0.05). All experimental groups had a mean proportion of hyphae <10%, lower than NaCl (70%). ConclusionsRPHE has antifungal activity against C. albicans biofilms, suggesting its use for the biofilm control on denture surfaces. Key words:Propolis, Candida albicans, biofilm, dentures, antifungal agents.

Efficacy of red propolis hydro-alcoholic extract in controlling Streptococcus mutans biofilm build-up and dental enamel demineralization

ObjectiveThe efficacy of a red propolis hydro-alcoholic extract (RP) in controlling Streptococcus mutans biofilm colonization was evaluated. The effect of RP on dental demineralization was also investigated. MethodsChemical composition was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentration (MIC and MBC, respectively) were investigated against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175). The cytotoxic potential of 3% RP in oral fibroblasts was observed after 1 and 3 min. Bovine dental enamel blocks (N = 24) were used for S. mutans biofilm formation (48 h), simulating ‘feast or famine’ episodes. Blocks/biofilms were exposed 2×/day, for 3 days, to a cariogenic challenge with sucrose 10% (5 min) and treated (1 min) with: 0.85% saline solution (negative control), 0.12% Chlorhexidine (CHX, positive control for biofilm colonization), 0.05% Sodium Fluoride (NaF, positive control to avoid demineralization) and 3% RP. Biofilms were assessed for viability (CFU/mL), and to observe the concentration of soluble and insoluble extracellular polysaccharides (SEPS and IEPS). Dental demineralization was assessed by the percentage of surface hardness loss (%SHL) and through polarized light microscopy (PLM). ResultsThe RP presented 4.0 pH and ºBrix = 4.8. The p-coumaric acid (17.2 μg/mL) and luteolin (15.23 μg/mL) were the largest contents of phenolic acids and flavonoids, respectively. MIC and MBC of RP were 293 μg/mL and 1172 μg/mL, respectively. The 3% RP showed 43% of viably cells after 1 min. Lower number (p < 0.05) of viable bacteria (CFU/mL) was observed after CHX (1.8 × 105) followed by RP (1.8 × 107) treatments. The lowest concentration (μg/CFU) of SEPS (12.6) and IEPS (25.9) was observed in CHX (p < 0.05) followed by RP (17.1 and 54.3), and both differed from the negative control (34.4 and 63.9) (p < 0.05). Considering the %SHL, all groups differed statistically (p < 0.05) from the negative control (46.6%); but NaF (13.9%), CHX (20.1%) and RP (20.7%) did not differ among them (p > 0.05). After all treatments, suggestive areas of caries lesions were observed by PLM, which were lower for CHX and NaF. ConclusionThe 3% RP reduced S. mutans colonization, decreased concentration of extracellular polysaccharides and reduced dental enamel demineralization.

Brazilian green propolis hydroalcoholic extract reduces colon damages caused by dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.

This study investigated the effects of Brazilian green propolis hydroalcoholic extract (BPE) in 3% w/v dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-inducedcolitisin mice. The effects of BPE (3, 30 and 300mg/kg, p.o, by 7days) on the morphological (colon length and colon weight), clinical (disease activity index and weight loss), microscopic (histological score and mucin levels) and biochemical parameters were determined. The effects of BPE (300mg/kg, p.o) in the gastrointestinal transit of mice were also evaluated. As expected, the DSS ingestion damaged the colonic tissue, lowered the body weight, decreased the mucin levels, increased MPO activity,reduced SOD activity and GSH amount. In contrast, the treatment with BPE (300mg/kg) significantly reduced macroscopic colonic injury and the mucosal damage in colon on histopathological examination and reversed the decrease in mucin levels induced byDSS. It also significantly normalized the SOD activity and the levels of GSH, but did not elicit any effect on MPO activity in the colon. In addition, BPE did not change the gastric emptying or the intestinal transit rate of mice. Together, these results suggested that BPE reduced the signs of DSS-induced colitis in mice through maintenance of intestinal mucin barrier and favoring intestinal antioxidant defenses.