Indian Propolis Research Articles

Deciphering the multi-functional role of Indian propolis for the management of Alzheimer's disease by integrating LC-MS/MS, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in-vitro studies.

The conventional one-drug-one-disease theory has lost its sheen in multigenic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Propolis, a honeybee-derived product has ethnopharmacological evidence of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and neuroprotective properties. However, the chemical composition is complex and highly variable geographically. So, to leverage the potential of propolis as an effective treatment modality, it is essential to understand the role of each phytochemical in the AD pathophysiology. Therefore, the present study was aimed at investigating the anti-Alzheimer effect of bioactive in Indian propolis (IP) by combining LC-MS/MS fingerprinting, with network-based analysis and experimental validation. First, phytoconstituents in IP extract were identified using an in-house LC-MS/MS method. The drug likeness and toxicity were assessed, followed by identification of AD targets. The constituent-target-gene network was then constructed along with protein-protein interactions, gene pathway, ontology, and enrichment analysis. LC-MS/MS analysis identified 16 known metabolites with druggable properties except for luteolin-5-methyl ether. The network pharmacology-based analysis revealed that the hit propolis constituents were majorly flavonoids, whereas the main AD-associated targets were MAOB, ESR1, BACE1, AChE, CDK5, GSK3β, and PTGS2. A total of 18 gene pathways were identified to be associated, with the pathways related to AD among the topmost enriched. Molecular docking analysis against top AD targets resulted in suitable binding interactions at the active site of target proteins. Further, the protective role of IP in AD was confirmed with cell-line studies on PC-12, in situ AChE inhibition, and antioxidant assays.

Characterization and anti-oxidant potential of polyphenolic biomarker compounds of Indian propolis: a multivariate and ANN-based approach

Characterization and anti-oxidant potential of polyphenolic biomarker compounds of Indian propolis: a multivariate and ANN-based approach

Phytochemical Screening, GC-MS Analysis and Total Phenolic Content Determination of Bioactive Compound of Propolis

India is a hub for a large variety of natural products that have proven their therapeutic efficacy in various ailments and disorders. Despite it, a lot of natural products are yet to be explored, and Indian propolis is one of them. Indian propolis is a waxy natural product obtained from beehives. In this research, phytochemical constituents present in Indian propolis were qualitatively analyzed using phytochemical screening, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and quantitatively using total phenolic content. Phytochemical screening results revealed the presence of total phenolic content, saponins, glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, proteins, steroids, flavonoids, oils & resins supported by GC-MS results. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 17 different constituents having higher peak areas. Amongst these 17 bioactive compounds, oxirane, phenyl ethyl alcohol, caffeine, chrysene, riboflavin and 2-aminophenol were found to have higher peak areas of 5.78, 4.58, 4.46, 3.11, 2.65 and 2.56%, respectively. The results of total phenolic contents revealed the presence of 23 different constituents in different concentrations amongst ellagic acid, kaempferol, epicatechin, galangin, and quercetin were present in rich amounts 538.73, 402.34, 234.85, 121.95 and 95.3 μg/kg, respectively. These constituents are well known for their therapeutic efficacy, which is an indication for the exploration of the therapeutic efficacy of Indian propolis in the future.

Formulation Development and Evaluation of Indian Propolis Hydrogel for Wound Healing.

Flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds play a key role in wound healing cycle modulation. Propolis, a natural bee product, has been widely reported as an enriched source of polyphenols and flavonoids as important chemical constituents and for its wound healing potential. The goal of this study was to develop and characterize a propolis-based polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel composition with wound healing potential. To understand the impacts of critical material attributes and process parameters, formulation development was carried out using a design of experiment approach. A preliminary phytochemical analysis of Indian propolis extract showed the presence of flavonoids (23.61 ± 0.0452 mg equivalent of quercetin/g) and polyphenols (34.82 ± 0.0785 mg equivalent of gallic acid/g), both of which aid in wound healing and skin tissue regeneration. The pH, viscosity, and in vitro release of the hydrogel formulation were also studied. The burn wound healing model results revealed significant (p < 0.0001) wound contraction by propolis hydrogel (93.58 + 0.15%) with rapid re-epithelialization relative to 5% w/w povidone iodine ointment USP (Cipladine®) (95.39 + 0.16%). The excision wound healing model confirms significant (p < 0.0001) wound contraction by propolis hydrogel (91.45 + 0.29%) with accelerated re-epithelialization comparable to 5% w/w povidone iodine ointment USP (Cipladine®) (94.38 + 0.21%). The developed formulation offers promise for wound healing, which may be investigated further for clinical research.

Optimization of Extraction Conditions using Response Surface Methodology and HPTLC Fingerprinting Analysis of Indian Propolis

The potential of Indian propolis as a suitable therapeutic agent is still to be explored to the fullest. As variation in the chemical composition across different geographical regions has been a major concern, it is, therefore, worthwhile to systematically investigate, and assess the quality of Indian propolis and set nationalized standards. The propolis collected from three different regions were authenticated for the major plant source, followed by the evaluation of physicochemical properties. Different extraction methods were compared, with their influence on balsam content, polyphenol, and flavonoid content. The sample coded HAR using ultrasonication gave the highest extraction yield of 71.87%. Further, the process variables in the ultrasonication method (i.e. Amplitude, extraction time, the concentration of ethanol) at three levels were optimized using the Box-Behnken response design. The model was found significant with the concentration of ethanol having a maximum influence on the responses. The model was successfully verified by setting the amplitude at 48%, extraction time to 5.6 mins, and ethanol concentration to 87% v/v. The extraction efficiency of 83.86±1.17% was achieved with a substantial diminution of extraction time. The total phenolic, total flavonol, and total flavanone content of the optimized batch were 28.74±0.13 mgGAE/g, 4.66±0.78 mgQE/g, and 3.16±0.14 mgPE/g of propolis respectively. Further HPTLC fingerprint image of the optimized extract revealed the presence of quercetin, p-coumaric acid, kaempferol, chrysin, pinocembrin, and galangin.

Updates in the Analytical Isolation of Indian Propolis Chemical Constituents and Their Role in Dental Pharmacology - A Review

Background: Natural products are rapidly gaining popularity in the medical sector for curing several diseases. The biomedical application of natural products in treating a wide range of systemic diseases, including oral diseases, has been reported. Previous studies delineated the importance of propolis of foreign origin as a significant pharmacological agent as antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. For instance, prominent clinical reports concluded an enhanced quality of life with the use of propolis in cancer patients with mucositis, whereas an adverse effect was invoked after radiotherapy or chemotherapy. These reports delineated its efficacy as a safe and therapeutic natural product modality in cancer patients to prevent mucositis. However, there are no reports to delineate whether the isolated chemical extracts or constitutions of Indian propolis can exhibit disease curing efficacy against several systemic and oral microbial diseases. Objective: The current review emphasized the origin, and properties of Indian propolis and the diverse bio-pharmacological applications of its different solvent extracts. Material and Methods: Studies on Indian propolis, its “phyto-constituents,” “pharmacology,” in vitro activity on “oral pathogens”, and its application in dentistry searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases up to December 2020. Results: The search identified 72 records; 21 full-text articles which met the eligibility criteria were assessed and studied. Conclusion: The antimicrobial efficacy of this “nontoxic” resinous material in various bio dental pharmacologies with recent clinical and preclinical reports was delineated, which benefits medical doctors, dentists, and researchers to execute further research.

Neuroprotective Potential of Indian Propolis and in Combination with Curcumin against Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion Induced Vascular Dementia in Rats

Vascular dementia (VaD) is associated with chronic brain ischemia and gradual memory loss which is increasing gradually but limited treatments are available as therapeutic moieties to combat the VaD. Hence in this study Indian propolis alone or in combination with curcumin was explored as a treatment modality to alleviate the VaD. VaD model was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO). Indian propolis (200 mg/kg), curcumin (200 mg/kg) individually, and the combination of Indian propolis (100 mg/kg) with curcumin (100 mg/kg) were administered in BCCAO model followed by an estimation of behavioral (neurological score, hanging and open field test) and biochemical parameters (reduced glutathione, catalase, malondialdehyde, and acetylcholine esterase). In this study it was found that there were no changes in the locomotor activity while the neurological score was reduced and the hanging time was increased in the drug treated group which clearly depicts the neuroprotective potential of curcumin, Indian propolis individually and the combination of Indian propolis with curcumin. The combination of Indian propolis with curcumin was much better in terms of neuroprotective activity than Indian propolis and curcumin treated group as depicted by the results of behavioural and biochemical parameters. Moreover, haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining was performed, and was found that a combination of Indian propolis(100 mg/kg) with curcumin (100 mg/kg) attenuated better histological alterations of the hippocampus in BCCAO model group than in other treated groups. Hence these findings provided that Indian propolis in combination with curcumin has great potential as a neuroprotective agent on the cognitive deficits of VaD rats.

EFFECT OF SOLVENTS ON PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING BY GC-Ms ANALYSIS AND In vitro CYTOTOXICITY OF BEE PROPOLIS AGAINST LEUKEMIA AND LUNG CANCER CELL LINES

Propolis is well-known for its favourable biological properties, which are widely employed in the treatment of a variety of disorders. It is high in chemical components that are dependent on the sort of plant that bees may access. The chemical makeup of an Indian Propolis sample was investigated using GCMS, and 22 chemicals were discovered. The MTT assay was used to test the ethanol extract of Propolis against leukaemia and lung cancer cell lines in vitro. The propolis extract was incubated with cancer cell lines for 24 hours, cytotoxicity was assessed using a colorimetric method, and the IC50 value was obtained. The findings showed that the propolis extract tested had substantial cytotoxic action. The conclusion is that Indian Propolis has potential. The Indian Propolis was shown to be a possible natural source of chemopreventive agent. The chemical makeup of Indian Propolis suggests that it could be a viable source of novel bioactive chemicals, but the molecules responsible for biological activity must be identified.

Assessment of fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, and thermal properties of bee propolis from Northern India using a multivariate approach

First-ever, the propolis samples collected from different geographical locations of Northern India were investigated based on nutritional composition and thermal analysis. Gas chromatograph flame ionization detector (GC-FID) identified the presence of essential fatty acids: linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, cis-11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, and cis-11–14-eicosadienoic acid in the samples. Additionally, first-time detection of 17 amino acids showed the presences of tyrosine, glutamic acid, threonine, arginine, lysine and aspartic acid as predominant in the samples, whereas microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES) revealed abundance of calcium (5706.2–3121.0 mg/kg) followed by potassium (2636.0–1615.5 mg/kg), iron (2487.0–1161.2 mg/kg) and magnesium (1573.4–841.0 mg/kg). Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed major endothermic peaks at approximately 60 ᵒC demonstrating melting of long and medium chain fatty acids especially beeswax and palmitic acid, while the secondary peaks exposed vaporization of aromatic compounds. Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) depicted major weight loss of propolis between 270 and 470 °C and obtained 14.99–40.02% residual weight. Principal Component analysis demonstrated 99.18% variation in the first three principal components. Hierarchical cluster analysis categorized all the propolis samples successfully based on geographical locations. This study may assist quality control authorities to establish nutritional and quality standards of Indian propolis in future.

Indian Propolis Little Known and More to Explore for Dental Applications: A Review

Aim: The present trend in health care is toward the use of natural products for curing diseases. “Propolis” or bees wax is a natural, nontoxic resinous material collected by bees from exudates and buds of the plant. It has many beneficial biological and pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer activities. Propolis is widely applied in dentistry as an anticariogenic agent, hypersensitivity reducing agent, and endodontic disinfection to name a few. The diverse phytochemical constituents of propolis are responsible for its valuable properties. Considering its vast potential, propolis has gained the attention of many researchers. The aim of this study is to offer a comprehensive evidence which will enable the readers and researchers to appreciate the prospects of the application of Indian propolis in present-day dentistry. Material and Methods: In vitro and in vivo studies on Indian propolis and its application in dentistry searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases up to December 2020. Results: The search identified 31 records; 12 full-text articles which met the eligibility criteria were assessed. Based on the results of in vitro studies, further in vivo studies need to be carried out to prove the feasibility of Indian propolis as an anticariogenic agent, a desensitizing agent, and an intracanal irrigant/medicament in the field of dentistry. Conclusion: Indian propolis has shown an immense amount of potentiality which demands for more clinical research to have sufficient evidence-based literature for future usage in oral health care.

Antibacterial activity of Indian propolis and its lead compounds against multi-drug resistant clinical isolates

IntroductionThe limited anti-infectious drugs and growing antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria underscore the urgent need to explore novel antimicrobial agents, preferably from a natural source. Propolis is the potent natural antimicrobial agent, which produced by honeybees using various plant exudates. However, it has been minimally studied against multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms. In the present study, the authors have investigated the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of Indian melifera propolis (IMP) samples and combinations of their lead compounds against three human clinical isolates. MethodsThree multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDRMs) were isolated from a human pus sample, and their molecular identification was carried out by 16S rRNA sequencing. The antibacterial activity of the IMP extracts and different combinations of chrysin, galangin, and phenethyl caffeate was determined by minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) using the 96-well plate microdilution method. ResultsAmongst, 19 IMP studied samples, IMP-5, IMP-14, and IMP-16 samples had the most potent antimicrobial activity against three MDR isolates. These samples had antimicrobial efficacy in the order of IMP16 > IMP14 > IMP5. The combinations of chrysin, galangin, and phenethyl caffeate had the lowest MIC values than individual components and above potent IMP extracts. ConclusionsCertain IMP samples and combinations of chrysin, galangin, and phenethyl caffeate could be the best natural therapeutic agents to control the pathogenicity of MDRMs.

Characterization and discrimination of Indian propolis based on physico-chemical, techno-functional, thermal and textural properties: A multivariate approach

ObjectiveThe present study assessed physico-chemical, techno-functional, thermal and textural characteristics of propolis samples (n = 30) collected from four Northern zones of India. MethodsThe propolis samples were analyzed according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) official protocols for their ash, moisture, and protein content. Soxtech, Fiber tech, Hunter LAB Colorimeter, TA.XT2i Texture Analyzer, Thermo gravimetric Analyzer, Discovery DSC 25 have been used to assess the crude fat, fibre content, colour, texture and thermal properties, respectively. Results and conclusionsPhysico-chemical properties of propolis differed significantly (p < 0.05) and reportedthe highest balsam content (47.66%), protein (9.41%) and wax content (22.9%) in Punjab propolis (PP) where as the moisture content and water activity ranged from 4.89 to 7.37% and 0.73–0.81, respectively in propolis samples. Regarding techno-functional properties, PP had highest oil holding capacity (1.09–1.90 g/g), foaming capacity (11.08–17.03%), foam stability (67.3–75.43%), emulsifying activity (4.18–7.62%), and emulsion stability (3.24–4.77%). The positive a* and b* values of colour in this investigation indicated that the samples from all four zones lied in reddish yellowish areas of LAB colour space and relatively dull or gray as indicated by chroma values. Results of texture profile analysis demonstrated that all propolis samples were hard, cohesive, chewy and showed resilience. Differential scanning calorimetry predicted semi-crystalline behaviours of all samples. Three principal components, accounting for 98.95% variation were abstracted from fourteen physiochemical, seven techno-functional, seven textural and four thermal variables. Further, hierarchical cluster analysis successfully classified the propolis samples into four zones.

Quantification and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Northern Indian Propolis Extracts and Dietary Supplements.

Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees. Propolis extracts have been used for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. The use of propolis dietary supplements has been increasing in the United States and the rest of the world. A simple, economic, and valid analytical method is needed for quality assessment of dietary supplements and extracts claiming to contain propolis. A ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) quadropole time-of-flight-MS method was used to characterize the chemical composition of northern Indian propolis. Fourteen major phenolic compounds were quantified using a UHPLC-DAD method. An HPTLC method was used to develop chemical fingerprinting profiles for propolis extracts and dietary supplements. The seven propolis extracts and 14 dietary supplements purchased in the U.S. were analyzed using the UHPLC-DAD-QToF method. Fifty-seven compounds belonging to phenolic, coumarin, fatty acid, and terpene classes were identified in propolis extracts. Based on quantification results, the content of 14 phenolic compounds in propolis extracts varied from 19-32% in dietary supplements, a significant variation to the recommended daily intake (0.2-94 mg/day). The developed analytical methods can be used for quality assessment of propolis extracts and dietary supplements.

Non-surgical endodontic retreatment of extra-oral cutaneous sinus using propolis as an intracanal medicament: A case report

This case report describes a successful non-surgical endodontic retreatment of the lower right central incisor with periapical lesion with tender extra-oral cutaneous sinus at the mental region. The extra-oral cutaneous sinus was misdiagnosed as acne & was treated by a skin specialist. The tooth underwent root canal treatment in which Indian Propolis was used as an intracanal medicament. The tooth was obturated after 7 months after initiation of therapy. At 12 months recall intraoral periapical radiograph showed healing of the periapical lesion & the extra-oral cutaneous sinus was healed with scarring. A thorough clinical evaluation, proper diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment protocol are important for the success of the treatment. This paper suggest that Indian Propolis was effective in the healing of periapical lesion with extra oral sinus. Keywords: Extra-oral sinus, Indian Propolis, Intracanal medicament & Periapical lesion

Standardization, anti-carcinogenic potential and biosafety of Indian propolis

BackgroundPropolis from apiculture is known for wide range of medicinal properties owing to its vast chemical constituents including polyphenols, flavonoids and anticancer agent Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to extract and standardize Indian propolis (IP) with respect to selected markers by newly developed High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method, to evaluate in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity and biosafety of Indian propolis. Materials and methodsIP was extracted, optimized and standardized using a newly developed and validated HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of caffeic acid, apigenin, quercetin and CAPE. The standardised ethanolic extract of IP (EEIP) was screened for in vitro cytotoxicity using sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, in vivo anti-carcinogenic effect against Dalton’s Lymphoma ascites (DLA) cells, hemolytic effect and pesticide analysis. ResultsThe EEIP was found to contain more amount of total flavonoids (23.61 ± 0.0452 mg equivalent of quercetin/g), total polyphenolics (34.82 ± 0.0785 mg equivalent of gallic acid/g) and all selected markers except caffeic acid compared to all other extracts. EEIP showed better anti-cancer potential than CAPE on MCF-7 and HT-29 cell line and significant (p < 0.01) in vivo anti-carcinogenic effects against DLA in comparison with 5-fluorouracil. EEIP was found to be non-hemolytic. ConclusionFrom in vitro cytotoxicity, in vivo anti-carcinogenicity and biosafety studies it can be concluded that the standardized EEIP is safe and can be considered for further development as a biomedicine.

Marker-based standardization and investigation of nutraceutical potential of Indian propolis

ObjectivePropolis, a resinous material collected by honey bees from various plants, has been explored globally for its medicinal and nutritional properties. However, research over Indian propolis is at infancy. This study was designed to investigate nutraceutical potential of Indian propolis. MethodsIn the present study, propolis extract was standardized with respect to markers caffeic acid phenethyl ester, caffeic acid, galangin, luteolin, curcumin, apigenin, pinocembrin and quercetin by new high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) methods. The physico-chemical analysis, residues analysis and in vitro antioxidant activity analysis were performed. Nutraceutical value was examined in terms of fats, fibers, minerals, proteins, polysaccharides, total carbohydrates, and energy value. ResultsThe developed HPTLC methods were found to be simple, reliable accurate, and the validation parameters were within the limits of the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use guidelines. Macerated ethanolic extract of propolis (MEEP) was found to have polyphenolic content of (20.99 ± 0.24) mg/g and flavonoids content of (8.39 ± 0.04) mg/g. MEEP was found to comprise of (283.33 ± 51.31) g/kg fats, (30.07 ± 7.30) g/kg fibers, (102.56 ± 2.84) g/kg proteins and (389.36 ± 57.50) g/kg carbohydrate with a calorie value of (38 409.33 ± 6 169.80) kJ/kg. It was found that Indian propolis exhibited high nutraceutical value and showed absence of pesticides and heavy metals. The MEEP showed in vitro antioxidant activity with inhibitory concentration of (12.24 ± 4.64) µg/mL. ConclusionThe present work explores Indian propolis as a potential nutritious candidate. The proposed analytical methods can be applied in future screening of the quality of Indian propolis.

Indian propolis ameliorates the mitomycin C-induced testicular toxicity by reducing DNA damage and elevating the antioxidant activity

Development of excellent curative therapy for most of the malignancies has resulted in a growing population of cancer survivors who are at increased risk for a variety of health problems including infertility. Therefore, fertility preservation has become an important issue during cancer treatment in recent years. Combination therapy with natural agents such as vitamins, antioxidants, dietary supplements, and plant products are considered as an attractive option to mitigate normal tissue toxicity imparted by chemotherapy. The aim of the present study was to explore the beneficial effect of hydroethanolic extract of Indian propolis (HEIP) on mitigating mitomycin C (MMC)-induced testicular damage and its mechanism of action. Healthy adult male mice were injected intraperitoneally with saline, MMC, HEIP and HEIP followed by MMC after 1h. The animals were dissected at 35days after various treatments to analyze testicular function. MMC administration resulted in significant reduction in testicular function in a dose-dependent manner at 35days after treatment which significantly improved by HEIP pre-treatment. At 24h after treatment, MMC induced significant increase in oxidative stress, γ-H2AX foci and expression of RAD51 and KU80 in testicular cells. Prior treatment with HEIP decreased the oxidative stress, reduced DNA damage and restored the testicular testosterone and inhibin B level. In conclusion, co-administration of Indian propolis extract may play a promising beneficial role in fertility preservation of males undergoing chemotherapy.

HPLC, NMR based chemical profiling and biological characterisation of Indian propolis

The present study aimed to investigate chemical profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Indian Melifera propolis (IMP) samples collected from 13 different states. Chemical characterisation of ethanolic extracts of IMP (EEMP) samples was carried out by using HPLC and 1HNMR spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of EEMP samples was measured by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assay. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of each EEMP sample tested against bacteria and yeast using a 96 well plate microdilution method. All EEMP samples had remarkable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The antioxidant potential of EEMP samples found to have a moderate positive correlation with their total phenolics and flavonoids content. Majority of EEMP samples had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≤1mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus. Chemometric analysis of 1HNMR data indicated that brown, green, green-brown, red and red-brown coloured IMP samples were chemically distinct from each other, and showed two separate clusters for northern and southern states propolis samples. HPLC analysis confirmed phenethyl caffeate was most common and abundant compound in IMP samples among studied compounds. In conclusion, this study may be helpful for defining the quality of IMP as a raw material, and also in finished food and health care products.

Neuroprotective effect of Indian propolis in β-amyloid induced memory deficit: Impact on behavioral and biochemical parameters in rats

The study aimed at the investigation of neuroprotective activity of macerated ethanolic extract of Indian propolis (MEEP) against β-Amyloid 25–35 (Aβ25-35) induced memory impairment in Alzheimer’s disease. MEEP was administrated orally to Wistar rats at doses of 100, 200 and 300mg/kg. Behavioral performances were evaluated using morris water maze and radial arm maze. At the end of behavioral study, the brains were removed and antioxidant parameters and brain monoamines were estimated. Further acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibition and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) were evaluated. In addition hematological parameters and histopathological tests were also carried out.In behavioral models, MEEP significantly (P<0.05) reversed the cognitive impairment of β amyloid-induced rats. The antioxidant potential was significantly increased (P<0.05) after administration of MEEP. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly (P<0.01) decreased in brain homogenate after treatment with MEEP extract as compared with diseased control group (group III). MEEP showed dose-dependent AChE inhibition and increased the levels of brain monoamines (P<0.05) as compared with group III. MEEP improved memory deficits by increasing BDNF in plasma (P<0.05).The study concludes that MEEP has anti-Alzheimer potential in rats through multiple mechanisms and further studies are ongoing for fractionation and biological screening.

Indian Propolis Loaded Folic Acid Conjugated PLGA Nanoparticles: Formulation Development, Characterization, In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Study

Propolis, a natural bee hive product is well proven for its anticancer potential due its various polyphenols and flavonoids constituents. Anticancer efficacy of propolis is limited due to its poor water solubility and bioavailability. The present study is investigated for design and development of ethanolic extract of Indian propolis (EEIP) loaded folic acid conjugated Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (denoted as ELFPN) were investigated to achieve improved solubility, sustained drug release and to study synergized anticancer efficacy. Formulation development, characterization and optimization were carried out by design of experiment approach. . In vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity study was carried out for optimized formulation. Developed ELFPN showed the particle size and encapsulation efficiency 178 ± 5 - 205 ± 5 nm and 73.16 ± 1.89 - 76.37 ± 1.89 respectively. Optimized formulation showed sustained drug release over a period of 48 h with no sign of blood toxicity. Moreover, concentration of the drug needed for growth inhibition of 50 % of cells in a designed time period (GI50) was decreased by 43.34 %, for ELFPN as compared to EEIP in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells indicating targeting with synergistic effect of ELFPN. An improved anticancer effect was reflected in in-vivo Daltons Ascites Lymphoma model by reducing tumor cells count. The developed ELFPN showed improved in vitro cytotoxic effect, in-vivo anti-cancer activity with desirable characteristics for nanoparticle formulation thus can be useful for biomedical applications.