Concentrations Of Propolis Research Articles

The Effect of Honeybee Propolis on Escherichia coli Biofilm Formation in vitro

Background: Colibacillosis is an infectious disease that affects livestock such as cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, horses and poultry caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli. E. coli can form biofilms when environmental conditions are unfavorable. The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of honeybee propolis on the formation of E. coli biofilm in vitro. Methods: The research began with the dilution of propolis using the microdilution technique and determination of concentration values with a modified minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Biofilm inhibition assays were conducted in microplates with five propolis concentration treatments: 0.39 mg/mL, 0.78 mg/mL, 1.56 mg/mL, 3.125 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL, along with negative and positive controls, with eight replications. Subsequently, crystal violet quantification and absorbance value readings were done using an ELISA reader with a wavelength of 595 nm. Result: The results showed that between concentrations of 3.125 mg/mL, 6.25 mg/mL and the negative control, there was no significant difference with mean values of 0.09963, 0.078857 and 0.079375, respectively. Honeybee propolis extract has the potential to act as an antibiofilm against E. coli in vitro, with the minimum concentrations capable of inhibiting biofilm formation being 3.125 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL.

FORMULATION OF PROPOLIS-BASED RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS (RAS) PROTECTIVE PATCH WITH COMBINATION OF PVP AND CELLULOSE MATERIALS

Objective: The objective of this study was to obtain a mucoadhesive patch for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) with propolis, proven propolis’ antibacterial ability against bacteria in the oral cavity, and to obtain the physical characteristics of the produced patch. Methods: The patch was produced using a solvent-casting method. The antibacterial properties were determined by the disc diffusion method against S. mutans, S. oralis, S. sanguinis, and S. gingivalis. The physical characteristics of the patch was determined by examining weight and thickness dimension, swelling, surface pH, and structure observation. Results: The patch was made from 8 formulations with different propolis concentrations, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and the use of cellulose materials (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and Carboxymethylcellulose). The concentrations of propolis used were 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10%. While the ratio of PVP and cellulose material in the formulation is 2:1. Results showed that propolis had a zone of inhibition greater than 2 mm against S. oralis, S. sanguinis, S. mutans, and P. gingivalis bacteria. Patches produced were clear to brown-colored films with high swelling percentage due to hydrophilic polymers used. The patch thickness that is closest to the requirements of the buccal patch was F8 with 0.36+0.04 mm. The mean values of the patches have matched normal salivary pH of 5.5–7. Physically, PVP/CMC formulations were more sticky, and the PVP/HPMC patches were more solid and stronger. Conclusion: A mucoadhesive patch was obtained with a combination of PVP/CMC and PVP/HPMC, tween 80 as a surfactant, glycerin as a plasticizer, peppermint oil as a flavor enhancer and preservative, with the active ingredient propolis.

Development of a chitosan/propolis-based polymeric system: Characterization, biocompatibility, and modulation of transcription factor expression

Chitosan (CHT) and propolis (P) are natural materials with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucoadhesive properties with many applications in orthopaedia dentistry. The objective of this study was to develop a low molecular weight (LMW) and medium molecular weight (MMW) chitosan polymeric system with propolis at different concentrations (0.31%, 0.62%, 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5%) and to evaluate the effect in terms of their cell interaction with dental pulp fibroblasts. FTIR spectra of both molecular weights CHT’s films with propolis show increased transmittance bands at 1730–1720 cm−1 and 1460 cm−1, indicating the presence of propolis ethanolic extract in the organic matrix. Contact angles test to determine hydrophobicity CHT films functionalized with propolis exhibit a more hydrophobic surface as propolis concentration increases. Cytotoxicity showed synergy between chitosan and propolis; the highest proliferation was observed in LMW CHT with 0.31% of propolis. Membranes made with CHT of both molecular weights plus propolis in an inflammatory stage (cells previously treated with LPS) can inhibit the expression of NF-k-B, MAPK, and VEGF. A polymeric system based on chitosan/ethanolic extract propolis could be a future alternative treatment for oral ulcers.

Assessing the antibacterial efficacy of nano propolis concentrations on Streptococcus mutans

Background: Dental caries is a common disease among the Indonesian population, with a prevalence of dental caries in Indonesia reaching 88.8%. Streptococcus mutans is one of the types of bacteria found in caries lesions. Nano propolis has antibacterial properties that can help inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria, reducing the risk of dental caries. Objective: This study aims to determine the effective concentration of nano propolis ranging from 2.5% to 0.625%. Methods: The research evaluates various concentrations of nano propolis, and the minimum concentration that inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans is observed using the colony count method. Results: The growth of Streptococcus mutans at a concentration of 2.5% nano propolis was 0, at 1.8% it was 6, at 1.25% it was 11.4, and at 0.625% it was 42. The positive control group containing BHIB media and Streptococcus mutans bacteria showed an average colony growth of 161. Conclusion: Nano propolis at a concentration of 1.25% is effective in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans.

Enhancing antibacterial efficacy through propolis-infused electroactive polymers: A novel approach to combat antibiotic resistance

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant illnesses worldwide calls for the development of novel antibacterial strategies, including the ones based on antibacterials materials. This work reports on the combined antibacterial effects of piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) and propolis, a natural antimicrobial agent, on various material structures (2D films and 3D structures) to increase the surface contact area. It is shown that the addition of propolis has a substantial impact on the surface texture and mechanical properties of the materials. In particular, 3D structures exhibit improved distribution of propolis and enhanced mechanical stability in comparison to 2D films. The antibacterial experiments conducted on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) demonstrate a significant increase in the reduction of bacteria, in particular when larger concentrations of propolis are applied and when mechanical stimulation is used at specified frequencies, taking therefore advantage of the surface charge variation associated to the piezoelectric response. It is particularly significant the antibacterial effect on the resistant S.aureus bacteria, emphasising the huge potential of this novel hybrid material in biomedical applications. Thus, it is demonstrated that piezoelectric polymers in combination with natural antibacterial agents, represents a suitable approach to address microbial resistance, with important applications in areas including wound dressings, implant coatings, and high traffic surfaces, among others.

Chemical characterization and antibacterial activities of Brazilian propolis extracts from Apis mellifera bees and stingless bees (Meliponini).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical composition and antibacterial activity of Brazilian propolis extracts from different types, concentrations, and extraction solvents and from different regions in Brazil. A total of 21 samples were analyzed, comprising 14 samples from Apis mellifera (12 green, 1 brown, and 1 red) and 7 samples from stingless bees (3 mandaçaia, 2 jataí, 1 hebora, and 1 tubuna). The analyses performed were dry extract, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS). The antibacterial activity was performed by Determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). The results showed that very low levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity decreased the antimicrobial activity of the propolis extracts from tubuna and jataí. However, there was no correlation between the increase in propolis concentration in the extract, and the increase in antimicrobial activity. The highest TPC and antioxidant activity was obtained for green propolis extract made with 70% raw propolis that presented similar antibacterial activity to the samples formulated with 30% or less raw propolis. The aqueous propolis extract showed lower antimicrobial activity compared to the alcoholic extracts, indicating that ethanol is a better solvent for extracting the active compounds from propolis. It was observed that the MIC (0.06 to 0.2 mg/mL) and MBC (0.2 to 0.5 mg/mL) values for Gram-negative bacteria were higher compared to Gram-positive bacteria (MIC 0.001-0.2 mg/mL, and the MBC 0.02-0.5 mg/mL). The propolis extracts that exhibited the highest antimicrobial activities were from stingless bees hebora from the Distrito Federal (DF) and mandaçaia from Santa Catarina, showing comparable efficacy to samples 5, 6, and 7, which were the green propolis from the DF. Hence, these products can be considered an excellent source of bioactive compounds with the potential for utilization in both the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Oral Films Printed with Green Propolis Ethanolic Extract.

Oral film (OF) research has intensified due to the effortless administration and advantages related to absorption in systemic circulation. Chitosan is one of the polymers widely used in the production of OFs; however, studies evaluating the maintenance of the active principles' activity are incipient. Propolis has been widely used as an active compound due to its different actions. Printing techniques to incorporate propolis in OFs prove to be efficient. The objective of the present study is to develop and characterize oral films based on chitosan and propolis using printing techniques and to evaluate the main activities of the extract incorporated into the polymeric matrix. The OFs were characterized in relation to the structure using scanning and atomic force electron microscopy; the mechanical properties, disintegration time, wettability, and stability of antioxidant activity were evaluated. The ethanolic extract of green propolis (GPEE) concentration influenced the properties of the OFs. The stability (phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity) was reduced in the first 20 days, and after this period, it remained constant.

Mineral Content, Antioxidant Properties <i>in vitro</i>, Reduction of Inflammation, and Liver Steatosis <i>in vivo</i> by Ngaoundal Propolis in Wistar Rats Fed an Atherogenic Diet

Several studies have reported the benefits of Propolis in the treatment of various disorders such as parasitic infections, bacterial infections, wounds, and burns. The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effects and anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroethanolic extract (EthP) and the fraction powder ≤ 125 µm of Propolis (PP) on atherogenic diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dry Propolis was finely ground, a first part was macerated in a mixture (30:70 v/v water and ethanol) and a second part was fractionated by sieving with a sieve mesh (≤125 µm). The powder fraction≤ 125µm (PP) and Propolis hydroethanolic extract (EthP) obtained were used to characterize the mineral composition <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 20 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups EthP and PP were administered orally to the rats at the same dose (250 mg/kg bw) and fed simultaneously with an atherogenic diet for 45 days. At the end of the experiment, the lipid profile, transaminase aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum, and antioxidants were measured at the organ level (aorta, liver, kidney, and heart). The activities of all parameters were significant (p < 0.05). The results of this study show that Propolis had a significantly (<i>p<0.0001</i>) lower <i>in vitro</i> mineral composition in Iron by 32.56%; in Zinc by 83.21%; in Calcium by 10.82% and in Manganese by 21.40% at the PP level compared to EthP. Antioxidant capacity (DPPH, TAC, and FRAP), which increased with Propolis concentration. High polyphenol content (EthP>PP). Treatment with EthP<sub>250</sub> and PP<sub>250</sub> significantly (<i>p<0.05</i>) reduced serum ALT by 34.27% and 47.36%, creatinine by 67.36% and 37.5%, TG by 63.91% and by 20.18%, IL-17 expression by 50.25% and 100% respectively. HDL-c levels were significantly increased by 47.7% (<i>p<0.001</i>) in serum compared with TN. NO levels increased significantly (<i>p<0.001</i>) by 1.38% and 1.63% in the aorta respectively. MDA levels were significantly reduced by 55.12% (<i>p<0.0001</i>) and 76.09% (<i>p<0.05</i>) in the liver respectively. This study demonstrated the efficacy of Propolis in the management of non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis and its anti-inflammatory capacity.

PVA/gelatin hydrogel loaded with propolis for the treatment of myocardial infarction

Recently, propolis has shown potential cardioprotective effects against myocardial infarction. However, challenges in its clinical application have arisen, primarily due to concerns regarding dosage and potential adverse effects. To address this, we suggest integrating propolis into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/gelatin hydrogel to regulate the localized release of propolis at infarcted sites. PVA/gelatin hydrogels with varying propolis concentrations (3%, 7%, and 10%) were fabricated using a freeze–thawing method, and we characterized their microstructure, mechanical properties, and swelling behavior. Additionally, we examined propolis release profiles and assessed the cytotoxicity of the hydrogels. The presence of propolis in the PVA/gelatin hydrogel interfered with PVA and gelatin chains through intermolecular hydrogen bonding, consequently restricting chain movement and enhancing mechanical strength with increasing propolis concentration. The swelling ratio decreased by at least 40% upon the addition of propolis to the PVA/gelatin hydrogel. The PVA/gelatin hydrogels with different concentrations of propolis exhibited sustained release of propolis characterized by a burst release in the initial hour followed by a release at a constant rate up to 120 min, 240 min, and over 360 min for 3%, 7%, and 10% propolis, respectively. Moreover, the cytotoxicity test of the hydrogels’ degradation products against HEK 293 cells revealed cell viability within the range of 80–90%, indicating that the hydrogels were non-toxic and safe for cell growth. The incorporation of propolis into PVA/gelatin hydrogels not only allows for controlled localized release but also presents a promising therapeutic approach for myocardial infarction.

The Effect of Adding Propolis to Formula Milk on The Streptococcus Sobrinus Inhibition Zone (In Vitro)

Background: Caries is one of the dental and oral health problems that are often suffered by children. One of the main causes is the habit of children consuming formula milk as it contains sucrose. Streptococcus sobrinus is an oral pathogenic bacteria that has a role in the initial process of dental caries. One of the natural ingredients that function as anti-caries is propolis. Objective: Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of adding propolis to formula milk on the inhibition zone of Streptococcus sobrinus bacteria. Methods: This type of research is a Laboratory Experiment with a Post-Test control Group Design. It consists of 4 groups, namely the formula milk group without propolis as a negative control, the formula milk treatment group with propolis concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 20% carried out with 7 replications of each group. The sample is a pure isolate of Streptococcus sobrinus bacteria. Results: The results showed the average inhibition zone was the formula milk group without propolis was 0.00±0.00 mm, the formula milk group with propolis concentration of 5% was 12.87±1.18 mm, the formula milk group with propolis concentration of 10% was 16.65±1.51 mm, and the formula milk group with propolis concentration of 20% was 24.87±0.39 mm. Conclusion: It means the addition of propolis to formula milk has been proven to be effective in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus sobrinus bacteria.

Effects of natural antimicrobial compounds propolis and copaiba on periodontal ligament fibroblasts, molecular docking, and in vivo study in Galleria mellonella

Root canal treatment addresses infectious processes that require control. Occasionally, the radicular pulp is vital and inflamed, presenting a superficial infection. To preserve pulpal remnants, conservative procedures have gained favor, employing anti-inflammatory medications. This study investigated the effects of propolis (PRO), and copaiba oil-resin (COR) associated with hydrocortisone (H) and compared their impact to that of Otosporin® concerning cytotoxic and genotoxic activity, cytokine detection, and toxicity in the Galleria mellonella model. Human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) were exposed to drug concentrations and evaluated by the MTT assay. Associations were tested from concentrations that did not compromise cell density. Genotoxicity was evaluated through micronucleus counting, while cytokines IL-6 and TGF-β1 were detected in the cell supernatant using ELISA. Molecular docking simulations were conducted, considering the major compounds identified in PRO, COR, and H. Increasing concentrations of PRO and COR were assessed for acute toxicity in Galleria mellonella model. Cellular assays were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey tests, while larval survivals were evaluated using the Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test (α = 0.05). PRO and COR promoted PDLFs proliferation, even in conjunction with H. No changes in cell metabolism were observed concerning cytokine levels. The tested materials induce the release of AT1R, proliferating the PDFLs through interactions. PRO and COR had low toxicity in larvae, suggesting safety at tested levels. These findings endorse the potential of PRO and COR in endodontics and present promising applications across medical domains, such as preventive strategies in inflammation, shedding light on their potential development into commercially available drugs.

Efficacy of Experimental Propolis‐Based Toothpastes on Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background. Propolis is a natural bee product that has garnered attention due to its harmlessness and numerous beneficial biological properties. This randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial aimed to assess the effect of toothpastes containing different concentrations of propolis (10% and 15%) on the control of dentin hypersensitivity (DH). Methods. From adults aged 18–40 years with DH, 66 teeth were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups as follows (n = 22): control (toothpaste without active ingredient), 10% propolis toothpaste, and 15% propolis toothpaste. DH was assessed thrice (baseline and 15 and 30 days after treatment) by tactile and evaporative stimuli using the visual analog scale. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Kruskal–Wallis tests. A significance level of 5% was used in all analyses. Results. All the groups showed a reduction in DH during the study (p < 0.05). The experimental groups (10% and 15% propolis) showed significantly greater reduction in DH than the control group (p < 0.05) after 30 days of treatment; however, the experimental groups displayed similar results (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Toothpastes containing propolis at concentrations of 10% and 15% were equally effective in controlling DH, regardless of their concentration. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with NCT05083052. Date of registration: 19/10/2021.

Honey and propolis reduce the antibacterial resistance of staphylococci

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health concern of the 21st century, contributing to an increasing number of deaths in both human and veterinary medicine. Multi-antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as S. aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, pose substantial challenges. This research investigated changes in antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus spp. Isolates from extensively farmed pigs (n = 421) when exposed to different types of honey (multi-floral, n = 1, and rapeseed, n = 2) or different commercial propolis concentrations (20% and 30% in 70% ethanol). Thirty species of staphylococci were identified using classical bacteriology techniques. Initial antimicrobial resistance/susceptibility was tested against colistin, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole/ trimethoprim, penicillin, florfenicol, vancomycin, tetracycline, imipenem, marbofloxacin, cefoxitin, clindamycin, and methicillin using the Kirby Bauer disk-diffusion method. Following exposure to bee products, susceptibility to antibiotics was reassessed using the same protocol. The MAR index and percentage of strains resistant to each antibiotic were calculated. Results showed a relatively low MAR index in 90% of the strains, with 26.7% showing no resistance, 20% with a MAR index of 0.08, and 43.3% with a MAR index of 0.16. However, 10% of the strains exhibited mild resistance or high resistance (MAR index of 0.25, 0.33, and 0.58), posing risks to animals, caretakers, and the environment. Following exposure to bee products, changes in susceptibility to different antibiotics were observed. The highest number of strains initially classified as resistant and reclassified as sensitive were found for penicillin and tetracycline, followed by sulfamethoxazole, methicillin, and cefoxitin. Changes were more pronounced in strains classified as moderately resistant, with significant differences (p < 0.05-p < 0.001) observed between antibiotics. The findings suggested that honey and propolis could reduce antimicrobial resistance in staphylococci isolated from healthy pigs, thus serving as natural alternatives to antimicrobial treatment for staphylococcal infections.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Apis mellifera L. Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly in Iraqi Kurdistan Region

This study was conducted at a laboratory in the Biology, College of Education, University of Salahaddin, from February to May 2022 to investigate propolis, honey and royal jelly’s chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The honeybee production extract showed that Gram (+) bacteria were more resistant to the antibacterial compounds of honey and propolis than Gram (-) bacteria and fungi. E. coli was a more sensitive isolate than all the other bacteria examined against the honey types tested. At the same time, it revealed more resistance against all types of propolis. Royal jelly with honey displayed more antimicrobial activity than other bee products and exhibited superior activity; the minimum inhibitory concentration of honey and propolis samples ranged from 32 to 512µg/mL. The MIC value of the most effective honey (Honey 1, Honey 2 and Royal jelly) was 32µg/mL. The lowest concentration of Qaladze propolis was (32µg/mL) for E. coli ATCC 25922, followed by 128µg/mL in some other propolis types. Keywords: Apis mellifera; antimicrobial activities; honey; propolis; royal jelly.

Effects of propolis coating on antibacterial resistance of intrauterine devices

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are widely used in preventing fertilization as contracepting devices. In market, they are produced as T-shaped polyethylene (or propylene) and metal (especially copper) composites. Although the metal component is utilized to provide antibacterial efficacy, prolonged implantation and the presence of a wide range of bacteria flora in the intrauterine environment make IUDs susceptible to bacterial contamination, biofilm formation, and unpleasant infection. In the presented study, the propolis, a natural anti-bacterial/-viral product used for different biomedical applications, coating strategy was applied comparatively in three different ways: coating directly on metal components, coating on polymeric material, and using carrying polymer. In addition, antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, E. coli) bacterial strains were investigated by both dynamic bacterial culture (bacterial inhibition activity) and biofilm (biofilm formation resistance) tests. As a result of 48 h of dynamic bacterial culture; it was determined that the antibacterial inhibition efficiency depending on propolis concentration increased up to 99.5% and 98.5% for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. In addition, the carrying polymer allows IUDs to cover surfaces more homogeneously, as well as improve antibacterial activity. Similarly; it was determined that biofilm formation resistance was improved by 44.33% for E. coli and by 45.99% for S. aureus with both the propolis concentration and the use of carrying polymer. As a result, it has been revealed that propolis will be classified as an alternative, promising, and effective coating agent for improving antibacterial properties and biofilm formation resistance of IUDs.

Antioxidant And Anti-Mycotoxin Activities, And Cytotoxicity Properties In Vitro Of Propolis Extracts

Abstract: The present study aims to determine the antioxidant activity and cytotoxic activity of propolis and evaluate the anti-mycotoxin activity of different propolis extracts. The three extracts of propolis (ethyl acetate, ethanol (75%), and water) were subjected to testing of the antioxidant potential, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. determination of the cytotoxicity activity by standard cell culture method against colon and liver and the ability of propolis extracts to control aflatoxin (AF) production. The results revealed that the highest value of antioxidant activities was found for propolis ethyl acetate extract with an average % inhibition of 63.42%. the highest amount of propolis's total phenolic and flavonoid contents using ethyl acetate extract were 149.5 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg extract and 218.1 µg quercetin equivalent/mg extract, respectively. The three propolis extracts affect liver and colon human cell cancer. Ethyl acetate extract of propolis showed the lowest IC50 with the highest anti-cancer activity on the liver cancer cell line. In comparison, water extract showed the lowest IC50 with the greatest anticancer activity on the colon cancer cell line (50 and 54 µg/ml, respectively). Using different concentrations of propolis to reduce AF levels led to the complete disappearance of AF production at 100, 200, and 400 mg/ml concentrations of Ethyl acetate extract against AF production. In conclusion, these obtained findings indicated that propolis extracts exhibited substantial antioxidant and anti-cancer activities.

Anti-MRSA and Biological Activities of Propolis Concentrations Loaded to Chitosan Nanoemulsion for Pharmaceutics Applications.

Propolis is a naturally occurring substance with beneficial properties; bees produce it from various plant sources, and it is an anti-inflammatory and therapeutic resinous substance. This study aimed to enhance the biological features of propolis extract by loading it onto active film. Firstly, extraction was performed using three solvent systems, and their total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity was measured. Propolis ethanol extract (EEP) was evaluated for phenolic fraction content and then chosen to prepare a chitosan-loaded emulsion with several concentrations. The antibacterial, anti-mycotic, and anti-mycotoxigenic properties of the extract and nanoemulsion were assessed. PPE's cytotoxicity and nanoemulsion were evaluated using brine shrimp and cell line assays. Results indicate higher phenolic (322.57 ± 4.28 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoid (257.64 ± 5.27 mg QE/g DW), and antioxidant activity of the EEP. The phenolic fraction is distinguished by 18 phenolic acids with high p-hydroxybenzoic content (171.75 ± 1.64 µg/g) and 12 flavonoid compounds with high pinocembrin and quercetin content (695.91 ± 1.76 and 532.35 ± 1.88 µg/g, respectively). Phenolic acid derivatives (3,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 3,4-Dihydroxyphenol acetate, and di-methoxy cinnamic) are also found. Concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 ng EEP loaded on chitosan nanoemulsion reflect significant antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and toxigenic fungi, particularly Fusarium. Among the four EEP-loaded concentrations, the nanoemulsion with 150 ng showed outstanding features. Using a simulated medium, 150 and 200 ng of EEP-loaded chitosan nanoemulsion concentrations can stop zearalenone production in Fusarium media with complete fungi inhibition. Also, it reduced aflatoxins production in Aspergillus media, with fungal inhibition (up to 47.18%). These results recommended the EEP-chitosan application for pharmaceutics and medical use as a comprehensive wound healing agent.

Extrato de própolis como aditivo alimentar para juvenis de tilápia-do-nilo

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary propolis alcohol extract supplementation on growth performance, digestibility, intestinal morphometry, and physiologic parameters Nile tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) juveniles. For performance experiment and intestinal morphometry, 120 fish averaging 1.41±0.3g were randomly distributed into 24 tanks (70L each) in a closed recirculation water system with constant aeration and biofilter. The animals were distributed into four treatments using a completely randomized design with six replicates per treatment. The treatments consisted of four pellet feeds with different alcohol propolis concentrations extract (AEP) (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5gkg-1). The performance experiment period was conducted for 45 days. For the digestibility experiment, an inert marker in the feed and the adapted Guelph feces collecting system were used. The results showed no differences in the performance parameters, crude protein apparent digestibility and dry matter of the feeds, intestinal morphometry, and physiologic parameters. However, there was an increasing linear effect on the energy digestibility with increasing PAE concentrations in the fish feed. The usage of the propolis extract supplementation levels of 1% is recommended for optimum effect on villus morphometry in Nile tilapia.

Propolis-loaded nanofiber scaffolds based on polyvinyl alcohol and polycaprolactone

Propolis-loaded electrospun nanofibers (PENs) have been regarded as promising candidates for biomedical purposes such as wound healing/dressing owing to their outstanding pharmacological and biological properties. This paper focuses on the development of electrospun nanofibers with optimum levels of propolis (PRP) and two polymer types (polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)). Hence, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the variation of the scaffold characteristics including porosity, average diameter, wettability, release, and tensile strength. For each response, a second-order polynomial model with a high coefficient of determination (R2) values ranging from 0.95 to 0.989 was developed using multiple linear regression analysis. The overall optimum region with the best characteristics was found to be at PCL/6 % PRP and PVA/5 % PRP. After selecting the optimal samples, the cytotoxicity assay showed no toxicity for the optimal concentrations of PRP. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed that no new chemical functional groups were introduced in the PENs. Uniform fibers were found in the optimum samples without the appearance of a bead-like structure in the fibers. In conclusion, nanofibers containing the optimal concentration of PRP with suitable properties can be used in biomedical and tissue engineering.

Anti-Bacterial Activity of Four Distinct Propolis Extracts against P. larvae and M. plutonius; Etiological Agent of American and European Foulbrood Disease of Honeybees.

Four different propolis samples obtained from different regions of Iran were evaluated for their antibacterial effects against the bacterial agents responsible for two important honeybee diseases. Paenibacillus larvae (P. larvae) and Melissococcus plutonius (M. plutonius), as the etiological agents of American foulbrood (AFB) and European foulbrood (EFB) diseases, were subjected to propolis ethanolic extracts in the agar well diffusion assay. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of the antibacterial effects of the samples against the two indicator organisms were determined by the microdilution technique using different concentrations of the propolis extracts. Finally, the synergistic antibacterial actions of the mixed propolis samples were determined, and their MIC and MBC values were recorded. A two-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate correlations among the diameters of the inhibition zones, the bacterial agents, and the propolis extracts. Based on our results, three of the propolis samples showed significant antibacterial effects against P. larvae and M. plutonius during the agar well diffusion assay. Furthermore, the antibacterial capacity of the propolis samples, when mixed in equal proportions, was significantly enhanced, as indicated by the obtained MIC and MBC values. Approximately, 0.02 mg/mL of mixed propolis samples was required for inhibiting the growth of both pathogens. A direct correlation was observed between propolis concentrations and their antibacterial activity. The results of the study are conclusive of the significant antibacterial actions of Iranian propolis samples against the etiological agents of the mentioned honeybee diseases, suggesting their probable use as a safe biological agent to control AFB and EFB diseases.