Sample Of Red Propolis Research Articles

Red Propolis: Chemical and Mid-Infrared Spectroscopic Characterization and Classification by Geographic Origin

In this paper, we report the characterization of Brazilian red propolis from two origins. The commercial value of this product is due to its composition and bioactivity, which depend on geographical factors. Total and individual phenolic, antioxidant, and medium infrared spectroscopic (MIR) characterization of 72 red propolis samples from two origins (Bahia (BA) and Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil) were performed. Samples from RN showed higher concentrations of biomarkers. The BA samples showed higher antioxidant capacity despite having lower concentrations of the red propolis biomarker molecules when compared to the RN samples. The MIRS showed differences regarding the origin. The principal component analysis confirmed the differences, generating well-defined groups. Linear discriminant analysis or discriminant analysis and and partial least squares discriminant analysis showed excellent model performance. The models with MIRS data from raw propolis have a high correct classification rate and require no sample preparation. These findings can affect red propolis production, boosting sustainable extractivism, and changing the reality of small communities.

Supercritical Extraction of Red Propolis: Operational Conditions and Chemical Characterization.

The objective of this study was to determine the best operational conditions for obtaining red propolis extract with high antioxidant potential through supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technology, using carbon dioxide (CO2) as the supercritical fluid and ethanol as the cosolvent. The following parameters were studied: overall extraction curve, S/F (mass of CO2/mass of sample), cosolvent percentage (0, 1, 2 and 4%) and global yield isotherms as a function of different pressures (250, 350 and 450 bar) and temperatures (31.7, 40 and 50 °C). Within the investigated parameters, the best conditions found were an S/F of 131 and the use of ethanol at the highest concentration (4% w/w), which resulted in higher extract yields and higher content of antioxidant compounds. Formononetin, the main biomarker of red propolis, was the compound found at the highest amounts in the extracts. As expected, the temperature and pressure conditions also influenced the process yield, with 350 bar and 40 °C being the best conditions for obtaining bioactive compounds from a sample of red propolis. The novel results for red propolis found in this study show that it is possible to obtain extracts with high antioxidant potential using a clean technology under the defined conditions.

Evaluation of the antioxidant profile and cytotoxic activity of red propolis extracts from different regions of northeastern Brazil obtained by conventional and ultrasound-assisted extraction.

Propolis is a complex mixture of resinous and balsamic material collected from the exudates of plants, shoots, and leaves by bees. This study evaluated red propolis extracts obtained by conventional (ethanolic) extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction of six samples from different regions of northeastern Brazil. The total phenolic compounds and flavonoids, in vitro antioxidant activity, concentration of formononetin and kaempferol and the cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines were determined for all twelve obtained extracts. Significant variations in the levels of the investigated compounds were identified in the red propolis extracts, confirming that the chemical composition varied according to the sampling region. The extraction method used also influenced the resulting propolis compounds. The highest concentration of the compounds of interest and the highest in vitro antioxidant activity were exhibited by the extracts obtained from samples from state of Alagoas. Formononetin and kaempferol were identified in all samples. The highest formononetin concentrations were identified in extracts obtained by ultrasound, thus indicating a greater selectivity for the extraction of this compound by this method. Regarding cytotoxic activity, for the HCT-116 line, all of the extracts showed an inhibition of greater than 90%, whereas for the HL-60 and PC3 lines, the minimum identified was 80%. In general, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the antiproliferative potential when comparing the extraction methods. The results showed that the composition of Brazilian red propolis varies significantly depending on the geographical origin and that the method used influences the resulting compounds that are present in propolis. However, regardless of the geographical origin and the extraction method used, all the red propolis samples studied presented great biological potential and high antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the ultrasound-assisted method can be efficiently applied to obtain extracts of red propolis more quickly and with high concentration of biomarkers of interest.

Antitrypanosomal, antileishmanial and cytotoxic activities of Brazilian red propolis and plant resin of Dalbergia ecastaphyllum (L) Taub

The treatment for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease can be hard and painful, such that many patients give up on the treatment. In order to find an alternative path for the treatment of these diseases, researchers are using natural products to fight these parasites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiprotozoan and cytotoxic activities of red propolis samples collected from different Brazilian states and seasons whilst searching for possible activity differences. We also compared the red propolis results with the ones obtained for the plant resin extract collected from Dalbergia ecastaphyllum trees. The hydroethanolic red propolis extracts from Pernambuco and Alagoas, and the D. ecastaphyllum resin were evaluated regarding their antileishmanial, antitrypanosomal and cytotoxic activity. All extracts showed antiprotozoan and cytotoxic activity. RP-PER showed to be more cytotoxic against protozoan parasites and fibroblast cells. All propolis extracts showed a higher cytotoxic activity when compared to resin extracts. The propolis sample collected in Pernambuco during the rainy season killed the parasites with lower concentrations than the sample collected in the dry season. The IC50 observed against the parasites could be used without high fibroblast cell damage.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and cytotoxic properties of various Brazilian propolis extracts.

Propolis is known for its biological properties and its preparations have been continuously investigated in an attempt to solve the problem of their standardization, an issue that limits the use of propolis in food and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and cytotoxic effects of extracts of red, green, and brown propolis from different regions of Brazil, obtained by ethanolic and supercritical extraction methods. We found that propolis extracts obtained by both these methods showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. The extracts obtained by ethanolic extraction showed higher antioxidant activity than that shown by the extracts obtained by supercritical extraction. Ethanolic extracts of red propolis exhibited up to 98% of the maximum antioxidant activity at the highest extract concentration. Red propolis extracts obtained by ethanolic and supercritical methods showed the highest levels of antimicrobial activity against several bacteria. Most extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. None of the extracts analyzed showed activity against Escherichia coli or Candida albicans. An inhibitory effect of all tested ethanolic extracts on the growth of Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain epimastigotes was observed in the first 24 h. However, after 96 h, a persistent inhibitory effect was detected only for red propolis samples. Only ethanolic extracts of red propolis samples R01Et.B2 and R02Et.B2 showed a cytotoxic effect against all four cancer cell lines tested (HL-60, HCT-116, OVCAR-8, and SF-295), indicating that red propolis extracts have great cytotoxic potential. The biological effects of ethanolic extracts of red propolis revealed in the present study suggest that red propolis can be a potential alternative therapeutic treatment against Chagas disease and some types of cancer, although high activity of red propolis in vitro needs to be confirmed by future in vivo investigations.

Chemical markers and antifungal activity of red propolis from Sergipe, Brazil

The aim of this study was to analyze the physicochemical properties and antifungal activities of the red propolis samples from Sergipe, Brazil, and also evaluate their variability throughout the year. The characterization of the hydroalcoholic extract (HPE) of the red propolis samples was performed monthly from October 2009 to September 2010. The concentrations of the bioactive compounds varied during the year, but their chromatographic profiles were similar. Four compounds were identified by comparison with authentic standards. Formononetin was one of the predominant compounds in all propolis extracts. In our study, it was observed that all the propolis samples inhibited the growth of Candida species. Multivariate analysis confirmed the variations in chemical composition and color of the HPEs throughout the year. The biological activities of the HPEs were statistically significant (p<0.05), and all samples exhibited antifungal properties.

Botanical Origin of the Brazilian Red Propolis: a New Approach Using DNA analysis

Abstract Propolis is produced by the honeybees by using resin and other plant secretions. Propolis from different geographical regions have different chemical compositions. This is because the chemical constituents of propolis depend on the vegetation surrounding the apiary. In this report we present a new approach using DNA barcoding for the identification of the botanical origin of propolis. Red propolis samples were collected at different times of the year from the state of Sergipe situated in Northeast Brazil. Extraction of the DNA from propolis was made using a CTA B method. Amplification was done using ITS 2 universal primers, followed by DNA sequencing. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of Dalbergia ecastaphyllum in the Brazilian red propolis. Formononetin is a chemical marker for the Brazillian red propolis and D. ecastaphyllum. Propolis samples analysed by DNA sequencing, were also checked by Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography for the presence of formononetin. Peaks corresponding to formononetin were observed in all the analysed propolis samples. This is the first report of the botanical origin of propolis using DNA technology.

Estudo da ação antibacteriana do extrato hidroalcoólico de própolis vermelha sobre Enterococcus faecalis

Introdução: A própolis é uma substância resinosa e complexa; produzida pelas abelhas, destaca-se por suas propriedades terapêuticas, como atividade antimicrobiana, anti-inflamatória e cicatrizante. Poucos trabalhos existem sobre a variedade de própolis vermelha, encontrada no Estado de Sergipe. Objetivo: Avaliar a ação antimicrobiana do extrato de própolis vermelha, coletada na região nordeste do Estado de Sergipe, contra cepas de Enterococcus faecalis. Material e método: As amostras de própolis vermelha foram coletadas em Brejo Grande-SE, Brasil, e identificadas segundo suas características sensoriais, a granulometria e requisitos físico-químicos. O teor de flavonoides no extrato seco foi determinado. Soluções de própolis vermelha (EEP) foram preparadas nas concentrações de 1%; 2,5%; 5% e 7,5%. A cepa bacteriana de referência utilizada foi Enterococcus faecalis – ATCC 29212. A atividade antibacteriana foi verificada por meio de testes in vitro (teste de difusão em disco e determinação da concentração bactericida mínima – CBM) e ex vivo (utilizando dentes humanos extraídos). No teste ex vivo, os dentes contaminados foram divididos em três grupos com dez dentes cada. O grupo 1 foi tratado com própolis a 7,5% (concentração determinada no teste CBM); o grupo 2 foi tratado como controle positivo, com solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 2,5%, e o grupo 3 foi utilizado como controle negativo, sendo tratado apenas com solução salina NaCl 0,9%. Resultado: O extrato de própolis promoveu halo de inibição comparado ao da solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 2,5%, variando entre 12 e 16 mm. Não houve crescimento bacteriano após irrigação do conduto radicular com a solução de EEP a 7,5%. Conclusão: A própolis coletada apresentou médio teor de flavonoides (1,8%) e características físico-químicas coerentes com as exigidas pelo Ministério da Agricultura. Na concentração de 7,5% de própolis vermelha, foi observado um maior potencial antibacteriano quando comparado aos demais grupos.

Cuban and Brazilian Red Propolis: Botanical Origin and Comparative Analysis by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Photodiode Array Detection/Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Chemical composition of propolis depends on the specificity of the local flora at the site of collection and thus on the geographic and climatic characteristics of this place. This paper describes a comparative analysis of Cuban red propolis (CRP), Brazilian red propolis (BRP), and Dalbergia ecastophyllum exudates (DEE) by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection and tandem mass spectrometry. The aim of this study was to investigate the overall chemical profile and the botanical origin of red propolis and to suggest similarities and differences between samples collected in different tropical regions. Isoliquiritigenin (1), liquiritigenin and naringenin (2 and 17), isoflavones (3-4 and 16), isoflavans (5-7 and 18), and pterocarpans (8-13) were detected in CRP, BRP, and DEE, whereas polyisoprenylated benzophenones (PPBs) guttiferone E/xanthochymol (14a,b) and oblongifolin A (15) were detected only in BRP. Pigments responsible for the red color of DEE and red propolis were also identified as two C30 isoflavans, the new retusapurpurin B (19) and retusapurpurin A (20). PPBs and pigments were isolated and unambiguously characterized by 1D and 2D NMR analysis. These results show that red propolis samples from different tropical zones have a similar chemical composition. DEE is the main red propolis source, but the presence of PPBs in BRP suggests the contribution of different botanical sources for Brazilian samples. This chemical information is important for quality control of red propolis and its commercial products and for biological study.

Brazilian red propolis: unreported substances, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of a sample of red propolis from the state of Alagoas (northeast Brazil) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were also obtained. The propolis sample contained low content of narigenin-8-C-hexoside, this being the first report of a C-glycoside in propolis. The main constituent found was characterized as 3,4,2',3'-tetrahydroxychalcone. Other important constituents were the chalcone isoliquiritigenin, the isoflavans (3S)-vestitol, (3S)-7-O-methylvestitol, the pterocarpan medicarpin, the phenylpropenes trans-anethol, methyl eugenol, elimicin, methoxyeugenol and cis-asarone, and the triterpenic alcohols lupeol and α- and β- amyrins. The methanol extract exhibited high antioxidant activities by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and β-carotene/linoleic acid assay methods, and antimicrobial activity toward Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Structures are suggested for new substances never before seen in any kind of propolis. This is the first report of 3,4,2',3'-tetrahydroxychalcone and a flavone C-glycoside in a propolis sample.

Composição fenólica, atividade antibacteriana e antioxidante da própolis vermelha brasileira

Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources. It has a complex chemical composition, constituted by various phenolic compounds. Extracts of increasing polarity (n-hexane, chloroform, and ethanol) were obtained from a sample of red propolis from the state of Alagoas. Assays were carried out for determination of contents of phenolics, along with antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The EEP, fractions and sub-fractions showed strong biological activities and were related with phenolic the content compounds contents. The sub-fractions were more bioactive than the EEP and fractions, demonstrating that the antioxidant and antibacterial activities are not a result of synergistic effect between the various chemical compounds in propolis.

Palynological analysis of Brazilian red propolis samples

SummarySeven samples of Brazilan red propolis were analyzed using palynological methods. The samples originated from the northeastern coastal region of Brazil; three from Alagoas, three from Bahia and one from the Paraíba state. Glandular trichomes were absent in the red propolis, as were sand, earth, quartz and starch grains that normally occur in geopropolis. The presence of pollen grains of Schinus (“aroeira”) was considered characteristic in the red propolis sediments. The quantity of pollen grains of Protium (Burseraceae), another possible resinous plant taxon, was very small when compared with that of Schinus. This tree also occurs beyond the intertide mangrove vegetation. The three characteristic pollen types of mangrove vegetation, Rhizophora, Laguncularia and Avicennia, were recognized only in one sample from Bahia. Pollen grains of Dalbergia ecastophyllum, another red-resinous plant species occurring in the coastal areas of Alagoas, were not detected in the sediment of the propolis samples. Cocos pollen grains were frequent. The palynological analysis was therefore confirmed by the multivariate analysis. The red propolis may be related mainly to resin of Schinus in the studied samples.