Types Of Propolis Research Articles

Chemical characteristics of poplar type propolis of different geographic origin

Validated spectrophotometric procedures were used to quantify three main groups of bioactive substances (phenolics, flavones/flavonols, flavanones/dihydroflavonols) in 114 samples of poplar-type propolis from different geographic origins. From the results, we characterized raw poplar propolis in terms of minimum content of its bioactive components (antimicrobial and antioxidant) as follows: 45% resin, 21 % total phenolics, 4% total flavones/flavonols; 4% total flavanones/dihydroflavonols, and a maximum Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against S. aureus of 250 μg/mL. A significant negative correlation was observed between the amount of total phenolics and MIC. The results indicate that measuring the concentrations of groups of active compounds, rather than individual components, is an appropriate approach in developing quality standards for propolis.

Própolis do sudeste e nordeste do Brasil: influência da sazonalidade na atividade antibacteriana e composição fenólica

The composition and biological activities of propolis, a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources, depends on various factors such as season and vegetation of the area. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the seasonal effect on the ethanolic extracts of Brazilian propolis (EEP) type 6 and type 12, collected during 6 months in terms of antibacterial activity and phenolic composition. The antimicrobial properties were evaluated by MIC and MBC on S. mutans Ingbritt 1600 and the profile of chemical composition by UV-visible spectrophotometry, HPLC-RF and GC-MS. The results demonstrated that the season in which propolis is collected influences its chemical composition, resulting in modifications in its antibacterial activity.

Chemical composition of propolis from Canada, its antiradical activity and plant origin

The chemical composition of propolis from two regions in Canada was studied: Boreal forest and Pacific coastal forest that lay outside the area of distribution of Aigeiros poplars, the usual propolis source plants. In the sample from Victoria, p-hydroxyacetophenone, benzyl hydroxybenzoate and cinnamic acid were the major components, accompanied by significant amounts of dihydrochalcones, which allowed the identification of its plant source: Populus trichocarpa of Section Tacamahaca. Three dihydrochalcones were new for propolis. The sample from Richmond was characterized by large amounts of p-coumaric and cinnamic acid, typical for poplars of Section Leuce, subsection Trepidae, its plant source was identified as P. tremuloides. Both samples showed good radical scavenging activity against DPPH. Obviously, Northern type propolis is a promising potential source of biologically active substances and deserves further investigation.

Bioactive Constituents of Brazilian Red Propolis

In a new propolis type, red Brazilian propolis, 14 compounds were identified (six of them new for propolis), among them simple phenolics, triterepenoids, isoflavonoids, prenylated benzophenones and a naphthoquinone epoxide (isolated for the first time from a natural source). Three of the major components demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, and two (obtained as inseparable mixture) possessed radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH).

Chemical composition of propolis from Canada, its antiradical activity and plant origin

The chemical composition of propolis from two regions in Canada was studied: Boreal forest and the Pacific coastal forest that lie outside the area of distribution of Aigeiros poplars, the usual propolis source plants. In the sample from Victoria, p-hydroxyacetophenone, benzyl hydroxybenzoate and cinnamic acid were the major components, accompanied by significant amounts of dihydrochalcones, which allowed the identification of its plant source: Populus trichocarpa of section Tacamahaca. Three dihydrochalcones were new for propolis. The sample from Richmond was characterized by large amounts of p-coumaric and cinnamic acid, typical for poplars of section Leuce, subsection Trepidae, its plant source was identified as P. tremuloides. Both samples showed a good radical scavenging activity against DPPH. Obviously, the Northern type propolis is a promising potential source of biologically active substances and deserves further investigation.

The influence of a novel propolis on mutans streptococci biofilms and caries development in rats

A flavonoids-free Brazilian propolis (type 6) showed biological effects against mutans streptococci and inhibited the activity of glucosyltransferases. This study evaluated the influence of the ethanolic extract of a novel type of propolis (EEP) and its purified hexane fraction (EEH) on mutans streptococci biofilms and the development of dental caries in rats. The chemical composition of the propolis extracts were examined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The effects of EEP and EEH on Streptococcus mutans UA159 and Streptococcus sobrinus 6715 biofilms were analysed by time-kill and glycolytic pH drop assays. Their influence on proton-translocating F-ATPase activity was also tested. In the animal study, the rats were infected with S. sobrinus 6715 and fed with cariogenic diet 2000. The rats were treated topically twice a day with each of the extracts (or control) for 5 weeks. After the experimental period, the microbial composition of their dental plaque and their caries scores were determined. The results showed that fatty acids (oleic, palmitic, linoleic and stearic) were the main compounds identified in EEP and EEH. These extracts did not show major effects on the viability of mutans streptococci biofilms. However, EEP and EEH significantly reduced acid production by the biofilms and also inhibited the activity of F-ATPase (60-65%). Furthermore, both extracts significantly reduced the incidence of smooth surface caries in vivo without displaying a reduction of the percentage of S. sobriuns in the animals' plaque (P < 0.05). However, only EEH was able to reduce the incidence and severity of sulcal surface caries (P < 0.05). The data suggest that the cariostatic properties of propolis type 6 are related to its effect on acid production and acid tolerance of cariogenic streptococci; the biological activities may be attributed to its high content of fatty acids.

Chemical diversity of propolis and the problem of standardization

Chemical variability of propolis is discussed with respect to the problem of standardization. Several chemical types of propolis are formulated, based on their plant source. Reliable criteria for chemical standardization of different propolis types are needed but such generally accepted criteria do not yet exist. The chemical profile of “poplar” propolis, typical for the temperate zone, can be characterized by the following parameters: total flavone and flavonol content, total flavanone and dihydroflavonol content, and total phenolics content. These parameters correlate better with the biological activity and are more informative that the quantification of individual components. There is still a lot of work to be done to achieve standardization of other propolis types. Working with standardized material will allow scientists to connect a particular chemical propolis type to a specific type of biological activity and formulate recommendations for mainstream practitioners.

In vitro and in vivo effects of isolated fractions of Brazilian propolis on caries development

Recently, two chemically different types of Brazilian propolis (type-3 and -12) were shown to have cariostatic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of their isolated fractions on mutans streptococci viability, glucosyltransferases (GTFs) activity and caries development in rats. The ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEPs) were serially fractionated into hexane (H-fr), chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. The ability of the four fractions and EEP to inhibit Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus growth and adherence to a glass surface was examined. The effect on GTFs B and C activity was also determined. For the caries study, 60 Wistar rats infected with Streptococcus sobrinus were treated topically twice daily as follows: (1) EEP type-3, (2) H-fr type-3, (3) EEP type-12, (4) H-fr type-12, and (5) control. In general, the H-fr from both types of propolis showed the highest antibacterial activity and GTFs inhibition. Furthermore, the EEP and H-fr type-3 and -12 were equally effective in reducing dental caries in rats. The data suggest that the putative cariostatic compounds of propolis type-3 and -12 are mostly non-polar; and H-fr should be the fraction of choice for identifying further potentially novel anti-caries agents.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of propolis collected by three different races of honeybees in the same region

The chemical analysis and antibacterial activity of three types of propolis collected three different races of Apis mellifera bee in the same apiary were investigated. Propolis samples were investigated by GC/MS, 48 compounds were identified 32 being new for propolis. The compounds identified indicated that the main plant sources of propolis were Populus alba, Populus tremuloides and Salix alba. The antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans was evaluated. Ethanolic extracts of propolis samples showed high antibacterial activity against Gram-positive cocci ( Staphylococcus aureus), but had a weak activity against Gram-negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and yeast ( Candida albicans). Propolis sample collected by Apis mellifera caucasica showed a higher antibacterial activity than collected by Apis mellifera anatolica and Apis mellifera carnica.

Recent trends and important developments in propolis research.

The newest developments in propolis pharmacological research are summarized. The problem regarding biological studies, caused by the chemical variability of propolis, is discussed. The most important trends and developments in recent propolis research are outlined: biological studies performed with chemically characterized samples, bioassay-guided studies of active principles and comparative biological studies of propolis of different origin and chemical composition. These types of studies are extremely valuable with respect to propolis standardization and practical applications in therapy. They will allow scientists to connect a particular chemical propolis type to a specific type of biological activity and formulate recommendations for practitioners.

Microbiological and calorimetric investigations on the antimicrobial actions of different propolis extracts: an in vitro approach

The antibacterial action of three different types of propolis extracts: (i) water-extracted propolis (WEP), (ii) propolis volatiles (PV), and (iii) ethanol-extracted propolis (EEP) were investigated by flow microcalorimetry coupled with polarography, and by Petri dish bioassay methods. The water-extracted propolis solution had the weakest antibacterial and antifungal action, compared to the other two extracts, which showed effects nearly similar to each other. Filamentous fungi were generally less sensitive to propolis than bacteria and yeasts, regardless of the type or concentration of propolis. Propolis displayed both bacteriostatic and bactericidal actions depending on the concentration, type of propolis, and type of bacteria tested. The Gram negative bacterium E. coli was insensitive to most treatments, and higher concentrations of propolis were required to achieve bactericidal effects. Treatments of bacteria with weak propolis concentrations caused a decrease in the calorimetric power-time ( p– t) curves to lower levels, at which the curves remained for the rest of the experimental period, decreased to the baseline with the course of time, or revived after some time and attained peaks. The treatment with strong concentrations, however, caused the curves to descend to the baseline immediately.

Validated methods for the quantification of biologically active constituents of poplar-type propolis.

The validation of rapid, low-cost spectrophotometric procedures for the quantification of the three main groups of bioactive substances (flavones and flavonols, flavanones and dihydroflavonols, and total phenolics) in poplar-type propolis has been performed. A spectrophotometric assay based on the formation of an aluminium chloride complex was applied for the quantification of total flavones and flavonols using galangin as standard. Because of the high amount of flavanones and dihydroflavonols in "poplar type" propolis, the introduction of a distinct procedure for their quantification was considered of special significance and the DAB9 colorimetric method was applied for the purpose. Total phenolic content was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure using a mixture of pinocembrin and galangin as a reference. The procedures were validated using a model mixture of compounds representing the poplar-type propolis composition as found in previous studies. The accuracy (recovery) varied in the range 84-109%, and the relative standard deviation was 0.5-6.2%. The developed spectrophotometric procedures were applied to six poplar type propolis samples. The results were verified independently by a HPLC procedure. The two sets of results agreed satisfactory, as proven by Student's t-test.

The Effects of Propolis on Exercise Induced Oxidative Stress

1171 The propolis of honeybee hives has long been used in folk medicine. Recent studies show propolis exhibits a broad spectrum of activities such as antibiotic, antiinflammatory, antifrugal, and antitumorigenic properties. Along with these activities, antioxidative effects of propolis and its components have also been studied in vitro. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of propolis supplementation on antioxidative system to oxidative stress induced by maximal graded aerobic exercise. METHODS: In this study, a randomized double-blind design were used. In the experimental group, 17 subjects (38.4 ± 10.1yrs) took soft capsule type propolis (800mg/day, Bid) for 2 weeks. In the control group, 17 subjects (n = 17, 38.4 ± 10.1 yrs) received the placebo. 5ml blood samples were taken by intravenous during the resting state, 1min after maximal treadmill exercise (bruce protocol) and 30min later. after recovery. We examined the concentration of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), the percentage of DPPH degradation, and acitivities of superoxide dismutase (SOD). RESULTS: In the propolis group, the MDA levels had decreased at resting level after treatment (3.22 ± 1.58 vs. 2.76 ± 1.91nmol/dl) compared to the control group (3.98 ± 2.28 vs. 4.26 ± 2.24nmol/ml, P<0.05). The rate of decrease was also higher 1min (12% vs, −13%, P<0.05) and 30min (17% vs, −25%, p<0.05) after exercise in the propolis group, even though there was no significant differences between the groups. There was no marked significant difference in the percentage of DPPH degradation between the groups, but in the control group, there was significant differences between pre and post values 30min upon completion of exercise (20.92 ± 4.16 vs, 16.92 ± 7.36%, p<0.05). It means that the propolis could retard the degradation rate of the scavenging activities of the DPPH. There were a lot of variation in the SOD level during our study. So we could not detect the trend. CONCLUSIONS: We found that Propolis could help the antioxidant system at postexercise specially MDA level and the scavenging activities of the DPPH. But we couldn't determine the SOD level. Therefore, further study should be continued to evaluate our results

Identification of metabolites in plasma and urine of Uruguayan propolis-treated rats.

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from various plant sources. It is extensively used in food and beverages to improve health and prevent diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. To investigate the absorption and metabolism of the components in propolis, in the present study, we administered ethanol extracts of Uruguayan propolis (poplar type propolis) orally to rats and analyzed their plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array and mass spectrometric detection. After deconjugation of the components by beta-glucuronidase/sulfatase treatment of the specimen, pinobanksin 5-methyl ether, pinobanksin, kaempferol, chrysin, pinocembrin, and galangin were detected in plasma of rats orally administered propolis. These compounds were detected also in urine after beta-glucuronidase/sulfatase treatment. Furthermore, pinobanksin 5-methyl ether, pinobanksin, chrysin, pinocembrin, and galangin were present in the urine also in free form. These results suggest that flavonoids in propolis are metabolized and circulate in the body after oral administration of propolis.

Effect of a novel type of propolis and its chemical fractions on glucosyltransferases and on growth and adherence of mutans streptococci.

Flavonoids have been considered the main biologically active components in propolis. However, a new variety of flavonoid-free propolis was recently found and chemically classified as type 6. Because it showed activity against oral microorganisms, this study evaluated the effects of the crude ethanolic extract of this propolis and its chemical fractions on the activity of purified glucosyltransferases (GTFs) and on the growth and adherence of mutans streptococci. The inhibitory effect of propolis extracts on GTF activities was determined either in solution or adsorbed onto saliva-coated hydroxyapatite. Streptococcus mutans Ingbritt 1600, Streptococcus sobrinus 6715, and two clinical isolates of each species were used for antibacterial assays. Susceptibilities to the test extracts were analyzed using the agar diffusion method and by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC); the effect on bacterial adherence to a glass surface was also assessed. The activity of GTFs in solution was effectively inhibited by the ethanolic extract of propolis type 6 (EEP) (>80% inhibition at 0.5 mg/ml), hexane, and chloroform fractions (60-90% inhibition at 100 microg/ml); their inhibitory effects on surface enzymes were less pronounced. The EEP, hexane, and chloroform fractions also showed significant antibacterial activity. The data showed that propolis type 6 remarkably reduced GTF activity and inhibited mutans streptococci growth and adherence; these biological activities are associated with its nonpolar components.

Investigation of Flavonoid Aglycones in Propolis Collected by Two Different Varieties of Bees in the Same Region

The quality and quantity of flavonoids from two types of propolis collected by two different varieties of Apis mellifera bee in the same region were investigated. There was found a remarkable quantitative and qualitative difference of flavonoids in propolis. These results indicate that the chemical composition of propolis was dependent on the variety of the bee.

Scavenging action of propolis extract against oxygen radicals

The ethanolic extracts of two types of cuban propolis (R and P) showed a similar manner of scavenging action against different species of oxygen radicals which were generated by specific chemical reactions. Chemiluminescence produced by Superoxide generated from the xanthine-xanthine oxidase reaction was 50% inhibited by approximately 5 μg ml of propolis R and 9.5 μg ml of propolis P and by catechin (0.15 μg/ml) and Superoxide dismutase (72 ng ml ). Alkoxy radical scavenging effect was similar to that produced by 0.11 μg/ml of α-tocopherol: inhibition of Chemiluminescence by 50% was caused by approximately 0.6 μg/ml of both propolis preparations. The results indicate that the antioxidative properties of both propolis could be attributed to their free radical scavenging activity against alkoxy radicals and to a lesser degree against Superoxide.

Effect of CDP-choline on cognition and immune function in Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia

The present study aimed to investigate the metabolic profile, as well as the antioxidant and anti-ageing activities of twenty propolis samples from different regions of Greece. Chemical profiling of methanolic extracts was investigated using HPTLC and 1H-NMR techniques. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by free radical scavenging methods (DPPH and ABTS), whereas anti-ageing properties were assessed as anti-collagenase activity. Extracts were also investigated in vitro for their ability to inhibit tyrosinase, which is responsible for the oxidation of L-DOPA to dopachrome and the production of melanin. The HPTLC and NMR analysis revealed high variability in the phytochemical profile of the methanolic extracts, with three major groups to be observed: a) Group I, consisting of samples rich in terpenoids, which present low antioxidant but high anti-tyrosinase activity, b) Group II, consisting of samples rich in flavonoids, which form a broad cluster with major similarities at the aromatic region and showed the highest anti-oxidant and anti-collagenase activities and c) Group III, consisting of samples with lower flavonoid content than the samples of Group II, which exhibited moderate antioxidant, anti-collagenase and anti-tyrosinase activities.In conclusion, this study has shown high differentiation on the chromatographic and spectroscopic metabolic profile of Greek propolis samples of different geographical origin, which is also reflected in their biological properties. Their important effects as antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and anti-collagenase agents make propolis an important potent ingredient in the industry of food supplements and cosmeceuticals. Moreover, a correlation of a particular chemical propolis type to a specific type of biological activity will allow to prepare standardized extracts and develop food supplements and cosmeceuticals possessing the desired pharmacological properties.