Types Of Propolis Research Articles

COMPARISON BETWEEN IRAQI AND EUROPEAN ETHER EXTRACT OF PROPOLIS ON STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM MINCED MEAT

This study was conducted for isolation and identification of staphylococcus aureus from minced meat and evaluation of sensitivity of these strains to antibiotics. Also, this study aimed to assess the activity of Iraqi ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) against S.aureus compared to European ethanol extract of propolis at 10%, 15%. 20% and 30% to both types of propolis. Thirteen samples of minced meat revealed positive results for isolation of S.aureus with a ratio of (21%). Iraqi EEP showed antibacterial activity against S.aureus at 3 µg with average of inhibition zone 18.84±0.256 compared to European EEP which gave inhibition zone against the growth of S.aureus 12.84±0.354 at same concentration. Other concentration of EEP gave low sensitivity against S. aureus strains which mean that Iraqi EEP have a high activity against these strains related to flavonoides and phenols activity presented in Iraqi EEP. All strains of S.aureus isolated from minced meat showed high sensitivity to Cephtriaxon at 10 µg while all of them showed high resistance to Methacillin, Gentamycin and Penicillin at 10 µg concentration.

Profiling and classification of French propolis by combined multivariate data analysis of planar chromatograms and scanning direct analysis in real time mass spectra

Quality control of propolis is challenging, as it is a complex natural mixture of compounds, and thus, very difficult to analyze and standardize. Shown on the example of 30 French propolis samples, a strategy for an improved quality control was demonstrated in which high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprints were evaluated in combination with selected mass signals obtained by desorption-based scanning mass spectrometry (MS). The French propolis sample extracts were separated by a newly developed reversed phase (RP)-HPTLC method. The fingerprints obtained by two different detection modes, i.e. after (1) derivatization and fluorescence detection (FLD) at UV 366nm and (2) scanning direct analysis in real time (DART)-MS, were analyzed by multivariate data analysis. Thus, RP-HPTLC-FLD and RP-HPTLC-DART-MS fingerprints were explored and the best classification was obtained using both methods in combination with pattern recognition techniques, such as principal component analysis. All investigated French propolis samples were divided in two types and characteristic patterns were observed. Phenolic compounds such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, chrysin, pinobanksin, pinobanksin-3-acetate, galangin, kaempferol, tectochrysin and pinocembrin were identified as characteristic marker compounds of French propolis samples. This study expanded the research on the European poplar type of propolis and confirmed the presence of two botanically different types of propolis, known as the blue and orange types.

In vivo evaluation of mutagenic and recombinagenic activities of Brazilian propolis

Propolis is a resinous, complex mixture of compounds collected by the bee species Apis mellifera. This study investigated the genotoxicity of green and brown propolis collected in southeast Brazil using the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) in Drosophila melanogaster. The effect of five concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 7.5 mg/mL) of both propolis types was analyzed in standard (ST) and high-bioactivation (HB) crosses, which have normal and high levels of cytochrome P450 enzymes, respectively. The results show that the types of propolis evaluated have no mutagenic action, in either cross. Moreover, chromatography findings revealed that the propolis types analyzed have different chemical compositions. Brown propolis had lower levels of polyphenols (∼7.2 mg/mL), compared to the green type (34.9 mg/g). Taken together, the findings of the present study and literature reports point to the safety in consuming low amounts of propolis, considering the risk of genetic damage, and confirm the absence of mutagenic and recombinagenic actions of the propolis types investigated.

Antimicrobial Activity of Serbian Propolis Evaluated by Means of MIC, HPTLC, Bioautography and Chemometrics.

New information has come to light about the biological activity of propolis and the quality of natural products which requires a rapid and reliable assessment method such as High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting. This study investigates chromatographic and chemometric approaches for determining the antimicrobial activity of propolis of Serbian origin against various bacterial species. A linear multivariate calibration technique, using Partial Least Squares, was used to extract the relevant information from the chromatographic fingerprints, i.e. to indicate peaks which represent phenolic compounds that are potentially responsible for the antimicrobial capacity of the samples. In addition, direct bioautography was performed to localize the antibacterial activity on chromatograms. The biological activity of the propolis samples against various bacterial species was determined by a minimum inhibitory concentration assay, confirming their affiliation with the European poplar type of propolis and revealing the existence of two types (blue and orange) according to botanical origin. The strongest antibacterial activity was exhibited by sample 26 against Staphylococcus aureus, with a MIC value of 0.5 mg/mL, and Listeria monocytogenes, with a MIC as low as 0.1 mg/mL, which was also the lowest effective concentration observed in our study. Generally, the orange type of propolis shows higher antimicrobial activity compared to the blue type. PLS modelling was performed on the HPTLC data set and the resulting models might qualitatively indicate compounds that play an important role in the activity exhibited by the propolis samples. The most relevant peaks influencing the antimicrobial activity of propolis against all bacterial strains were phenolic compounds at RF values of 0.37, 0.40, 0.45, 0.51, 0.60 and 0.70. The knowledge gained through this study could be important for attributing the antimicrobial activity of propolis to specific chemical compounds, as well as the verification of HPTLC fingerprinting as a reliable method for the identification of compounds that are potentially responsible for antimicrobial activity. This is the first report on the activity of Serbian propolis as determined by several combined methods, including the modelling of antimicrobial activity by HPTLC fingerprinting.

PROPOLIS AS A NATURAL FEED ADDITIVE IN RUMINANT DIETS; CAN PROPOLIS AFFECT THE RUMINANTS PERFORMANCE?: A REVIEW

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from buds and leaves of trees and plants, mixing with pollen as well as enzymes secreted by bees. Propolis is known to be active against gram positive bacteria, viruses, fungi, oxidants, inflammation, tumors, and parasites thus recently it have been considered among the natural feed alternative to antibiotics in ruminant diets. Propolis extracts were found to have a promising effect on decreasing energy lost as methane and total N losses, the most significant inefficiencies remaining in ruminant production systems that may limit production performance and contribute to the release of pollutants to the environment. However, these effects are divers among propolis types. In vitro, however alamo and green propolis were extracted with the same method, but alamo propolis presented a higher efficiency to reduce methane production than the green one and both of them had no effect on ammonia concentrations, gas production and ruminal degradability. Red and brown propolis extracted similarly had very different compositions and seemed to act in a similar way in modifying the ruminal degradation of nutrients and mitigating methane formation. In vivo studies involving ruminant metabolism, divers' effects of different propolis samples have been found on the total digestibility, ruminal digestibility, intestinal digestibility. However, similar effects were observed with the different propolis studies on reducing ammonia production and the number of ruminal ciliate protozoa in buffaloes and dairy cows, as well as in in viro trails. The inhibitory activity of different propolis samples were observed on both mature and immature hepatic worms, and intestinal eggs. Red propolis had good impact on general ewe health during critical periods such as flushing and found to have high efficacy against the gastro intestinal helminthiasis. Similar findings in growth performance in a study on feedlot lambs fed a diet supplemented with brown propolis, but the green propolis was not efficient. Often, in most studies, the type or the chemical composition of the propolis is not even specified in publications. The biological activity of propolis may vary, together with its chemical composition, as it comprises numerous constituents together with the method of extraction and concentrations of the solvent and propolis. Thus in order to ensure the propolis quality as feed additive and to be officially accepted by major health agencies, propolis requires a chemical standardization and identify the active component(s) of propolis and subsequently analyze these in commercial batches.

ChemInform Abstract: A Pharmacological Perspective on the Use of Brazilian Red Propolis and Its Isolated Compounds Against Human Diseases

AbstractReview: 84 refs.

Chemical composition and antifungal potential of Brazilian propolis against Candida spp.

Propolis is known to have biological properties against numerous microorganisms of clinical interest. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and antifungal activity of Brazilian propolis (types 3 and 13) against Candida spp. and their effects on the morphology of preformed and mature Candida biofilms. Samples of propolis (3 and 13) collected by Apis mellifera honeybees were obtained from different regions in Brazil. Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared, fractionated and submitted to chemical analysis by GC/MS. The extracts and their hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were tested for their ability to inhibit Candida spp. (C.albicans, C.dubliniensis, C.glabrata, C.kruzei, C.tropicalis and C.parapsilosis) by determination of the minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC/MFC). Additionally, their effects on morphology of preformed and mature biofilms were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The phenolic compounds p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), kaempferol and quercetin were identified in the EEP-3 and its bioactive dichloromethane fraction; and isoflavonoids such as medicarpin, vestitol and formononetin were found in the EEP-13, and triterpenes in its bioactive hexane fraction. The EEP-3 and EEP-13 and their bioactive fractions showed MIC values ranging from 0.2 to 125μg/mL and MFC values between 125 and 500μg/mL. The EEP and fractions were predominantly fungistatic agents. All extracts and fractions disrupted biofilm structures at 500μg/mL and amorphous areas with cell damage were clearly observed in preformed and mature biofilms. Propolis types 3 and 13 have strong anti-Candida activity and should be considered as promising candidates to treat oral and systemic candidiasis.

Evaluation of the genotoxicity/mutagenicity and antigenotoxicity/antimutagenicity induced by propolis and Baccharis dracunculifolia, by in vitro study with HTC cells

The ethanolic extract of propolis, especially the Brazilian green type, is widely and mainly used for therapeutic purposes despite the lack of knowledge about its effects and its cellular mode of action. This type of propolis, derived from Baccharis dracunculifolia (alecrim-do-campo), has been extensively commercialized and the consumers use it to enhance health. This work aimed to assess the genotoxic/mutagenic and antigenotoxic/antimutagenic potentials of the ethanolic extracts of Brazilian green propolis and of B. dracunculifolia, on mammalian cells. It was not observed genotoxic and mutagenic effects by both extracts. After evaluate the exposure of the cells to each extract with a recognized mutagen, simultaneously, the results showed a significant reduction on DNA damage. The experiment carried out with a pre-incubation period was more effective than without incubation test, showing that the tested extracts were able to inactivate the mutagen before it could react with the DNA.

Discovery of a Novel Diterpene in Brown Propolis from the State of Parana, Brazil

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from certain plant sources. The components of propolis depend on the vegetation of the area in which apiculture is practiced. In Brazil, there are several types of propolis including 'green,' 'red' and 'brown'. Brazilian brown propolis from the state of Parana characteristically includes diterpenes, and we discovered a novel clerodane diterpene, rel-(5S,6S,8R,9R,10S,18R,19S)-18,19-epoxy-2-oxocleroda-3,12(E),14- triene-6,18,19-triol 18,19-diacetate 6-benzoate (3) and five known diterpenes (1, 2, 4, 5 and 6). The chemical structure of the novel diterpene 3 was determined using 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analyses. Furthermore, the activities of the isolated diterpenes on growth inhibition of several human cancer cell lines (LNCaP, MCF-7, DLD-1 and A549) were evaluated in vitro; diterpene 3 exhibited a potent inhibition of cell growth, and its activity was approximately 15 times higher than that of the other diterpenes.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Extracts Obtained by Supercritical Extraction and Ethanolic Extraction of Brown, Green and Red Propolis Derived from Different Geographic Regions in Brazil.

The variations in the chemical composition, and consequently, on the biological activity of the propolis, are associated with its type and geographic origin. Considering this fact, this study evaluated propolis extracts obtained by supercritical extraction (SCO2) and ethanolic extraction (EtOH), in eight samples of different types of propolis (red, green and brown), collected from different regions in Brazil. The content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS), Artepillin C, p-coumaric acid and antimicrobial activity against two bacteria were determined for all extracts. For the EtOH extracts, the anti-proliferative activity regarding the cell lines of B16F10, were also evaluated. Amongst the samples evaluated, the red propolis from the Brazilian Northeast (states of Sergipe and Alagoas) showed the higher biological potential, as well as the larger content of antioxidant compounds. The best results were shown for the extracts obtained through the conventional extraction method (EtOH). However, the highest concentrations of Artepillin C and p-coumaric acid were identified in the extracts from SCO2, indicating a higher selectivity for the extraction of these compounds. It was verified that the composition and biological activity of the Brazilian propolis vary significantly, depending on the type of sample and geographical area of collection.

Comparative Study of Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Yellow, Green, Brown, and Red Brazilian Propolis.

The chemical composition and biological activity of a sample of yellow propolis from Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil (EEP-Y MS), were investigated for the first time and compared with green, brown, and red types of Brazilian propolis and with a sample of yellow propolis from Cuba. Overall, EEP-Y MS had different qualitative chemical profiles, as well as different cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities when compared to the other types of propolis assessed in this study and it is a different chemotype of Brazilian propolis. Absence of phenolic compounds and the presence of mixtures of aliphatic compounds in yellow propolis were determined by analysing 1H-NMR spectra and fifteen terpenes were identified by GC-MS. EEP-Y MS showed cytotoxic activity against human tumour strain OVCAR-8 but was not active against Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria. Our results confirm the difficulty of establishing a uniform quality standard for propolis from diverse geographical origins. The most appropriate pharmacological applications of yellow types of propolis must be further investigated.

A new near-infrared method for simultaneous determination of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and antioxidant activity of propolis samples

The problem of standardization of propolis is a complex issue that has been approached by different researchers based on the elucidation of chemical composition and its correlation with biological activity. Due to variability of the matrix and the particular characteristics of the various types of propolis, this work is complex and time consuming, requires the availability of several analytical techniques, and generally leaves out the interactions between the different compounds that constitute the matrix. A complete analysis of the matrix together with the selective determination of some compounds with relevant biological activity could establish a quality parameter of the samples that helped us to develop a control system that facilitates their standardization. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a derivative of caffeic acid that has been extensively studied, because it has various types of biological activity beneficial to human health. In addition, it is present in different proportions in all the samples studied. In this work, a new method based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) to estimate equivalents of CAPE in propolis samples is proposed. Simultaneously, a new method for estimating antioxidant activity expressed as EC50 is also presented. A multivariate partial least squares (PLS) method was used for calibration. These models were previously calibrated by measuring the content of CAPE by HPLC-EC, and antioxidant activity by UV–vis spectroscopy with the high-performance microplate reader method. PLS models were studied by cross-validation and external validation. The NIR methods developed proved to be a non-destructive, simple, fast, and inexpensive to use. This study model can be used as a quality parameter of in situ raw propolis samples, without any preprocessing, and contributes to solve the problem of standardization of propolis.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Two Types of Propolis on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, Innate Immunity and Disease Resistance of Olive Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of two types (powder or liquid) of propolis on innate immunity and disease resistance of olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus against Edwerdsiella tarda. A total of 600 fish averaging 30 g were randomly distributed into 24 tanks in groups of 25. Three tanks were assigned to each of eight experimental diets: 0 (Control), 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 % propolis in powder form and 0.25, 0.5 and 1 % propolis in liquid form (PP0.25, PP0.5, PP0.75, PP1, LP0.25, LP0.5 and LP1, respectively). Fish were fed each experimental diet twice daily for four weeks to apparent satiation. At the end of the feeding trial, lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activities and total immunoglobulin level were significantly higher in fish fed the PP1 and LP0.5 diets compared to those fed the control diet. The PP1 diet was also associated with a significant increase in anti-protease activity compared to the control diet. After challenge with E. tarda, fish fed the LP0.5 diet showed numerically higher survival compared to the other groups. This study indicates that non-specific immune responses of olive flounder can be enhanced by dietary supplementation with powder and liquid forms of propolis, and that the optimal level would be 1% in powder form or 0.5% in liquid form. It seemed that growth performance and feed utilization are not affected by the propolis supplementation in diets for olive flounder.

Metabolic Profiling and Classification of Propolis Samples from Southern Brazil: An NMR-Based Platform Coupled with Machine Learning.

The chemical composition of propolis is affected by environmental factors and harvest season, making it difficult to standardize its extracts for medicinal usage. By detecting a typical chemical profile associated with propolis from a specific production region or season, certain types of propolis may be used to obtain a specific pharmacological activity. In this study, propolis from three agroecological regions (plain, plateau, and highlands) from southern Brazil, collected over the four seasons of 2010, were investigated through a novel NMR-based metabolomics data analysis workflow. Chemometrics and machine learning algorithms (PLS-DA and RF), including methods to estimate variable importance in classification, were used in this study. The machine learning and feature selection methods permitted construction of models for propolis sample classification with high accuracy (>75%, reaching ∼90% in the best case), better discriminating samples regarding their collection seasons comparatively to the harvest regions. PLS-DA and RF allowed the identification of biomarkers for sample discrimination, expanding the set of discriminating features and adding relevant information for the identification of the class-determining metabolites. The NMR-based metabolomics analytical platform, coupled to bioinformatic tools, allowed characterization and classification of Brazilian propolis samples regarding the metabolite signature of important compounds, i.e., chemical fingerprint, harvest seasons, and production regions.

Comparison of the free radical-scavenging activity of Thai stingless bee propolis

Propolis has been wildly applied as medicine and dietary supplement because of its broad biological activities including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity. Propolis from the stingless bees (Apoidae) such as Lepidotrigona ventralis Smith, Lepidotrigona terminata Smith, and Tetragonula pagdeni Schwarz, has been used as indigenous medicine and marketed in several preparations in Thailand. However, the biological activities of each type of propolis generally depend on the bee species. Thus, in this study, free radical scavenging activities of the propolis from these three stingless bee species in the same area of mangosteen garden were performed by FRAP, ABTS and DPPH assay. All extracts were observed as viscous crude and amber products. The propolis extracts from the stingless bee were able to exhibit free radical scavenging activity. The extract from T. pagdeni illustrated significant highest activity with FRAP value 389.07 ± 26.02 µmol Fe2+/g extract, and IC50 values were 59.52 ± 10.76, and 122.71 ± 11.76 µg/mL using ABTS and DPPH assay, respectively. In addition, the major compounds from T. pagdeni propolis extract was separated and identified as alpha mangostin and gamma mangostin that may be play an important role in the biological activity of the propolis. Therefore, T. pagdeni propolis was suggested as a suitable raw material for indigenous usage and further development as pharmaceutical products.

Poplar-type Propolis: Chemical Composition, Botanical Origin and Biological Activity

Propolis is one of the most used natural products known for centuries for its beneficial effects. Due to significant differences in chemical composition of samples originating from different geographic and climatic zones it is crucial to characterize reliably each type of propolis. This article comprises the latest findings concerning the poplar type propolis, i.e. it gives a cross section of chemical composition, botanical origin and biological activity of poplar type propolis in order to encourage further investigations that would indicate its beneficial effects.

Antiproliferative activity of New Zealand propolis and phenolic compounds vs human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells

New Zealand propolis is a “European” type propolis obtained by honey bees mainly from exudates of poplar. European type propolis is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and this activity has been attributed to some of the main constituents such as chrysin and CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester). As part of our studies on how New Zealand propolis might benefit gastro-intestinal health, we carried out in vitro bioactivity-guided fractionation of “Bio30™” propolis using both anti-inflammatory (TNF-α, COX-1, COX-2) and anti-colon cancer (DLD-1 colon cancer cell viability) assays; and determined the phenolic compounds responsible for the activity. The New Zealand wax-free Bio30™ propolis tincture solids had very high levels of the dihydroflavonoids pinocembrin and pinobanksin-3-O-acetate, and high levels of the dimethylallyl, benzyl and 3-methyl-3-butenyl caffeates relative to CAPE. The DLD-1 assays identified strong anti-proliferative activity associated with these components as well as chrysin, galangin and CAPE and a number of lesser known or lower concentration compounds including benzyl ferulate, benzyl isoferulate, pinostrobin, 5-phenylpenta-2,4-dienoic acid and tectochrysin. The phenolic compounds pinocembrin, pinobanksin-3-O-acetate, tectochrysin, dimethylallyl caffeate, 3-methyl-3-butenyl caffeate, benzyl ferulate and benzyl isoferulate also showed good broad spectrum activity in anti-proliferative assays against three other gastro-intestinal cancer cell lines; HCT-116 colon carcinoma, KYSE-30 oesophageal squamous cancer, and NCI-N87 gastric carcinoma. Activity is also observed in anti-inflammatory assays although it appears to be limited to one of the first cytokines in the inflammatory cascade, TNF-α.

Phenolics Constituents of Different Types of Propolis and their Antimicrobial Activities

Phenolics Constituents of Different Types of Propolis and their Antimicrobial Activities

In vitro antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility of propolis containing nanohydroxyapatite

The high number of biomaterial associated infections demands new strategies to prevent this problem. In this study the suitability of nanohydroxyapatite (nanoHA)-based surfaces containing two Brazilian extracts of propolis (green and red ones) to prevent bacterial growth and biofilm formation, as well as its non-cytotoxic nature, was investigated. Optical density, colony forming units and MTT reduction assay were used to assess the materials’ antibacterial activity against planktonic and sessile growth of Staphylococcus aureus. NanoHA matrix was able to absorb both types of propolis and the obtained results revealed the antibacterial effectiveness of the novel materials expressed as the reduction of bacterial growth and biofilm formation ability. Additionally, cell culture tests showed the growth of fibroblasts with high metabolic activity and without membrane damage. Therefore, these nanoHA-based surfaces containing natural products deriving from bees may be a promising bioactive biomaterial to be further studied with the aim of application to orthopaedic or dental devices.

The cytotoxic effects of brown Cuban propolis depend on the nemorosone content and may be mediated by mitochondrial uncoupling

Three main types of Cuban propolis directly related to their secondary metabolite composition have been identified: brown, red and yellow propolis; the former is majoritarian and is characterized by the presence of nemorosone. In this study, brown Cuban propolis extracts were found cytotoxic against HepG2 cells and primary rat hepatocytes, in close association with the nemorosone contents. In mitochondria isolated from rat liver the extracts displayed uncoupling activity, which was demonstrated by the increase in succinate-supported state 4 respiration rates, dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential, Ca2+ release from Ca2+-loaded mitochondria, and a marked ATP depletion. As in cells, the degree of such mitotoxic events was closely correlated to the nemorosone content. The propolis extracts that do not contain nemorosone were neither cytotoxic nor mitotoxic, except R-29, whose detrimental effect upon cells and mitochondria could be mediated by its isoflavonoids and chalcones components, well known mitochondrial uncouplers. Our results at least partly unravel the cytotoxic mechanism of Cuban propolis, particularly regarding brown propolis, and raise concerns about the toxicological implication of Cuban propolis consumption.