Anti-inflammatory and anti-biofilm properties of ent -nemorosone from Brazilian geopropolis

Bioactives of Melipona rufiventris Propolis: Exploring its Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activities

This study explores the potential of propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, from Melipona rufiventris species. With its composition encompassing resin, wax, pollen, and soil, propolis holds historical significance in traditional medicine within tropical regions. This research is driven by the scarcity of information surrounding M. rufiventris propolis, prompting an investigation into its chemical constituents, in vivo toxicity, and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This exploration could potentially uncover novel applications for this natural product, bolstering both meliponiculture practices and the preservation of native bee populations. The propolis was sampled in Cabo Verde-MG and underwent ethanolic extraction to yield an extract (EEP) for analysis. Chemical assessments (Folin-Ciocalteau, and UHPLC-HRMS) revealed the presence of polyphenols, including flavonoids. The EEP demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and exhibited efficacy against multiresistant strains isolated from complex wounds. Synergistic interactions with commercial antibiotics were also observed. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory evaluations showcased the EEP's potential in reducing NF-kB activation and TNF-α release at non-toxic concentrations. Despite these promising biological activities, the EEP exhibited no antiproliferative effects and demonstrated safety in both the MTS assay and the G. mellonella model. Collectively, these findings highlight the M. rufiventris propolis extract as a valuable reservoir of bioactive compounds with multifaceted potential.

Melipona scutellaris Geopropolis: Chemical Composition and Bioactivity

Geopropolis has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In this study, the botanical origin, physicochemical profile, and biological activities of geopropolis from Melipona scutellaris harvested during rainy and dry seasons were investigated. Palynological analysis identified over 50 pollen types, with Schinus terebinthifolius and Cecropia being the predominant types. The analytical results were in line with those reported in the literature. Rainy-season geopropolis exhibited higher total phenol and flavonoid content (determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography-25.13% and 3.92%, respectively) compared to the dry season (19.30% and 2.09%); the major peaks (naringin, gallic acid, and catechin) were similar among samples. Antioxidant capacity was assessed via DPPH, reducing power, and β-carotene/linoleic acid discoloration assays. Rainy-season samples displayed superior antioxidant activity across methods. Antimicrobial effects were determined using microdilution, while the impact on the cholinesterase enzyme was quantified using 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid accumulation. Anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic activities were assessed through hyaluronidase enzyme inhibition and by utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC-20113 cells. Both samples exhibited anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic properties. Moreover, a significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was observed, with IC50 values of 0.35 µg/mL during the rainy season and 0.28 µg/mL during the dry season. Additionally, the geopropolis displayed antimicrobial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of M. scutellaris geopropolis in the context of inflammatory, oxidative, and infectious diseases.

Exploring the Functional Properties of Propolis, Geopropolis, and Cerumen, with a Special Emphasis on Their Antimicrobial Effects

Bee propolis has been touted as a natural antimicrobial agent with the potential to replace antibiotics. Numerous reports and reviews have highlighted the functionalities and applications of the natural compound. Despite much clamor for the downstream application of propolis, there remain many grounds to cover, especially in the upstream production, and factors affecting the quality of the propolis. Moreover, geopropolis and cerumen, akin to propolis, hold promise for diverse human applications, yet their benefits and intricate manufacturing processes remain subjects of intensive research. Specialized cement bees are pivotal in gathering and transporting plant resins from suitable sources to their nests. Contrary to common belief, these resins are directly applied within the hive, smoothed out by cement bees, and blended with beeswax and trace components to create raw propolis. Beekeepers subsequently harvest and perform the extraction of the raw propolis to form the final propolis extract that is sold on the market. As a result of the production process, intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as botanical origins, bee species, and the extraction process, have a direct impact on the quality of the final propolis extract. Towards the end of this paper, a section is dedicated to highlighting the antimicrobial potency of propolis extract.

Lipidomic Analysis of Geopropolis of Brazilian Stingless Bees by LC-HRMS

Stingless bees (Meliponini) represent over than 500 species, found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. They produce geopropolis, a resinous natural product containing bioactive compounds, which is commonly used in folk medicine. In the current study, LC-HRMS and bioinformatic tools were used to carry out for the first time the lipidomic analysis of geopropolis from indigenous Brazilian stingless bees. As a result, 61 compounds of several lipid classes were identified with elevated degree of confidence. Then, we demonstrated that lipids in geopropolis are not restricted to waxes and fatty acids; but fatty amides and amines, phenolic lipids, resorcinols, retinoids, abietanoids, diterpenoids, pentacyclic triterpenoids, prostaglandins, retinoids, and steroids were found. In addition, multivariate analysis, based on the lipidomic profile of extracts, reinforces the assumption that the species of stingless bees, as well as the geographical origin are relevant factors to affect geopropolis composition once that the lipidic profile allowed the discrimination of geopropolis in groups related to the geographical origin, bee specie or bee genus. The lipidic profile also suggest a selective forage habits of T. angustula, which seems to collect resins from more specific vegetal sources regardless geographic origin, while other stingless bees, such as M. marginata and M. quadrifasciata, are less selective and may adapt to collect resins from a wider variety of plants.

Cinnamoyloxy-mammeisin, a coumarin from propolis of stingless bees, attenuates Th17 cell differentiation and autoimmune inflammation via STAT3 inhibition

T helper 17 (Th17) lymphocytes play a critical role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, mainly by producing the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17). Therefore, Th17 lymphocytes have been considered a strategic target for drug discovery and development. In this study, we investigated the activity and possible mechanisms of action of a 4-phenyl coumarin isolated from propolis, named cinnamoyloxy-mammeisin (CNM), in Th17 cell differentiation and the development of experimental Th17-dependent autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our data showed that in vitro Th17 cell differentiation was attenuated by CNM treatment in a concentration-dependent manner (1, 3, and 10 μM). This was associated with a reduction in the release of IL-17 (35% inhibition) and interleukin-22 (IL-22, 51% inhibition). Th17-differentiated cells exposed to CNM also downregulated the expression of Th17 hallmarked cell genes, such as RAR-related orphan receptor c (Rorc, 51% inhibition), and interleukin-23 receptor (Il23r, 64% inhibition), indicating possible upstream molecular mechanisms. Mechanistically, CNM significantly reduced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) during in vitro Th17 cell differentiation. In vivo treatment with CNM (100 μg/kg) reduced the clinical signs of EAE, which was associated with a reduction in Central Nervous System demyelination, neuroinflammation, and Th17 response in the spinal cord and inguinal lymph nodes. Consistent with this, CNM also effectively attenuated human Th17 differentiation in vitro. Collectively, our results highlight the potential of CNM as a new molecule that can modulate Th17 cells via inhibition of STAT3 signaling and, as a result, reduce autoimmune inflammation.

Propolis of stingless bees: A phytochemist's guide through the jungle of tropical biodiversity

BACKGROUND

Stingless bees (Meliponini), like honeybees Apis mellifera, collect plant resins in order to produce propolis (cerumen, geopropolis). This type of propolis has long been used in traditional medicine in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, India, and Vietnam, as a remedy for improving health and treating various diseases. The scientific and commercial interest in stingless bee propolis has been steadily increasing over the last few years. The new and growing knowledge in this field requires systematising, as a basis for further work. Recent reviews of Meliponini propolis deal only with the South American and Mesoamerican species, while reviews of the Asian, Australian and African species are missing. Furthermore, the chemical composition has not been thoroughly reviewed since 2007.

PURPOSE

This review summarises and discusses the available data about the chemical composition of propolis from the stingless bee species (Meliponinae) of the Americas, Asia and Australia, published after 2007. The published information on the biological action of chemically characterised Meliponini propolis, and of individual constituents, is addressed. The plant sources of this propolis are also considered.

CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVES

Chemical studies of Meliponini propolis has resulted in the discovery of new natural molecules, some of them with valuable bioactivity. Moreover, finding known molecules in propolis stimulates the study of their pharmacological properties. The enormous chemical variability of stingless bee propolis is a challenge to chemists, entomologists and pharmacologists. It is essential to perform pharmacological studies with only chemically characterised propolis of stingless bees. Further studies are required to chemically characterise and scientifically support the medicinal properties of stingless bee propolis and to clarify the potential for its commercial use. This could lead to increased prices for Meliponinae propolis and provide an additional source of income for farmers in rural communities with most serious social needs.

Effect of xylitol tablets with and without red propolis on salivary parameters, dental biofilm and sensory acceptability of adolescents: a randomized crossover clinical trial

The effect of xylitol tablets with (XPT) and without (XT) red propolis on salivary parameters, dental biofilm and acceptability of adolescents was evaluated through a blinded randomized crossover clinical trial. Healthy volunteers were allocated in the XPT and XT groups with a 30-day washout period for consumption of two tablets/dayfor seven days. An increase in salivary parameters was only observed immediately after tablet consumption, without differences between XPT and XT. The results for total microorganisms were similar, but XT was better in controlling Streptococcus spp. Rothia dentocariosa and Streptococcus salivarius were the most frequent in the biofilm and saliva, respectively. XPT and XT showed similar acceptability, with the highest purchase intention for XT. Although propolis did not enhance the properties of XT, further studies testing different protocols and follow-up are necessary; XT controlled Streptococcus spp. in biofilms, which demonstrate its potential for clinical application.

In vivo evaluation of pharmacological properties of Argentine stingless bee geopropolis

Background

Propolis is a natural product that has been widely utilized as medicine and dietary supplement because of its broad biological activities. However, although meliponide hive products have many advantages, meliponiculture has not yet become popular in Argentina, and few scientific studies on its chemical composition and/or its bioactive properties were reported, so the use of stingless bee propolis Argentine in popular medicine continues to be based on empirical knowledge.

Our work aims to evaluate in vivo anti-inflammatory, antitussive and expectorant activities, and acute toxicity of the Argentine geopropolis ethanol extracts of two stingless bee’s species, Scaptotrigona jujuyensis Schrottky and Tetragonisca fiebrigi Schwarz. Wistar male rats were used for all in vivo studies. Anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated through carrageenan-induced edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation. Antitussive activity was assessed against ammonia-induced cough. Expectorant activity was measured by volume of phenol red in the rats’ tracheas. The extract doses tested were 125, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg (p.o.). The safety was evaluated with test of acute toxicity (48 h).

Results

The results showed that S. jujuyensis and T. fiebrigi propolis (1000 mg/kg) significantly reduced the carrageenan-induced edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation 3 h post-dosing. In the ammonia liquor-induced cough, both propolis significantly enhanced the latent period and reduced cough frequency as compared with those of the negative control. However, they did not increase the expulsion of red phenol in the treated rats.

Conclusions

This study shows that ethanol extracts of S. jujuyensis and T. fiebrigi propolis have anti-inflammatory and antitussive effects. These findings would justify the use of geopropolis in medicine as a potential phytotherapeutic product.

Graphical abstract

Bicyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols and their derivatives: structural modification, structure-activity relationship, biological activity and mechanism of action

Bicyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (BPAPs), the principal bioactive benzophenone products isolated from plants of genera Garcinia and Hypericum, have attracted noticeable attention from the synthetic and biological communities due to their fascinating chemical structures and promising biological activities. However, the potential drug interaction, undesired physiochemical properties and toxicity have limited their potential use and development. In the last decade, pharmaceutical research on the structural modifications, structure-activity relationships (SARs) and mechanisms of action of BPAPs has been greatly developed to overcome the challenges. A comprehensive review of these scientific literature is extremely needed to give an overview of the rapidly emerging area and facilitate research related to BPAPs. This review, containing over 226 references, covers the progress made in the chemical synthesis-based structure modifications, SARs and the mechanism of action of BPAPs in vivo and vitro. The most relevant articles will focus on the discovery of lead compounds via synthetic modifications and the important BPAPs for which the direct targets have been deciphered. From this review, several key points of the SARs and mode of actions of this novel class of compounds have been summarized. The perspective and future direction of the research on BPAPs are concluded. This review would be helpful to get a better grasp of medicinal research of BPAPs and become a compelling guide for chemists dedicated to the synthesis of these compounds.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-Candida Effects of Brazilian Organic Propolis, a Promising Source of Bioactive Molecules and Functional Food

Brazilian organic propolis (BOP) is an unexplored Brazilian propolis that is produced organically and certified according to international legislation. Our results showed that BOP has strong anti-inflammatory effects and acts by reducing nuclear factor κB activation, tumor necrosis factor α release, and neutrophil migration. In addition, BOP6 exhibited antifungal activity on planktonic and biofilm cultures of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, and Candida parapsisolis and reduced in vitro yeast cell adhesion to human keratinocytes at sub-inhibitory concentrations. BOP demonstrated significantly low toxicity in Galleria melonella larvae at antifungal doses. Lastly, a chemical analysis revealed the presence of caffeoyltartaric acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin, and gibberellins A7, A9, and A20, which may be responsible for the biological properties observed. Thus, our data indicate that BOP is a promising source of anti-inflammatory and antifungal molecules that may be used as a functional food.

Comprehensive multivariate correlations between climatic effect, metabolite-profile, antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity of Brazilian red propolis metabolites during seasonal study

The standardization of apiceutical products like as propolis extracts has been widely debated worldwide and variations in the propolis chemical composition are still very relevant topics for use-standardized of different propolis-type as medication by much of the world’s population. The present manuscript discuss important issues related to the climate effect and variations in propolis metabolite-profiling changes, antioxidant capacity and variations of the antibacterial activity of the Brazilian red propolis metabolites using comprehensive multivariate correlations. It was observed the increasing of guttiferones concentrations during the intense drought period and drastic decreasing in rainy period. The climate variation induced the high concentration of flavonoids in rainy period with pronounced dropped in some rainy months. The Pearson´s analysis demonstrated correlation between IC₅₀ from DPPH and guttiferones and flavonoids concentrations. The PCA-X and Hotelling T2 test showed outliers during the months with lowest concentrations of formononetin and isoliquiritigenin was observed in antibacterial tests. The PLS-DA, OPLS-DA and VIP analysis demonstrate guttiferone E, guttiferone B, liquiritigenin, naringenin are considered important substances responsible by anti-staphylococcal activity in red propolis composition during the rainy season and drought period, but a synergistic effect with other flavonoids and isoflavonoids are not ruled out.