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PubMed1996

Interactions of different extracts of propolis with leukocytes and leukocytic enzymes.

Extracts of the "bee glue" propolis exhibit well-known antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the biochemical mechanisms of propolis effects in wound healing and inflammatory processes are not yet fully understood. Therefore the effects of different ethanolic and aqueous extracts on leukocytes and some of their most important enzymes namely myeloperoxidase, NADPH oxidase and lipoxygenase were investigated. Only high concentrations of propolis extracts inhibited these enzymatic activities but especially the water-soluble derivatives showed stimulatory effect on the activity of commercially available human myeloperoxidase. Leukocytic myeloperoxidase and NADPH oxidase activities were clearly inhibited by propolis extracts probably indirectly due to their excellent radical scavenging properties.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Antibacterial effect of propolis and honey on oral bacteria.

PURPOSE: To investigate the antibacterial properties of propolis and honey against oral bacteria in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro study: The antibacterial effects of propolis and honey on oral streptococci were determined using the broth method. Clinical study: The short-term antibacterial effect of propolis solution and honey on salivary total bacteria and Streptococcus mutans was tested in 10 volunteers. RESULTS: Propolis demonstrated an antibacterial effect both in vitro on isolated oral streptococci and in the clinical study on salivary bacterial counts. Honey induced bacteria growth at low concentrations, while at high concentrations honey had an inhibitory effect on bacterial growth in vitro. Salivary counts of total bacteria and Streptococcus mutans were lower for 1 hour after application of honey. The antibacterial effect of the honey tested may be attributed to its osmolarity effect.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Susceptibility of Prevotella intermedia/Prevotella nigrescens (and Porphyromonas gingivalis) to propolis (bee glue) and other antimicrobial agents.

Black-pigmented gram-negative anaerobes such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia are suspected pathogens in adult periodontitis, whereas Prevotella nigrescens has been associated with health. Antimicrobial resistance among bacteria from this group has been reported in the past decade. This research aimed to evaluate and compare the susceptibility profile of 17 P. intermedia/P. nigrescens isolates recovered from patients with periodontitis and three reference strains to six antimicrobials, prescribed in dentistry in Brazil, and propolis (bee glue). The antimicrobial agents tested were tetracycline, penicillin, clindamycin, erythromycin, metronidazole, meropenem and six ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEPs) from Brazil. The reference strains P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 and P. intermedia ATCC 25611 were used for determination of minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and for time-kill assay to the EEPs. All of the strains were susceptible to penicillin, erythromycin, meropenem, metronidazole and 95% of them (n=19) to tetracycline. Thirty six percent (n=7) of the P. intermedia/P. nigrescens strains tested were resistant to clindamycin. As for propolis activity, all strains were susceptible and the minimum inhibitory concentration values ranged from 64 to 256 microg/mL. For the reference strains P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 and Prevotella intermedia ATCC 25611 the MBC was 256 microg/mL and death was observed within 3 h of incubation for P. gingivalis and within 6 h for P. intermedia. The action of propolis (bee glue) against suspected periodontal pathogens suggests that it may be of clinical value.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Effectiveness of an herbal preparation containing echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C in preventing respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a preparation containing echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C in the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children during a 12-week winter period. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. SUBJECTS: Four hundred thirty children, aged 1 to 5 years, were randomized to an herbal extract preparation (n = 215) or a placebo elixir (n = 215). INTERVENTION: Administration of an herbal preparation (Chizukit) containing 50 mg/mL of echinacea, 50 mg/mL of propolis, and 10 mg/mL of vitamin C, or placebo (5.0 mL and 7.5 mL twice daily for ages 1 to 3 years and 4 to 5 years, respectively) for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Significant mean +/- SD reductions of illnesses were seen in the Chizukit group in the number of illness episodes, 138 vs 308 (55% reduction); number of episodes per child, 0.9 +/- 1.1 vs 1.8 +/- 1.3 (50% reduction, P<.001); and number of days with fever per child, 2.1 +/- 2.9 vs 5.4 +/- 4.4) (62% reduction, P<.001). The total number of illness days and duration of individual episodes were also significantly lower in the Chizukit group. Adverse drug reactions were rare, mild, and transient. CONCLUSION: A preventive effect of a product containing echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C on the incidence of respiratory tract infections was observed.

Ascorbic Acid↗

PubMed2005

Modifying effect of propolis on dimethylhydrazine-induced DNA damage but not colonic aberrant crypt foci in rats.

Propolis is a honeybee product with several biological and therapeutic properties, including antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities. The effects of an aqueous extract of propolis (AEP) were evaluated on the formation of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and DNA damage in the colon of male Wistar rats by the ACF and Comet assays, respectively. AEP was administered orally at 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.1%, and 0.3% in the drinking water, which resulted in doses of approximately 12, 34, 108, and 336 mg/kg body weight/day. Animals were also given a single subcutaneous injection of 40 mg/kg DMH and sacrificed 4 hr later for evaluating DNA damage, or 4 doses of 40 mg/kg DMH, administered 2 doses/week for 2 weeks, and sacrificed 12 weeks after the last injection for evaluating ACF development in the distal colon. Administration of AEP either simultaneously with or after the DMH treatment resulted in no statistically significant reduction of ACF. In contrast, 0.01%, 0.03%, and 0.3% AEP, given simultaneously with DMH, reduced DNA damage induction in the mid and distal colon. However, 0.3% AEP alone increased DNA damage in the colon. In conclusion, AEP had no effect on the formation of DMH-induced ACF in rat colon, but it modulated DMH-induced DNA damage in colon cells. Further investigations are recommended in order to establish the conditions under which propolis produces either protective or deleterious effects.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Effects of combining extracts (from propolis or Zingiber officinale) with clarithromycin on Helicobacter pylori.

Propolis and Zingiber officinale have been shown to be specifically targeted against Helicobacter pylori strains, to possess antiinflammatory, antioxidant and antitumoral activity and to be used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments. Considering that these natural products could potentially serve as novel therapeutic tools also in combination with an antibiotic, the aim of this work was to evaluate their effect when combined with clarithromycin on clinical H. pylori isolates (n = 25), characterized in respect to both clarithromycin susceptibility and the presence of the cagA gene. The results showed that the combinations of propolis extract + clarithromycin and Z. officinale extract + clarithromycin exhibited improved inhibition of H. pylori with synergistic or additive activity. Interestingly, the susceptibility to combinations was significantly independent of the microbial clarithromycin susceptibility status. Only one H. pylori strain showed antagonism towards the Z. officinale extract + clarithromycin combination. The data demonstrate that combinations of propolis extract + clarithromycin and Z. officinale extract + clarithromycin have the potential to help control H. pylori-associated gastroduodenal disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Preferential cytotoxicity on tumor cells by caffeic acid phenethyl ester isolated from propolis.

The honeybee hive product, propolis, is a folk medicine employed for treating various ailments. Many important pharmaceutical properties have been ascribed to propolis, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunostimulatory and carcinostatic activities. Propolis extracts have provided an active component identified as caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which was readily prepared in one step. Differential cytotoxicity has been observed in normal rat/human versus transformed rat/human melanoma and breast carcinoma cell lines in the presence of CAPE.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Inhibition of angiogenesis by propolis.

Propolis, obtained from honeybee hives, has been used in Oriental folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and immunomodulatory agent. There is considerable evidence suggesting that angiogenesis and chronic inflammation are codependent. Blockage of angiogenesis results in an anti-inflammatory effect. Ethanol (EEP) and ether extracts of propolis (REP), and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis, were examined for their anti-angiogenic activities using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), and the calf pulmonary arterial endothelial (CPAE) cell proliferation, assays. The presence of EEP, REP and CAPE inhibited angiogenesis in the CAM assay and the proliferation of CPAE cells. The results suggest that anti-angiogenic activities of EEP, REP and CAPE are also responsible for their anti-inflammatory effect.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

PubMed1998

Antimicrobial activity of propolis on oral microorganisms.

Formation of dental caries is caused by the colonization and accumulation of oral microorganisms and extracellular polysaccharides that are synthesized from sucrose by glucosyltransferase of Streptococcus mutans. The production of glucosyltransferase from oral microorganisms was attempted, and it was found that Streptococcus mutans produced highest activity of the enzyme. Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were examined whether EEP inhibit the enzyme activity and growth of the bacteria or not. All EEP from various regions in Brazil inhibited both glucosyltransferase activity and growth of S. mutans, but one of the propolis from Rio Grande do Sul (RS2) demonstrated the highest inhibition of the enzyme activity and growth of the bacteria. It was also found that propolis (RS2) contained the highest concentrations of pinocembrin and galangin.

Actinomyces↗

PubMed1990

Propolis allergy: a cause of oral mucositis with ulceration.

Propolis has been used since ancient times in folk medicine for its alleged beneficial effects. It is a potent sensitizer and is well recognized as a cause of occupational allergic eczematous contact dermatitis in apiarists. Recently, there has been an increase in allergic eczematous contact dermatitis because of nonoccupational exposure to propolis in "natural products" and biocosmetics. This report describes a patient who had acute oral mucositis with ulceration as a result of using propolis-containing lozenges.

Aged↗

PubMed1986

Free amino acids in bee hive product (propolis) as identified and quantified by gas-liquid chromatography.

Propolis is a natural resinous product collected by honey bees and containing, among other biochemical constituents, a variety of free amino acids. Acid extraction and quantification of these amino acids by gas-liquid chromatography reveals that their total concentration in this honey bee product is over 40% w/w, and that arginine and proline constitutes over 50% of the crude acid extract. As propolis was shown to stimulate mammalian tissue regeneration, we suggest that the physiological significance of arginine in the propolis product lies in its ability to stimulate mitosis and to enhance protein biosynthesis, and that the biochemical importance of proline in it, stems from its capability to promote build-up of collagen and elastin, two essential components in the matrix of connective tissues.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed1994

Propolis extracts are effective against Trypanosoma cruzi and have an impact on its interaction with host cells.

Propolis, a natural resin produced by honey bees, that displays strong antimicrobial activity, has been used as a chemotherapeutic agent since ancient times. The anti-protozoan properties of different propolis extracts were studied regarding T. cruzi and its interaction with host cells. Ethanolic (EEP) and dimethylsulphoxide extracts (DEP) were both active against the three forms of the parasite, with the former being more active than the latter against the vertebrate forms, amastigotes and trypomastigotes. Total lysis of bloodstream trypomastigotes was observed after 24 h in the presence of EEP at a concentration of 100 micrograms/ml. The effect was found to be temperature dependent. Treatment of infected peritoneal macrophages and heart muscle cells with EEP strongly inhibited infection levels. The utilization of propolis as a possible antitrypanosomal agent is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Caffeic acid phenyl ester in propolis is a strong inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and invasion inhibitor: isolation and identification.

BACKGROUND: Propolis has been used as a folk medicine and has several proven biological activities. Herbal remedies recommended for cancer therapies in Korea. METHODS: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9-inhibitory activity of propolis has been assessed. CAPE as an acting compound was isolated and molecular structure was determined. Anti-invasion activity of CAPE was assayed using hepatocarcinoma cells. RESULTS: Propolis ethanol extracts showed a strong inhibitory effect of MMP-9 activity, which is known to be involved in tumor cell invasion and metastasis in a concentration-dependent manner on zymography. Assay guided fractionation led to the isolation of a caffeic acid phenyl ester (CAPE) as the compound responsible for the anti-MMP-9 activity. CAPE was obtained by reversed-phase HPLC, and its structure was elucidated by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry. The purified CAPE inhibited MMP-9 activity with the IC(50) of 1.0-2.0 nmol/l. CONCLUSIONS: CAPE possesses selective antiproliferative activity toward hepatocaricoma cell line Hep3B, but not primary cultured mouse hepatocytes.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Propolis solution for the treatment of chronic vaginitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of 5% propolis solution in recurrent vaginitis. METHOD: Fifty-four patients with recurrent vaginal infections having undergone at least one cycle of antibiotic treatment were instructed to apply a 5% aqueous propolis solution as a vaginal douche for seven days. Vaginal smears and specific symptoms were evaluated at baseline and 14 days after treatment. Long-term well-being was assessed by telephone interview six months after follow-up. RESULT: At the follow-up, the vaginal smears of 41 patients (75.9%) had improved. Forty-seven patients (87%) reported reliefs concerning at least one complaint. Associated improvement of smear and well-being was observed in 36 women (66.7%). After 6 months, 33 patients (61.1%) were satisfied with their condition without having undergone further treatment. CONCLUSION: Propolis may have a role as an alternative treatment for chronic vaginal infection.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

PubMed2004

Effects of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) and its flavones on inducible gene expression in J774A.1 macrophages.

Propolis, a bee-hive product, has been used in folk medicine for centuries, and recently in modern medicine as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent. These activities would be mainly due to phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, especially flavone derivatives. The present study examined the effect of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) and selected flavone derivatives (chrysin, galangin, kaempferol and quercetin) on interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced J774A.1 macrophages. Treatment of cells with EEP significantly suppressed both IL-1beta mRNA (P<0.02) and iNOS mRNA (P<0.001) expression. The concentrations of cytokine in cell culture supernatants and cell lysates and nitric oxide (NO) generation were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. The tested phenolic compounds significantly decreased the IL-1beta mRNA level and IL-1beta protein concentration (P<0.05) (excluding galangin), iNOS mRNA level and NO production (P<0.001). The most potent inhibitor of the IL-1beta synthesis and NO generation was chrysin. These results indicate that EEP exerts its inhibitory effect on the IL-1beta and iNOS gene expression in J774A.1 macrophages at the transcriptional level. Tested flavone derivatives contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of propolis.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Effect of Brazilian green propolis on the production of reactive oxygen species by stimulated neutrophils.

The activity of a crude ethanol extract of green propolis and its fractions obtained by partition with hexane, chloroform and n-butanol was assessed on luminol- and lucigenin- enhanced chemiluminescence (CL) produced by rabbit neutrophils (PMNs) stimulated with particles of serum-opsonized zymosan (OZ). The total production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by PMNs was measured by the luminol-enhanced CL (LumCL) assay and the production of the superoxide anion (O2*-) by the lucigenin-enhanced CL (LucCL) assay. All evaluated propolis samples had inhibitory effect on the LumCL and LucCL, which was concentration dependent. The n-butanol and chloroform fractions displayed the highest inhibitory effect on the LumCL produced by PMNs stimulated with OZ, in comparison with both the ethanol extract and the hexane fraction. Besides, the hexane fraction was the one which presented the highest effect for the LucCL assay. Some isolated compounds from both n-butanol and chloroform fractions were also assessed, including kaempferide, isosakuranetin, aromadendrine-4'-methyl-ether and 3-prenyl-p-coumaric acid. Kaempferide presented the highest inhibitory effect on the LumCL in comparison with the other compounds. Moreover, under the conditions assessed, the studied green propolis samples and isolated compounds were not toxic to the rabbit PMNs.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Exotic flora dependence of an unusual Brazilian propolis: the pinocembrin biomarker by capillary techniques.

Significant amounts of pinocembrin (>10%), a dihydroxy-flavanone, was found in the composition of an unusual brand of a subtropical Brazilian propolis. Incidentally, this sealing material was obtained from hives surrounding a large forestry site based on a single exotic flora, namely poplar (Populus sp.). Examination of the different botanical parts of poplar revealed the buds as the main source of the flavanone. Techniques used for the establishment of the chemical correlation between the propolis brand and the poplar buds were TLC/densitometry, capillary GC-MS in the e.i. mode, and CZE with DAD monitoring. Since color enhancement after Al3+ complexation applies just for more hydroxylated flavonoids, the alternative techniques herein applied were of value for pinocembrin detection and estimation. Analytical data indicated the dominance of the main phenolic pinocembrin biomarker as well as the presence of other related flavonoids in the botanical source and in the propolis derived thereof.

Aluminum↗

PubMed2006

Propolis protects human spermatozoa from DNA damage caused by benzo[a]pyrene and exogenous reactive oxygen species.

Many environmental, physiological and genetic factors have been implicated in defective sperm function, the most common cause of infertility. In addition, sperm preparation techniques such as centrifugation, used prior to in vitro fertilization, are associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increase in the level of DNA damage. Factors that can offer spermatozoa protection are, therefore, of great importance. This study was designed to examine in vitro the effect of a Chilean propolis ethanolic extract on human spermatozoa treated with benzo[a]pyrene and exogenous reactive oxygen species. Our experimental evidence demonstrated that the natural drug under investigation is able to protect genomic DNA by damage induced by benzo[a]pyrene, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydrogen peroxide in combination with adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) and ferrous sulfate (FeSO4), determining a significant reduction of the intracellular oxidants. An increase in membrane damage, measured by monitoring the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release, was observed only in sperm treated with H2O2, ADP and FeSO4. The propolis extract was shown to possess the capacity to protect sperm membrane from the deleterious action of oxidative attack, reducing TBARS formation and LDH release. In summary, our results evidence that the protective effect exhibited by this natural compound in human spermatozoa is correlated, at least in part, to the antioxidant capacity of its active components, and suggest that propolis may have a role in protection against male infertility.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗