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PubMed2005

[Organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of propolis in the Province Of Nuble, VIII Region-Chile].

Propolis ("bee-glue") is a gummy resinous substance elaborated by honey bees (Apis mellifera) from different types of plant resins. The chemical composition of propolis is very complex and variable as it depends on the botanical source and the environmental conditions prevailing at the location where the resin is collected by bees. The objective [corrected] of this study was to determine the propolis organoleptic and physicochemical properties of different types in the Province of Nuble (VIII Región, Chile). Samples were collected at different sites located in the Central Valley, ranging from the coast to the mountain skirts. Analyses included humidity, ashes, wax content, total phenolics content, total flavonoids, mechanical impurities, oxidation time, and solubility in ethanol. Results showed that propolis extracts from coastal sites are better quality than those collected at mountain skirts, and these in turn are better than propolis obtained from the Central Valley. All propolis analyzed in this study can be classified according to the Brazilian norm as high flavonoid content. The same homogeneity is observed in the amounts of total phenolics found in the samples. In general terms, properties of the propolis samples analyzed fulfill the quality requirements of the current international standards.

Chile↗

PubMed2003

Raman spectroscopic study of spatial distribution of propolis in comb of Apis mellifera carnica (Pollm.).

Micro-Raman spectroscopy and Raman mapping are applied to investigate the spatial distribution and chemical composition of wax and propolis in the comb of Apis mellifera carnica (Pollm). A thick layer of propolis at the rim of some cells is identified by Raman spectroscopy. Raman mapping is applied to resolve the distribution of propolis and wax on a micron scale. Both components are connected at the rim of the cell with a mixture of wax and propolis. A layer of almost pure propolis is found on top of the mixture. It appears that even in the mixture, where both components come into close contact, the propolis and the wax remain separated and keep their chemical identity.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Inhibitory effect of pollen and propolis extracts.

Bee pollen and propolis were collected from Apis mellifera colonies in five regions of Turkey. The antifungal properties of methanol extracts of pollen and propolis (2% and 5% concentrations) were determined on Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporium f. sp. melonis. The least active concentration towards the tested fungi was 2% concentration of both extracts. The inhibitory effect of all propolis extracts on growth of F. oxysporium and A. alternata were generally higher when compared with pollen extracts. The growth of A. alternata and F. oxysporium were not affected at both concentrations of pollens. However, F. oxysporium against propolis extracts was more sensitive than A. alternata (P < 0.01). None of the pollen extracts tested completely inhibited mycelial growth of fungi used in our experiment. Percent inhibition of both pollen concentrations against A. alternata and F. oxysporium was lower than 50%. However, both concentrations of Alanya and Beyşehir propolis extracts were 100% effective on mycelial growth of F. oxysporium until the 7th day of incubation (P < 0.01). 2% Alanya and Beyşehir pollen extracts completely stimulated mycelial growth of F. oxysporium on the 7th day of incubation. Both concentrations of propolis extract showed more than 50% inhibition against E. oxysporium. It is suggested that high concentrations ofpropolis extract could be used as an antifungal agent against tested fungi.

Alternaria↗

PubMed2006

Therapeutic effect of propolis and paclitaxel on hepatic phase I and II enzymes and marker enzymes in dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced breast cancer in female rats.

Propolis, a natural beehive product has been known for centuries for a variety of beneficial traditional medicinal properties. The present study was conducted to ascertain the antineoplastic potential of propolis along with paclitaxel against experimental mammary carcinogenesis. Female Sprague Dawley rats at 55 days of age were treated with dimethylbenz(a)anthracene to induce breast cancer. Paclitaxel at a dose of 33 mg/kg body mass intraperitoneally and propolis 50 mg/kg body weight orally was administered to the experimental animals, immediately after the carcinogen treatment and continued until the termination of the study. At the end of the treatment activities of phase I and II xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes and liver marker enzymes were measured. A significant increase in carcinogen activating enzymes, cytochrome P(450), cytochrome b(5) and NADPH cytochrome C reductase with concomitant decrease in phase II enzymes, glutathione transferase and UDP-glucuronyl transferase were observed in animals with mammary cancer. Furthermore there was a significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase with a sharp increase in alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and 5' nucleotidase. Propolis treatment caused the activity of these enzymes return to almost normal control levels, indicating the protective effect of propolis against dimethyl benz(a) anthracene induced carcinogenesis. On the basis of the observed results propolis can be considered a promising chemotherapeutic agent and can be administered as an adjuvant with paclitaxel chemotherapy.

5'-Nucleotidase↗

PubMed2005

Effect of propolis, some isolated compounds and its source plant on antibody production.

Propolis is a beehive product with a very complex chemical composition, widely used in folk medicine because of its several therapeutic activities. Its biological properties and chemical composition may vary according to the geographic location and to the different plant sources. The possible mechanism of action of propolis as well as of its active compounds has been the subject of researchers in recent years. In this work, first we reported the results of our study on the seasonal effect of the immunomodulatory action of propolis on antibody production in bovine serum albumin (BSA)-immunized rats. Then, we compared the effect of Brazilian and Bulgarian propolis, some isolated compounds and Baccharis extract on anti-BSA antibody levels. Based on the results, we conclude that propolis stimulates antibody production, independently of the season and geographic origin. Caffeic acid, quercetin and Baccharis extract had no effect on antibody production, although the importance of isolated compounds is well reported in other biological assays. Propolis action is a consequence of plant-derived products with synergic effects, while isolated compounds or extracts from its plant sources had no effect in this assay.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

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.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

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.

Plants↗

PubMed2005

Assessment of the antioxidant activities of Brazilian extracts of propolis alone and in topical pharmaceutical formulations.

The antioxidant activity of extracts of propolis and of formulations added with these extracts were measured by scavenging different radicals in different systems. For the ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and the glycolic extract of propolis (GEP) the IC50 observed were respectively of 0.024 and 0.035 microL/mL in scavenging hydroxyl radical, 0.016 and 0.012 microL/mL in inhibiting lipid peroxidation, 0.22 and 0.24 microL/mL in inhibiting chemiluminescence produced in the H2O2/luminol/horseradish peroxide (HRP) system and about 0.005 microL/mL for both extracts in inhibiting chemiluminescence produced in the xanthine/luminol/xanthine oxidase (XOD) system. The antioxidant activity of extracts of propolis in the formulations was not able to be assessed neither using the deoxyribose assay, since the formulation components interfered in the assay measurements, nor using chemiluminescence in the H2O2/luminol/HRP system, since this method did not show to be sensitive for the extract of propolis evaluation. However, the antioxidant activity of extracts of propolis could be successfully evaluated in the formulations using both lipid peroxidation and chemiluminescence generated in the xanthine/luminol/XOD system inhibitions.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed2005

The anticarcinogenic effect of propolis in human lymphocytes culture.

The in vitro anticarcinogenic potential of propolis in human lymphocytes was investigated. Blood samples were obtained from ten healthy males, non-smoking volunteers, which were incubated and exposed to increasing concentrations of propolis (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 ml). The mean micronucleus rates were 1.47 +/- 0.38 - 4.02 +/- 0.64. Mitotic index rates were between 19.45 +/- 2.22 and 0.28 +/- 0.33. The differences between the control and exposed cells were statistically significant (p < or = 0.05). We conclude that exposure to different concentrations of propolis cannot produce a carcinogenic effect in peripheral human lymphocytes in vitro. However, increasing micronucleus (MN) rates showed that propolis could have a carcinogenic effect in high concentrations. Also chemical analysis of propolis sample was evaluated by GC/MS. Propolis sample mainly contains flavonoids, fatty and aromatic acids and their esters.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Immunomodulation produced by a green propolis extract on humoral and cellular responses of mice immunized with SuHV-1.

Despite recent technological advances in vaccine production, most the vaccines depend on the association with adjuvant substances. This work evaluated the adjuvant capacity of an ethanol extract of green propolis associated to inactivated Suid herpesvirus type 1 (SuHV-1) vaccine preparations. Mice inoculated with SuHV-1 vaccine plus aluminum hydroxide and 5mg/dose of propolis extract presented higher levels of antibodies when compared to animals that received the same vaccine without propolis. The use of SuHV-1 vaccine with propolis extract alone did not induce significant levels of antibodies, however it was able to increase the cellular immune response, evidenced by the increase in the expression of mRNA to IFN-gamma. Besides, propolis increased the percentage of protected animals against challenge with a lethal dose of SuHV-1. The effect of green propolis extract on the humoral and cellular immune responses may be exploited for the development of effective vaccines.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed1999

Post-initiation effects of a super critical extract of propolis in a rat two-stage carcinogenesis model in female F344 rats.

Post-initiation modifying effects of dietary administration of a super critical extract of propolis on major organs were examined using a two-stage carcinogenesis model. Groups of 21 or 22 F344 female rats were treated sequentially with 2,2'-dihydroxy-di-n-propylnitrosamine (DHPN, i.g.), 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA, i.g.), 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH, s.c.) and N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN, in drinking water) during the first 3 weeks for initiation, and then administered diet containing 0.1 or 0.01% propolis for 33 weeks. Further groups were treated with the carcinogens alone, 0.1% propolis alone or basal diet alone. All surviving animals were killed at week 36, and major organs were examined histopathologically for development of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions. The incidence and multiplicity of mammary carcinomas were significantly decreased by the 0.1 and 0.01% propolis treatments. In the urinary bladder, the incidence of PN hyperplasia but not tumors was, in contrast, significantly increased by 0.1% propolis. Similarly, the number and area of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P)-positive liver foci were significantly elevated with this high dose. The results indicate that a low dose of a super critical extract of propolis may find application as a potent chemopreventor of mammary carcinogenesis.

1,2-Dimethylhydrazine↗

PubMed2002

Antioxidant activity of propolis: role of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and galangin.

Propolis, a natural product produced by the honeybee, has been used for thousands of years in folk medicine for several purposes. The extract contains amino acids, phenolic acids, phenolic acid esters, flavonoids, cinnamic acid, terpenes and caffeic acid. It possesses several biological activities such as antiinflammatory, immunostimulatory, antiviral and antibacterial. The exact mode of physiological or biochemical mechanisms responsible for the medical effects, however, is yet to be determined. In this work, we have investigated the antioxidant activity of a propolis extract deprived of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). In addition, the activity of CAPE and galangin was also examined. Propolis extract (with and without CAPE) and its active components showed a dose-dependent free radical scavenging effect, a significant inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity, and an antilipoperoxidative capacity. Propolis extract with CAPE was more active than propolis extract without CAPE. CAPE, used alone, exhibited a strong antioxidant activity, higher than galangin. The experimental evidence, therefore, suggests that CAPE plays an important role in the antioxidant activity of propolis.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed2002

The role of the phenethyl ester of caffeic acid (CAPE) in the inhibition of rat lung cyclooxygenase activity by propolis.

In this study we investigated the effect of an ethanolic extract of propolis, with and without CAPE, and some of its components on cyclooxygenase (COX) activity. Propolis (0.00003-0.03%) significantly and concentration-dependently inhibited COX activity from lung homogenate of saline- or LPS-treated rats. Same results were obtained with CAPE (0.1-100 microM). COX activity from lung homogenate of saline- or LPS-treated rats was also inhibited by galangin (0.1-100 microM), although the inhibition induced by the lowest concentration was not significant. Caffeic, ferulic, cinnamic and chlorogenic acids and pinocembrin, (0.1-100 microM) did not affect COX activity. The inhibition curves showed that CAPE and propolis were equipotent inhibitors, whereas galangin was significantly (P<0.001) less potent than propolis and CAPE. In order to better investigate the role of CAPE, we tested the action of an ethanolic extract of propolis (0.00003-0.03%) without CAPE. This extract significantly and concentration-dependently inhibited COX activity from lung homogenate of saline- or LPS-treated rats, however, it resulted to be approximately 10 times less potent than the extract containing CAPE. The analysis of the inhibition curves of the extract with and without CAPE showed a significant (P<0.001) difference. These results suggest that both CAPE and galangin contribute to the overall activity of propolis, CAPE being more effective.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Evaluation of the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and antimutagenicity of propolis from Tucuman, Argentina.

This study evaluates the toxic, genotoxic/mutagenic, and antimutagenic effects of propolis extract from Amaicha del Valle, Tucumán, Argentina. The cytotoxicity assays carried out with the lethality test of Artemia salina revealed that the LD50 was around 100 microg/mL. Propolis extracts showed no toxicity to Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains and Allium cepa at concentrations that have antibiotic and antioxidant activities. Otherwise, for the testing doses, neither genotoxicity nor mutagenicity was found in any sample. The propolis extracts were able to inhibit the mutagenesis of isoquinoline (IQ) and 4-nitro o-phenylenediamine (NPD) with ID50 values of 40 and 20 microg/plate, respectively. From this result, the studied propolis may be inferred to contain some chemical compounds capable of inhibiting the mutagenicity of direct-acting and indirect-acting mutagens. A compound isolated from Amaicha del Valle propolis, 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone, showed cytotoxic activity (LC50 values of 0.5 microg/mL) but was not genotoxic or mutagenic. Furthermore, this compound was able to inhibit the mutagenicity of IQ (ID50 values of 1 microg/plate) but was unable to inhibit the mutagenicity of NPD. Our results suggest a potential anticarcinogenic activity of Amaicha del Valle propolis and the chalcone isolated from it.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Natural product propolis: chemical composition.

The chemical composition of propolis from East Mediterranean (Hatay, Adana and Mersin) was studied in order to determine the major compounds by using GC-MS. In this study, the ethanolic extract of propolis prepared by mixing 1900mL 70% ethanol and 100g propolis was used. Chemical analysis of propolis extracts indicated that the propolis samples had high concentrations of the aromatic acids, esters and other derivatives which are responsible for the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of propolis such as benzyl cinnamate, methyl cinnamate, caffeic acid, cinnamyl cinnamate and cinnamoylglcine besides the most common compounds as fatty acid, terpenoids, esters, alcohols hydrocarbons and aromatic acids.

Alcohols↗

PubMed2005

Assessment by cytogenetic analysis of the radioprotection properties of propolis extract.

Propolis obtained from honeybee hives has been used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic or immunomodulatory agent. In animal studies, the radioprotector effect of propolis has been attributed to its free-radical scavenging properties. The present study was carried out to show the protective properties of propolis extract against DNA damage induced by gamma irradiation. The evaluation of the radioprotective effect of propolis has been carried out by the analysis of chromosome aberration induction after several doses of gamma rays. The results of an analysis in the presence of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) were compared with the dose-effect calibration curve for gamma-rays by analysis of chromosome aberrations without propolis, a decrease in the radiation-induced chromosome aberrations has been observed to be higher than 50% for all the doses.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMed2004

Effect of propolis on human fibroblasts from the pulp and periodontal ligament.

Propolis, a flavonoid-rich product of honey comb, exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we examined the tolerance of fibroblasts of the periodontal ligament (PDL) and dental pulp to propolis and compared with that of calcium hydroxide in vitro. Cells from human dental pulp and PDL were obtained from healthy third molars and subjected to various concentrations of propolis (0-20 mg/ml) and calcium hydroxide (0-250 mg/ml). The cell viability after propolis treatment was analyzed by crystal violet staining of the cells followed by spectrophotometric analysis. Data revealed that exposure of PDL cells or pulp fibroblasts to 4 mg/ml or lower concentrations of propolis resulted in >75% viability of cells. On the contrary, calcium hydroxide 0.4 mg/ml was cytotoxic and <25% of the cells were found to be viable. Further investigations may find propolis to be a possible alternative for an intracanal antimicrobial agent.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

PubMed1999

[Prophylactic effectiveness of propolis for immunostimulation: a clinical pilot study].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot investigation was to show the evidence of the prophylactic immunostimulating effectiveness caused by propolis. The immune response was determined by the measurement of the cytokine level in vivo and ex vivo (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8). STUDY DESIGN: In an open prospective monocentric study, test persons received Propolis XNP. PATIENTS: 10 healthy test persons aged between 18 and 45 years, with normal weight and of either sex. INTERVENTIONS: Probands received over 13 days 500 mg Propolis XNP (2 capsules) for peroral application in the morning. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Significant changes of the investigated cytokine secretion capacity during and after the treatment of propolis compared to the situation without medication. RESULTS: Although the cytokine plasma levels did not significantly change during the study, propolis led to a significant increase of both the spontaneous (TNF-alpha, p < 0. 05; IL-6, p < 0.01; IL-8, p < 0.02; IL-1beta, not detectable) and LPS(lipopolysaccaride)-induced (TNF-alpha, p < 0.001; IL-6, p < 0. 02; IL-8, p < 0.0005; IL-1beta, p < 0.05) cytokine secretion capacity following short-term ex vivo culture of peripheral blood leukocytes. Whereas the IL-6 secretion capacity further increased during the 13-day application, the IL-8 and TNF-alpha secretion reached a plateau after day 4 and the TNF-alpha secretion even decreased, but the level at day 13 was still significantly higher than at day 0. CONCLUSION: As the cytokine secretion capacity but not the cytokine plasma levels increased significantly during therapy, the prophylactic application of propolis led to a time dependent enhanced immune reactivity without undesired side effects.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗