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Effect of three vegetal sources of propolis on macrophages activation
... Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from the leaf bud and bark of certain plants. Baccharis dracunculifolia, Eucalyptus citriodora, Araucaria angustifolia, and Myrocarpus frondosus are major botanical sources of propolis from southeast Brazil (States of Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo) called due to its colour green propolis [1,2]. Extracts of Brazilian green propolis possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive, and anticancer properties [3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. ...
... Therefore, propolis has been extensively used in food, beverages, and dietary supplements to improve health and prevent diabetes, cancer, inflammatory, and heart diseases [10][11][12][13]. The medical application of propolis has led to increased interest in its chemical composition depending on the geographical origin and specific flora of the region, seasonality or methods of harvesting the raw material [1][2][3][4]. ...
The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and anti-inflammatory effect of ethanolic extract of Brazilian green propolis (EEP-B) on LPS + IFN- γ or PMA stimulated J774A.1 macrophages. The identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in green propolis extract were performed using HPLC-DAD and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS methods. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT and LDH assays. The radical scavenging ability was determined using DPPH(•) and ABTS(•+). ROS and RNS generation was analyzed by chemiluminescence. NO concentration was detected by the Griess reaction. The release of various cytokines by activated J774A.1 cells was measured in the culture supernatants using a multiplex bead array system based on xMAP technology. Artepillin C, kaempferide, and their derivatives were the main phenolics found in green propolis. At the tested concentrations, the EEP-B did not decrease the cell viability and did not cause the cytotoxicity. EEP-B exerted strong antioxidant activity and significantly inhibited the production of ROS, RNS, NO, cytokine IL-1 α , IL-1 β , IL-4, IL-6, IL-12p40, IL-13, TNF- α , G-CSF, GM-CSF, MCP-1, MIP-1 α , MIP-1 β , and RANTES in stimulated J774A.1 macrophages. Our findings provide new insights for understanding the anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of Brazilian green propolis extract and support its application in complementary and alternative medicine.
... Extracts of Baccharis dracunculifolia were prepared in the same way, obtaining 10% Baccharis extracts (1 ml extract + 9 ml distilled water) (Lopes et al., 2003). The plant was identified in the Herbário Botu, Department of Botany of Biosciences Institute, UNESP, where a voucher specimen BOTU (09867-18.03.98) has been deposited. ...
... Propolis and plant secretions were investigated using TLC and GC-MS analysis . The data suggest that no effects are attributed to such extracts on metabolite production, while propolis induces an elevation in H 2 O 2 release and inhibits NO generation, depending on the concentration (Lopes et al., 2003). Propolis action is a consequence of plant-derived products and isolated extracts of its vegetal sources, which did not have the same effect in this assay. ...
Although controversial, Creosote bush, Larrea tridentata (Sesse and Moc. ex DC) Coville, is used to treat a variety of illnesses including infertility, rheumatism, arthritis, diabetes, gallbladder and kidney stones, pain and inflammation. Recently, it has been used as a nutritional supplement. The primary product extracted from this common plant of the arid regions of northern Mexico and Southwestern United States is the potent antioxidant nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). It was widely used during the 1950s as a food preservative and to preserve naturals fibers. Later it was banned after reports of toxicity during the early 1960s. Renal and hepatotoxicity are also reported for chronic use of creosote bush and NDGA. This article reviews traditional and contemporary uses and pharmacology, including toxicology of this plant widely used in Mexican traditional medicine.
... Suggestions have been made that probable sources of Brazilian propolis are Araucaria heterophylla, Clusia major, Clusia minor and species of Baccharis (7). Other possible sources of Brazilian propolis that have been suggested are Araucaria angustifolia, Baccharis dracunculifolia and Eucalyptus citriodora (18). Chemical evidence has suggested that some Baccharis species are resin sources for propolis from Botucatu (São Paulo State, southeast Brazil) (6). ...
Review up to 2005 about variation of the composition of Brazilian propolis.
... [35] Suggestions have been made that probable sources of Brazilian propolis that have been suggested are Araucaria heterophylla, Clusia major, Clusia minor and species of Baccharis, Araucaria angustifolia, Baccharisdracunculifolia and Eucalyptus citriodora. [36,37] Shimizu T et al., found the ethanolic extract of Brazilian propolis at a dose of 10mg/kg, p.o significantly reduced virus yields in the broncho alveolar lavage fluids of lungs in infected mice in compared to oseltamivir at 1 mg/kg twice daily from day 1 to day 4 after infected with influenza virus. The extract was given for seven successive days after infection. ...
Swine flu also known as Influenza A (H1N1), is a pandemic infection caused by swine flu influenza virus (SIV). There are many marketed preparations available for the treatment of swineflu. The treatments for the disease include ayurveda, unani and pharmacological medications. There are few pharmacologically active anti-viral drugs like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Zanamivir (Relenza) were available in the market. The scope of herbal treatments over the allopathic drugs in treating swine flu is becoming more popular because of the less adverse effects. Among them, Tulsi, Neem, Garlic, Aloevera, Liquorice are the common ayurvedic plants for the treatment of the disease. As the H1N1 strain is resistant to few anti-viral medications, there is a lot of scope for research on the advanced approaches to act on this resistant strain.
... E. citriodora, a tree native to Australia, is widely grown in different parts of the world and is commonly cultivated in Taiwan. The kino of this plant has been discovered as a botanical origin for propolis [10,11] . Phytochemical studies on E. citriodora kino have described the isolation and characterization of triterpenoids, phenolics and flavonoids [12,13] . ...
In the present study, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of ethanol extract and its ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions of Eucalyptus citriodora kino were evaluated. The antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) methods. The IC50 values of the ethanol extract were 5.11±0.13, 2.72±0.08 and 25.86±1.81 μg/ml in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) methods and the 15-lipoxugenase assay, respectively. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of the ethanol extract were 490.77±1.95 mg catechin equivalents/g and 21.81±0.23 mg quercetin equivalents/g, respectively. Solvent partition of the ethanol extract yielded ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions. Among the three fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents, which were 575.87±3.92 mg catechin equivalents/g and 34.57±0.30 mg quercetin equivalents/g, respectively. This fraction also showed the strongest free radical scavenging activity in the two methods used as well as inhibitory activity against 15-lipoxygenase, with IC50 values of 4.67±0.09, 2.57±0.06 and 14.67±0.93 μg/ml, respectively. These findings revealed that high antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of Eucalyptus citriodora kino might be due to high phenolic and flavonoid content. These results showed that Eucalyptus citriodora kino could be a potential source of natural antioxidants and lipoxygenase inhibitors which could be used to prevent free radical and lipoxygenase mediated diseases.
... These species are considered a very attractive for stingless bees, and are used economically for extraction of oils (Rêgo, albuquerque, Ramos, & Mendes, 2007). The Myrcia/ Psidium (Myrtaceae) pollen type is one of the possible sources of resin, particularly goiabeira (Psidium guajaba L.) (Oliveira & Bastos, 1998); Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) is a genus that produces a large amount of pollen, and was indicated as one of the sources of resin for propolis in Brazil (Barth, 1998;Barth et al., 1999;Bastos, 2001;Barth & Luz, 2003;Barros et al., 2013;Freitas et al., 2010;Lopes, Bankova, & Sforcin, 2003;Matos, Alencar, & Santos, 2014;Ribeiro et al., 2016). ...
We analyzed the pollen spectrum from one hundred and thirty geopropolis samples
collected by Melipona subnitida, M. seminigra, M. flavolineata and M. fasciculata. The
samples were collected in the municipality of Santa Luzia do Paruá in the Alto Turi
region, part of the Amazon region in the state of Maranhão. The objective was to
determine the phytogeographic pollen profile of geopropolis samples from Melipona
species, and to help characterize the resin supplying vegetation for these bees.
Geopropolis samples were collected monthly from December 2013 to December 2014
from nests kept in wooden boxes in a private meliponary. Samples were prepared using standard methodology. A total of 148 pollen types were identified, distributed among 49 plant families and 108 genera. Of these, 16 types were found exclusively in M. subnitida, 11 in M. seminigra, 9 in M. flavolineata and 8 types in M. fasciculata. In general the months with the greatest richness of pollen types were December 2013, June 2014, September 2014, October 2014, and December 2014.The botanical family Fabaceae presented the greatest pollen richness (39 types), followed by Rubiaceae (11 types). The most common pollen types in the geopropolis for the four Melipona species were: Attalea speciosa, Anacardium, Borreria verticilatta, Baccharis, Clusia, Chamaecrista, Croton, Euterpe/Syagrus, Eucalyptus, Hyptis, Mauritia, Mimosa pudica, M. caesalpinaefolia, Mouriri, Myrcia/Psidium, Protium, and Symphonia globulifera, characteristic of the phytogeographic pollen profile of the product in the study region.
... plantations in the collection area. Other studies consider Eucalyptus as an important source of resin for bees (Bastos 2001;Montenegro et al. 2001;Lopes et al. 2003). In Freitas et al. (2010), Barth et al. (1999), Barth and Luz (2003), this pollen type was considered Predominant ([45 %), and was also well represented in propolis collected by Scaptotrigona depilis in Bolivia (Freitas et al. 2012). ...
The pollen spectrum of 120 samples of Melipona (Melikerria) fasciculata Smith 1854 geopropolis from two phytogeographical regions of Maranhão, Brazil was analyzed. This study aimed to characterize the palynologically geopropolis produced by this species of bee. Samples were collected monthly in Palmeirândia (seasonally flooded fields vegetation) and Barreirinhas (“Cerrado” vegetation). A total of 121 pollen types were identified and distributed into 52 families and 84 genera. The predominant pollen types (>45 %) were Adenocalymma inundatum (Bignoniaceae), Bauhinia
reflexa (Caesalpiniaceae), Caryocar (Caryocaraceae), Chamaecrista (Fabaceae), Lafoensia (Lythraceae), Mauritia (Arecaceae), Machaerium (Fabaceae), Mimosa
pudica (Mimosaceae), and Ouratea (Ochnaceae). The pollen types Adenocalymma inundatum, Adenocalymma sp., Anadenanthera, Astrocaryum, Casearia, Caesalpinia, Caryophyllaceae, Cecropia, Crotalaria, Croton, Cydista aequinoctialis, Desmodium incanum, Drymaria, Euphorbia, Eupatorium, Eugenia, Ficus, Gustavia, Lecythidaceae, Malphigia, Maytenus, Mimosa verrucosa, Moraceae, Neptunia, Opuntia, Protium, Piptadenia, Pontederia, Polygonum, Schinnus and Wulffia were exclusive to samples from the seasonally flooded fields vegetation (Palmeirândia), whereas Acacia, Amaranthus, Arecaceae, Banara guianensis, Bauhinia guianensis, Bignoniaceae, Borreria latifolia, Byrsonima, Bromeliaceae, Cupania, Dalbergia, Fridericia, Galactia, Irlbachia, Malpighiaceae, Maytenus ilicifolia, Miconia/Tibouchina, Myrtaceae, Ouratea, Parkia, Pavonia, Picramnia, Phyllanthus, Securidaca, Stryphnodendron, Scrophulariaceae, Rourea, Tiliaceae, Trema, Xyris, and Wedelia were exclusive to the “Cerrado” vegetation (Barreirinhas). Some of these species are resin producers. The palynological analysis of M.
fasciculata geopropolis from the state of Maranhão was valuable for the phytogeographical characterization of the samples, and it provided knowledge on the botanical origin of the resin.
... The data obtained also confirmed the presence of sugars such as fructofuranose, fructopyranose and tagatofuranose in propolis from Canada (Viguerea et al., 1993). The most important plant sources for propolis in this region were Eucalyptus globulus, Azadirachta indica and Mangifera indica, which are rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds (Lopes et al., 2003;Sultana et al., 2007;Thomas et al., 2002;Selles et al., 2002). ...
Honeybee products are a rich source of nutritive supplements and traditional medication. The increasing resistance of bacteria towards various antibiotics and the limited scope of some vaccines makes it important to explore alternative therapies to combat bacterial diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial action of propolis using biochemical and histopathological methods in Salmonella typhimurium-infected BALB/c mice. Crude propolis was collected from an apiary and extracted with 70% ethanol. Hepatotoxicity was induced in mice by infecting them with Salmonella typhimurium (104 colony-forming units (CFU)), and the hepatoprotective activity of propolis was evaluated by administration of different doses of propolis (100, 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. Biochemical and histopathological examinations were performed at regular intervals during the experimental period. Results obtained after treatment were compared with similar studies performed on normal control mice. Infected mice showed elevated liver marker enzymes and revealed the presence of characteristic typhoidal nodules in histological preparations. These results point to the therapeutic activity of propolis against Salmonella typhimurium.
... Montenegro et al. (2001) observed that Eucalyptus globulus in Chile was one of the preferred sources of propolis by bees, according to the significant and sustained presence of pollen grains in samples. From chemical evidence, the species Eucalyptus citridora was an indicator of a possible source of propolis in Brazil (Lopes et al. 2003). In another study (Freitas et al. 2010), pollen analysis of 24 propolis samples obtained in the Atlantic coast region next to Rio de Janeiro city was presented. ...
Twenty eight propolis samples, collected in different apiaries located in the Northeast, Southeast and South Brazilian regions were examined for pollen content. In order to facilitate analysis, wax and resin was removed with ethanol, followed by acetolysis and ultrasound treatment. The target number of pollen grains was 300 or more per sample. The dominant pollen types detected in the Northeast samples were Mimosa verrucosa (Bahia state) and Borreria (Rio Grande do Norte state), followed by Acacia (Rio Grande do Norte state). In the Southeast samples, Minas Gerais state were dominated by Asteraceae followed by Eucalyptus, Cecropia and Solanaceae. In the São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro state samples, the dominant pollen types were Asteraceae and Eucalyptus. In the South region samples, Asteraceae (Paraná state) and Eucalyptus (Rio Grande do Sul state) were dominant. Pollen grains of nectariferous plants were also common and dominant, and pollen of anemophilous plant taxa were also frequent. Analysis of the pollen types found in propolis samples from the Brazilian regions demonstrates that samples from the Northeast could be distinguished from those from the South and Southeast.
... Lopes et al. (2003) avaliaram a ação de extratos das plantas fontes de própolis em nossa região sobre a produção de H 2 O 2 e NO por macrófagos, verificando a ausência de efeito sobre a produção de tais metabólitos. Estes resultados sugeriram que a ação da própolis é uma conseqüência dos produtos derivados das plantas e adição de substâncias secretadas pelas abelhas, atuando possivelmente de forma sinérgica. ...
... Sepetiba p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6 p7 p8 p9 p10 p11 p12 p13 p14 p15 p16 p17 p18 p19 p20 p21 p22 p23 p24 uma das fontes de própolis preferida pelas abelhas, de acordo com a presença signifi cativa e constante de seu pólen nas amostras. Através de evidências químicas, a espécie Eucalyptus citriodora foi indicada como uma das possíveis fontes de própolis no Brasil (Lopes et al. 2003). Bastos (2001) fez a mesma sugestão pela presença signifi cativa do pólen de Eucalyptus na própolis de Minas Gerais. ...
Several ecosystems appear along the coastline in Rio de Janeiro State where apicultural activities are developed for propolis production, although only a few papers have been published on palynological analysis of the propolis produced in this region. Twenty four samples of propolis were collected and analysed throughout 1997, originated from three apiaries located in distinct areas on the west Atlantic coast in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. The palynological analysis was carried out after removal of wax and resin using ethanol, acetolysis, and counting 500 pollen grains per sample. All samples showed a predominance of Eucalyptus pollen type together with Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia apart from minor quantities of Mimosa scabrella. Cecropia was present in most samples but the percentages varied considerably. Anacardiaceae (four pollen types), Asteraceae, Citrus, Cocos and Poaceae also occurred in most samples, but in lower quantities. The original vegetation in this region (Atlantic forest and "restinga") was represented by a few pollen types with percentages below 3% (Astronium, Casearia, Celtis, Mansoa/Sparattosperma, Myrcia, Schinus and Tabebuia). Statistical analysis reflected the correlation between the plant species identified by their pollen grains and the studied areas. The palynological analysis of the brownish propolis showed mainly the similarity of the pollen spectra in these three areas, making evident the altered vegetation (from degraded areas and cultivation).
... was the preferred resin source of bees. In Lopes et al. (2003), Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. was identified as one of the propolis sources in Brazil, and Bastos (2001) suggested that Eucalyptus in propolis samples from the Minas Gerais state (Brazil) was the resin source due to the significant presence of its pollen in propolis. ...
The pollen spectra of 16 samples of geopropolis of Melipona fasciculata from three phytogeographic regions in Maranhão, Brazil, have been analysed. Samples GP1 to GP4 were collected in Palmeirândia located in the region of periodic flooded fields (lowlands of the northern micro-region of Maranhão). Samples GP5 to GP8 were collected in Barreirinhas (Cerrado vegetation, northern micro-region of Maranhão). Samples GP9 to GP16 were collected in Belagua (Restinga vegetation, eastern micro-region of Maranhão). Thirty-eight pollen types were identified, distributed in 26 families and 29 genera. The most frequent pollen types were Mimosa pudica, Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, Chamaecrista and Solanum. Eucalyptus, Psidium, Combretum/Melastomataceae, Arecaceae, Mauritia and Ardisia pollen types were present in variable amounts (‘accessory pollen’ and/or ‘isolated pollen’). Alternanthera, Amaranthaceae, Desmodium, Dioclea and Dalbergia pollen types occurred with a lower percentage (‘occasional pollen’). The first two axes of the principal component analysis grouped 69% of the pollen variability of samples from three locations. Even though all three ecosystem samples were collected in the same month, they had different patterns of similarity. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of pollen types in geopropolis samples of Melipona fasciculata were phytogeographically valuable for characterising the samples and providing knowledge about the flora in the Brazilian state of Maranhão.
... Martos et al. (1997) found the leaf exudate of some Cistus spp. to be a plant source of propolis in Tunisia. Analogously, Ambrosia deltoidea in the Sonoran Desert, Clusia major and Clusia minor (Guttiferae) in Venezuela, Xanthorrhoea spp. in Australia and Araucaria angustifolia, A. heterophylla, Baccharis dracunculifolia, Clusia major, Clusia minor, Eucalyptus citriodora and species of Baccharis in Brazil were the main plant sources for propolis (Bonvehi and Coll 2000; Banskota et al. 2001, Lopes et al. 2003). The best indicator for the origin of propolis is its chemical composition, compared to the composition of the hypothetical source plant material (Bankova et al. 1999). ...
Honeybees collect propolis from practically any abundant plant source in the neighborhood of the hive, be it populus, eucalyptus,
pine, sugarcane, cashew nut or orange trees. We have described that the origin plants of Turkish propolis are Populus sp., Eucalyptus sp. and Castanea sativa. In our previous study, propolis samples from Middle Anatolia displayed the typical pattern of “poplar” propolis: they contained
pinobanksin, caffeic and ferulic acids and their esters. The propolis samples examined in this study were shown not to contain
polar phenolics. The main components of Eucalyptus propolis were aromatic acids, mainly cinnamic acid and its esters, that
are usually found in Eucalyptus species resins. The second distinct sample originated from West Anatolia. Although it contained
low amounts of phenolic substances and aromatic acids, its main components were sugars and glycosides. The study revealed
that there was no significant difference between propolis samples in antibacterial activity, however the yeasts were shown
to be more sensitive to eucalyptus-propolis. Gram negative bacteria were susceptible to none of the samples tested.
... Suggestions have been made that probable sources of Brazilian propolis are Araucaria heterophylla, Clusia major, Clusia minor and species of Baccharis (7). Other possible sources of Brazilian propolis that have been suggested are Araucaria angustifolia, Baccharis dracunculifolia and Eucalyptus citriodora (18). Chemical evidence has suggested that some Baccharis species are resin sources for propolis from Botucatu (São Paulo State, southeast Brazil) (6). ...
Propolis is a hive product containing chiefly beeswax and plant-derived substances such as resin and volatile compounds. Propolis has been used as an antiseptic and wound healer since ancient times and interest for the product has increased recently. Probably few plant species contribute as major resin sources. Green propolis derives mainly from vegetative apices of Baccharis dracunculifolia (alecrim plants). However, wide variation detected in the chemical composition suggests contributions from alternative resin plant sources. Predominant components of the resin of green propolis are cinnamic acids, chiefly compounds bearing prenyl groups. Terpenoid compounds, such as sesqui, di and pentacyclic triterpenoids, have been detected in many, but not all, samples investigated. Propolis research has uncovered potentialities of substances previously isolated from plants and has detected constituents of plant origin that would hardly be known otherwise.
... We recently evaluated the action of three vegetal sources of Brazilian propolis (Araucaria angustifolia, Baccharis dracunculifolia and Eucalyptus citriodora) on macrophage activation, through oxygen (H 2 O 2 ) and nitrogen (NO) metabolite determination. No effects were attributed to such extracts on production of these metabolites, while propolis, depending on the evaluated concentration, induced an elevation in H 2 O 2 release and inhibited NO generation (Lopes et al 2003). ...
Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. (Asteraceae), a shrub which grows wild in Brazil, is the main botanical source of Brazilian green propolis. Since Brazilian propolis shows an immunomodulatory activity, the goal of this work was to evaluate the action of B. dracunculifolia extracts and some of its isolated compounds on reactive oxygen intermediate (H(2)O(2)) production by macrophages obtained from male BALB/c mice. The results showed that the leaf (Bd-L) (25, 50, and 100 microg mL(-1)), leaf rinse (Bd-LR) (25 microg mL(-1)), and the root (Bd-R) (25 microg mL(-1)) extracts enhanced H2O2 release by macrophages. A phytochemical study of the root and leaves of B. dracunculifolia was carried out. The chromatographic fractionation of Bd-R, using several techniques, afforded the isolation of baccharis oxide (1), friedelanol (2), viscidone (11), 11-hydroxy-10,11-dihydro-euparin (12), and 6hydroxy-tremetona (13), while Bd-LR gave the following isolated compounds: baccharis oxide (1), friedelanol (2), isosakuranetin (3), aromadendrin-4'-methyl ether (4), dihydrocumaric acid (5), baccharin (6), hautriwaic acid lactone (7), hautriwaic acid acetate (8), drupanin (9), and cumaric acid (10). Among the isolated compounds, baccharis oxide (1) and friedelanol (2) increased H2O2 production at a concentration of 100 microM. This is the first time that the presence of compounds 7, 8, 12, and 13 in B. dracunculifolia has been reported. Based on these results it is suggested that the crude extracts and some isolated compounds from B. dracunculifolia display an immunomodulatory action.
... Thus, the effect of three main vegetal sources of propolis in our apiary (Araucaria, Baccharis and Eucalyptus-5, 10 and 20 g/ml) on macrophages activation was analysed, evaluating oxygen (H 2 O 2 ) and nitrogen (NO) metabolites determination. Data suggested no effects related to such extracts on these metabolites production (Lopes et al., 2003). Propolis action is a consequence of plant-derived products and isolated extracts of its vegetal sources did not have the same effect in this assay. ...
Propolis has been used empirically for centuries and it was always mentioned as an immunomodulatory agent. In recent years, in vitro and in vivo assays provided new information concerning its mechanisms of action, thus a review dealing with propolis and the immune system became imperative. This review compiles data from our laboratory as well as from other researchers, focusing on its chemical composition and botanical sources, the seasonal effect on its composition and biological properties, its immunomodulatory and antitumor properties, considering its effects on antibody production and on different cells of the immune system, involving the innate and adaptive immune response. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated the modulatory action of propolis on murine peritoneal macrophages, increasing their microbicidal activity. Its stimulant action on the lytic activity of natural killer cells against tumor cells, and on antibody production was demonstrated. Propolis inhibitory effects on lymphoproliferation may be associated to its anti-inflammatory property. In immunological assays, the best results were observed when propolis was administered over a short-term to animals. Propolis antitumor property and its anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic potential are discussed. Since humans have used propolis for different purposes and propolis-containing products have been marketed, the knowledge of its properties with scientific basis is not only of academic interest but also of those who use propolis as well. This review opens a new perspective on the investigation of propolis biological properties, mainly with respect to the immune system.
... Propolis immunomodulatory action has been widely investigated in our laboratory (7–11,21,22). Thus, in order to verify a possible effect of this bee product during stress, macrophage activation was evaluated after propolis treatment of stressed mice. ...
Stress is a generic term that summarizes how psychosocial and environmental factors influence physical and mental well-being. The interaction between stress and immunity has been widely investigated, involving the neuroendocrine system and several organs. Assays using natural products in stress models deserve further investigation. Propolis immunomodulatory action has been mentioned and it has been the subject of scientific investigation in our laboratory. The aim of this study was to evaluate if and how propolis activated macrophages in BALB/c mice submitted to immobilization stress, as well as the histopathological analysis of the thymus, bone marrow, spleen and adrenal glands. Stressed mice showed a higher hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) generation by peritoneal macrophages, and propolis treatment potentiated H(2)O(2) generation and inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production by these cells. Histopathological analysis showed no alterations in the thymus, bone marrow and adrenal glands, but increased germinal centers in the spleen. Propolis treatment counteracted the alterations found in the spleen of stressed mice. New research is being carried out in order to elucidate propolis immunomodulatory action during stress.
Africanized bees have a preference for Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. (Asteraceae) as a source of green propolis in Brazil. Propolis has been always mentioned as an immunomodulatory agent, and in vitro and in vivo assays have provided new information concerning its mechanisms of action. Propolis effects on antibody production have been widely investigated, and its impact on different cells of the immune system, involving the innate and adaptive immune response, has been assessed. Propolis increased the microbicidal activity of macrophages, monocytes, and neutrophils, as well as the lytic activity of natural killer cells against tumor cells. Since humans have used propolis for different purposes and propolis-containing products have been marketed, the knowledge of its properties with scientific basis is not only of academic interest but also of those who use propolis as well.KeywordsAntitumor property
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Bio-economyImmune systemPlant chemistry
Diversos ecossistemas são encontrados ao longo da área litorânea do Estado do Rio de Janeiro onde se desenvolvem atividades apícolas visando à produção de própolis, entretanto, poucos são os trabalhos que tratam da análise palinológica da própolis dessa região. Foram analisadas vinte e quatro amostras de própolis coletadas ao longo do ano de 1997 e procedentes de três apiários localizados em áreas distintas da vertente atlântica na zona oeste do município do Rio de Janeiro. As análises palinológicas foram realizadas a partir da remoção da cera e resina com etanol e, pelo uso da acetólise, contando-se 500 grãos de pólen por amostra. Em todas as amostras houve a predominância do tipo polínico Eucalyptus em conjunto com Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia, além de Mimosa scabrella que, no entanto, foi observado com valores mais baixos. Cecropia esteve presente na maioria das amostras, mas seus percentuais variaram muito. Anacardiaceae (quatro tipos polínicos), Asteraceae, Citrus, Cocos e Poaceae também ocorreram na maioria das amostras, mas sempre com baixos valores. As formações vegetais originais da região (mata atlântica e restinga) foram representadas por alguns tipos polínicos com percentuais abaixo de 3% (Astronium, Casearia, Celtis, Mansoa/Sparattosperma, Myrcia, Schinus e Tabebuia). As análises estatísticas refletiram a correlação entre as espécies de plantas reconhecidas através de seus grãos de pólen e as áreas de estudo. A análise palinológica da própolis marrom demonstrou principalmente a semelhança dos espectros polínicos nessas três áreas, evidenciando a vegetação alterada (de áreas degradadas e cultivo).
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.
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