Inhibitory effect of a propolis on di-n-propyl disulfide or n-hexyl salycilate-induced skin irritation, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in mice

Flavonoid compounds and their synergistic effects: Promising approaches for the prevention and treatment of psoriasis with emphasis on keratinocytes - A systematic and mechanistic review

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin disorder, causes rapid and excessive skin cell growth due to immune system dysfunction. Numerous studies have shown that flavonoids have anti-psoriatic effects by modulating various molecular mechanisms involved in inflammation, cytokine production, keratinocyte proliferation, and more. This study reviewed experimental data reported in scientific literature and used network analysis to identify the potential biological roles of flavonoids' targets in treating psoriasis. 947 records from Web of Sciences, ScienceDirect database, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane library were reviewed without limitations until June 26, 2023. 66 articles were included in the systematic review. The ten genes with the highest scores, including interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12A, IL-1β, IL-6, Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Janus kinase 2 (JAK 2), Jun N-terminal kinase (JUN), Proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (SRC), Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), and Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), were identified as the hub genes. KEGG pathway analysis identified connections related to inflammation and autoimmune responses, which are key characteristics of psoriasis. IL-6, STAT3, and JUN's presence in both hub and enrichment genes suggests their important role in flavonoid's effect on psoriasis. This comprehensive study highlights how flavonoids can target biological processes in psoriasis, especially when combined for enhanced effectiveness.

Anti-Inflammatory and Histological Analysis of Skin Wound Healing through Topical Application of Mexican Propolis

Skin wound healing is a complex biochemical process of tissue repair and remodeling in response to injury. Currently, the drugs used to improve the healing process are inaccessible to the population, are costly, and have side effects, making the search for new treatment alternatives necessary. Propolis is a natural product produced by bees that is widely recognized and used in folk medicine for its multiple biomedical activities. However, therapeutic information regarding Mexican propolis is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing effect of the Chihuahua ethanolic extract of propolis (ChEEP). Macroscopic and histological analyses were performed using a mouse wound-healing model. The topic acute toxicity assay showed that propolis at 10% w/v had no toxic effects. ChEEP has antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Moreover, it exhibited good anti-inflammatory activity evaluated through mouse ear edema induced by 12-O-tetradeca-noylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). A full-thickness incision lesion was created in mice and treated topically with 10% ChEEP. At Day 14 post-treatment, it was observed that propolis increased wound contraction and reduced healing time and wound length; furthermore, propolis increased the tensile strength of the wound, as determined with the tensiometric method, and promoted the formation of type I collagen at the site of injury, as evaluated with Herovici stain. These findings suggest that the topical administration of ChEEP can improve skin wound healing, probably due to the synergistic effect of its components, mainly polyphenols, in different steps of the wound-healing process. It should be noted this is the first time that the wound-healing activity of a Mexican propolis has been evaluated.

Neuroprotective Effect of Propolis Polyphenol-Based Nanosheets in Cellular and Animal Models of Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease

Considering the central role of oxidative stress in the onset and progress of Parkinson's diseases (PD), search for compounds with antioxidant properties has attracted a growing body of attention. Here, we compare the neuroprotective effect of bulk and nano forms of the polyphenolic fraction of propolis (PFP) against rotenone-induced cellular and animal models of PD. Mass spectrometric analysis of PFP confirmed the presence of multiple polyphenols including kaempferol, naringenin, coumaric acid, vanillic acid, and ferulic acid. In vitro cellular experiments indicate the improved efficiency of the nano form, compared to the bulk form, of PFP in attenuating rotenone-induced cytotoxicity characterized by a decrease in cell viability, release of lactate dehydrogenase, increased ROS generation, depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, decreased antioxidant enzyme activity, and apoptosis induction. In vivo experiments revealed that while no significant neuroprotection was observed relating to the bulk form, PFP nanosheets were very effective in protecting animals, as evidenced by the improved behavioral and neurochemical parameters, including decreased lipid peroxidation, increased GSH content, and antioxidant enzyme activity enhancement. We suggest that improved neuroprotective effects of PFP nanosheets may be attributed to their increased water solubility and enrichment with oxygen-containing functional groups (such as OH and COOH), leading to increased antioxidant activity of these compounds.

Allergic Inflammation: Effect of Propolis and Its Flavonoids

The incidence of allergic diseases and their complications are increasing worldwide. Today, people increasingly use natural products, which has been termed a "return to nature". Natural products with healing properties, especially those obtained from plants and bees, have been used in the prevention and treatment of numerous chronic diseases, including allergy and/or inflammation. Propolis is a multi-component resin rich in flavonoids, collected and transformed by honeybees from buds and plant wounds for the construction and adaptation of their nests. This article describes the current views regarding the possible mechanisms and multiple benefits of flavonoids in combating allergy and allergy-related complications. These benefits arise from flavonoid anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and wound healing activities and their effects on microbe-immune system interactions in developing host responses to different allergens. Finally, this article presents various aspects of allergy pathobiology and possible molecular approaches in their treatment. Possible mechanisms regarding the antiallergic action of propolis on the microbiota of the digestive and respiratory tracts and skin diseases as a method to selectively remove allergenic molecules by the process of bacterial biotransformation are also reported.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Propolis and Its Polyphenolic Compounds against Cancer

In recent years, interest in natural products such as alternative sources of pharmaceuticals for numerous chronic diseases, including tumors, has been renewed. Propolis, a natural product collected by honeybees, and polyphenolic/flavonoid propolis-related components modulate all steps of the cancer progression process. Anticancer activity of propolis and its compounds relies on various mechanisms: cell-cycle arrest and attenuation of cancer cells proliferation, reduction in the number of cancer stem cells, induction of apoptosis, modulation of oncogene signaling pathways, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases, prevention of metastasis, anti-angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory effects accompanied by the modulation of the tumor microenvironment (by modifying macrophage activation and polarization), epigenetic regulation, antiviral and bactericidal activities, modulation of gut microbiota, and attenuation of chemotherapy-induced deleterious side effects. Ingredients from propolis also "sensitize" cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents, likely by blocking the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). In this review, we summarize the current knowledge related to the the effects of flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds from propolis on tumor growth and metastasizing ability, and discuss possible molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the modulation of inflammatory pathways and cellular processes that affect survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis of the tumor.

Potential Use of Propolis in Phytocosmetic as Phytotherapeutic Constituent

Phytocosmetic is an important aspect of traditional medicine in several cultures. Researchers are now focusing to find new and effective ingredients of natural origin. Propolis is a natural beehive product extensively used in traditional medicine. We aimed in the present study to investigate the potential use of propolis as an aesthetic and phytotherapeutic constituent in phytocosmetics. Propolis was extracted using 80% ethanol. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined calorimetrically. Free radical scavenging ability and reducing capacity were evaluated using four assays and expressed as IC₅₀ values. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on 11 Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The wound healing activity of 30% ethanolic extract and propolis ointment was studied using excision wounds in the anterio-dorsal side of the rats. The phenolic acid composition of the tested propolis was investigated using UFLC/MS-MS analysis. The tested propolis was rich in phenolic and flavonoid content and demonstrated an interesting antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Wounds treated with propolis appear to display a lesser degree of inflammation. Chemical analysis led to the identification of 11 phenolics. Among them, five are considered as main compounds: Chlorogenic acid (48.79 ± 5.01 ng/mL), Gallic acid (44.25 ± 6.40 ng/mL), Rutin (21.12 ± 3.57 ng/mL), Caffeic acid (28.19 ± 4.95 ng/mL), and trans-cinnamic acid (20.10 ± 6.51 ng/mL). Our results indicated that propolis can not only be used as a cosmetic ingredient but also be used as a preventative and curative constituent, which might be used as a barrier when applied externally on infected and non-infected skin.

Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Chrysin and Naringenin in a Drug-Induced Bone Loss Model in Rats

Oxidative stress (OS) mediators, together with the inflammatory processes, are considered as threatening factors for bone health. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of flavonoids naringenin and chrysin on OS, inflammation, and bone degradation in retinoic acid (13cRA)-induced secondary osteoporosis (OP) in rats. We analysed changes in body and uterine weight, biochemical bone parameters (bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), markers of bone turnover), bone geometry parameters, bone histology, OS parameters, biochemical and haematological parameters, and levels of inflammatory cytokines. Osteoporotic rats had reduced bone Ca and P levels, BMD, BMC, and expression of markers of bone turnover, and increased values of serum enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Malondialdehyde (MDA) production in liver, kidney, and ovary was increased, while the glutathione (GSH) content and activities of antioxidant enzymes were reduced and accompanied with the enhanced release of inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and RANTES chemokine (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted) in serum. Treatment with chrysin or naringenin improved bone quality, reduced bone resorption, and bone mineral deposition, although with a lower efficacy compared with alendronate. However, flavonoids exhibited more pronounced antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and phytoestrogenic activities, indicating their great potential in attenuating bone loss and prevention of OP.

Nanoemulsions: A Review on the Conceptualization of Treatment for Psoriasis Using a 'Green' Surfactant with Low-Energy Emulsification Method

Psoriasis is a skin disease that is not lethal and does not spread through bodily contact. However, this seemingly harmless condition can lead to a loss of confidence and social stigmatization due to a persons' flawed appearance. The conventional methods of psoriasis treatment include taking in systemic drugs to inhibit immunoresponses within the body or applying topical drugs onto the surface of the skin to inhibit cell proliferation. Topical methods are favored as they pose lesser side effects compared to the systemic methods. However, the side effects from systemic drugs and low bioavailability of topical drugs are the limitations to the treatment. The use of nanotechnology in this field has enhanced drug loading capacity and reduced dosage size. In this review, biosurfactants were introduced as a 'greener' alternative to their synthetic counterparts. Glycolipid biosurfactants are specifically suited for anti-psoriatic application due to their characteristic skin-enhancing qualities. The selection of a suitable oil phase can also contribute to the anti-psoriatic effect as some oils have skin-healing properties. The review covers the pathogenic pathway of psoriasis, conventional treatments, and prospective ingredients to be used as components in the nanoemulsion formulation. Furthermore, an insight into the state-of-the-art methods used in formulating nanoemulsions and their progression to low-energy methods are also elaborated in detail.

Validation study of a new reconstructed human epidermis model EPiTRI for in vitro skin irritation test according to OECD guidelines

Following the global trend of reducing animal testing, various reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) models for skin irritation test (SIT) have been developed, verified, validated and included in OECD TG 439. We developed a new RHE called EPiTRI and a SIT method using EPiTRI (EPiTRI-SIT model) following the OECD guidelines. EPiTRI possesses morphological, biochemical and physiological properties similar to human epidermis with well-differentiated multilayered viable cells with barrier function. The EPiTRI-SIT model was tested for 20 reference chemicals in Performance Standard of OECD TG 439 (GD 220), showing good predictive capacity with 100% sensitivity, 70% specificity and 85% accuracy. EPiTRI had sensitivity in detecting di-n-propyl disulphate, as an irritant chemical (UN GHS Category 2), whereas most validated reference methods detected it as a non-irritant. An international validation study of EPiTRI-SIT was conducted in four laboratories to confirm the within- and between-laboratory reproducibility, as well as predictive capacity. The phase I/II within-laboratory and between-laboratory reproducibility was 100%/95% and 95%, respectively. The overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EPiTRI-SIT was 96%, 70% and 83%, respectively, which fulfilled the OECD criteria. Thus, EPiTRI, meets the criteria of Performance Standards of OECD TG 439 (GD 220) and is suitable for screening irritating chemicals in vitro.

The protective effect of silk fibroin on high glucose induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cells

The therapeutic use of silk-derived materials such as fibroin in biomedicine is well-established in Southeast Asian countries. Studies indicated that silk fibroin (SF) peptide enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism phenomena associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) suggesting this peptide may be beneficial to treat this disease. However, the mechanisms underlying protective effect of SF in insulin-mediated hepatic metabolic dysfunction remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of SF on insulin resistant HepG2 cells which were used a model of T2DM. Treatment of cells with 30 mmol/L of glucose and 10^-6 mol/L insulin for 48 h significantly reduced glucose consumptions and intracellular glycogen levels but increased triglyceride (TG) levels. SF or metformin alone elevated glucose consumptions and glycogen accumulation accompanied by lower TG content. Greater effects in these metabolic parameters were found when SF and metformin were combined. Treatment of insulin resistant cells with SF or metformin alone decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6); whereas antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, as well as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) ability increased. The combination of SF and metformin produced greater changes in these parameters compared to metformin alone. Data indicated that the protective effect of SF or metformin in insulin resistant HepG2 cells involves inhibition of oxidant processes and that the combination of agents may prove more effective therapeutically.

Effect of Propolis on Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia and Atherogenic Indices in Mice

Obesity, a major health problem worldwide, is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors, such as dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, and hypertension. We investigated the antioxidative capacity of the ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) and its effect on the lipid profile, the hepatorenal function, and the atherogenic indices in mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). EEP (50 mg/kg) was given orally to mice for 30 days. After the treatments, levels of the serum total triglyceride and cholesterol, the high density lipoprotein (HDL-c) and low density lipoprotein (LDL-c) cholesterols, the serum enzymes, and the metabolites were measured, and atherogenic indices [atherogenic index of plasma (AIP); cardiac risk ratio (CRR); cardioprotective index (CPI); atherogenic coefficient (AC)] were calculated and compared with the antioxidant, the reducing power, the radical-scavenging, and the chelating activity of EEP. The HFD diet with EEP significantly reduced the negative lipid profile and lowered AIP, CRR, and AC and increased CPI in animals on a HFD. In addition, EEP reduced the weight of mice and lipid accumulation in the liver, and it had significant in vitro antioxidative activities. The EEP possesses anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant activity and exhibits protective action on the cardiovascular system and hepatorenal functions. Our results contribute towards the validation of the traditional use of propolis as a food supplement in aiding hyperlipidemic disorders.

Evidence of Some Natural Products with Antigenotoxic Effects. Part 2: Plants, Vegetables, and Natural Resin

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The agents capable of causing damage to genetic material are known as genotoxins and, according to their mode of action, are classified into mutagens, carcinogens, or teratogens. Genotoxins are also involved in the pathogenesis of several chronic degenerative diseases, including hepatic, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular disorders; diabetes; arthritis; cancer; chronic inflammation; and ageing. In recent decades, researchers have found novel bioactive phytocompounds able to counteract the effects of physical and chemical mutagens. Several studies have shown the antigenotoxic potential of different fruits and plants (Part 1). In this review (Part 2), we present a research overview conducted on some plants and vegetables (spirulina, broccoli, chamomile, cocoa, ginger, laurel, marigold, roselle, and rosemary), which are frequently consumed by humans. In addition, an analysis of some phytochemicals extracted from those vegetables and the analysis of a resin (propolis),whose antigenotoxic power has been demonstrated in various tests, including the Ames assay, sister chromatid exchange, chromosomal aberrations, micronucleus, and comet assay, was also performed.

Is There a Place for Local Natural Treatment of Psoriasis?

BACKGROUND:

Apitherapy is the medical use of honey bee products (honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee wax, and bee venom) to relieve human ailments, propolis in particularly, rich in essential oils such as flavonoid. Propolis is derived from tree buds and plants. It is considered as one of the most well-documented products from the honeybee and has always played an important role in traditional folk medicine. Another renowned plant is Aloe vera appertaining to the Liliaceae family. Its mucilaginous gel has been extensively used in many cultures for its apparent effectiveness in treating wounds, burns, itchiness and hair loss.

AIM:

The aim was to assess the efficacy of a mixture in an ointment form of propolis (50%) and aloe vera (3%), in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis.

METHODS:

In this double-blind control study, 2248 patients with both mild to moderate cases of psoriasis were evaluated from 2012 to 2015.

RESULTS:

In Group 1 the overall response at the end of 12 weeks was as follows: Cleared in 64.4% (excellent response), good response in 22.2%, and weak response in 5.6% and no response in 7.7%. In Group 2 (placebo group) no significant improvement was observed after 12 weeks of treatment. Also, histology also demonstrated a marked reduction in hyperkeratosis and acanthosis.

CONCLUSION:

In comparison with Group 2 (placebo group) patients in Group 1, treated with a mixture of propolis (50%) and aloe vera (3%), in the form of an ointment have shown noteworthy improvement thus substantiating the therapeutic value of propolis and aloe vera in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis.

Glutathionylation: a regulatory role of glutathione in physiological processes

Glutathione (γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) is an intracellular thiol molecule and a potent antioxidant that participates in the toxic metabolism phase II biotransformation of xenobiotics. It can bind to a variety of proteins in a process known as glutathionylation. Protein glutathionylation is now recognised as one of important posttranslational regulatory mechanisms in cell and tissue physiology. Direct and indirect regulatory roles in physiological processes include glutathionylation of major transcriptional factors, eicosanoids, cytokines, and nitric oxide (NO). This review looks into these regulatory mechanisms through examples of glutathione regulation in apoptosis, vascularisation, metabolic processes, mitochondrial integrity, immune system, and neural physiology. The focus is on the physiological roles of glutathione beyond biotransformational metabolism.

Propolis: A Complex Natural Product with a Plethora of Biological Activities That Can Be Explored for Drug Development

The health industry has always used natural products as a rich, promising, and alternative source of drugs that are used in the health system. Propolis, a natural resinous product known for centuries, is a complex product obtained by honey bees from substances collected from parts of different plants, buds, and exudates in different geographic areas. Propolis has been attracting scientific attention since it has many biological and pharmacological properties, which are related to its chemical composition. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have been performed to characterize and understand the diverse bioactivities of propolis and its isolated compounds, as well as to evaluate and validate its potential. Yet, there is a lack of information concerning clinical effectiveness. The goal of this review is to discuss the potential of propolis for the development of new drugs by presenting published data concerning the chemical composition and the biological properties of this natural compound from different geographic origins.