Nigerian propolis: chemical composition, antioxidant activity and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition

Commercial propolis extracts from Apis mellifera, Scaptotrigona bipunctata and Melipona quadrifasciata: quality control, antioxidant and antiglycemic potential

Quality control of propolis plays a pivotal role in ensuring the appropriate concentrations of active compounds, limiting unwanted substances, verifying authenticity, and adhering to regulatory standards. This study aimed to assess the identity and quality standards, the individual phenolic composition (LC-ESI-MS/MS), and the antioxidant and antiglycemic potential of commercial propolis extracts (CPEs) from Apis mellifera, Scaptotrigona bipunctata, and Melipona quadrifasciata bees. CPEs met wax content and oxidation activity criteria, surpassing minimum thresholds for total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC), although stingless bee CPE did not test positive for 10% lead acetate. CPEs exhibited antioxidant and potential antiglycemic activities. Epicatechin among the thirty-three identified phenolics, showed significant correlation with TPC, DPPH, ABTS, and EC50 values of α-amylase enzyme. These promising attributes underscore the potential health benefits of commercial propolis extracts from Apis mellifera and stingless bees for further medicinal and nutritional applications.

Exploring the Prospective Role of Propolis in Modifying Aging Hallmarks

Aging populations worldwide are placing age-related diseases at the forefront of the research agenda. The therapeutic potential of natural substances, especially propolis and its components, has led to these products being promising agents for alleviating several cellular and molecular-level changes associated with age-related diseases. With this in mind, scientists have introduced a contextual framework to guide future aging research, called the hallmarks of aging. This framework encompasses various mechanisms including genomic instability, epigenetic changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, impaired nutrient sensing, and altered intercellular communication. Propolis, with its rich array of bioactive compounds, functions as a potent functional food, modulating metabolism, gut microbiota, inflammation, and immune response, offering significant health benefits. Studies emphasize propolis' properties, such as antitumor, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects, as well as its ability to mitigate inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and pathogenic gut bacteria growth. This article underscores current scientific evidence supporting propolis' role in controlling molecular and cellular characteristics linked to aging and its hallmarks, hypothesizing its potential in geroscience research. The aim is to discover novel therapeutic strategies to improve health and quality of life in older individuals, addressing existing deficits and perspectives in this research area.

A Green Bioactive By-Product Almond Skin Functional Extract for Developing Nutraceutical Formulations with Potential Antimetabolic Activity

(1) Background: almond peels are rich in polyphenols such as catechin and epicatechin, which are important anti-free-radical agents, anti-inflammatory compounds, and capable of breaking down cholesterol plaques. This work aims to evaluate the biological and technological activity of a "green" dry aqueous extract from Sicilian almond peels, a waste product of the food industry, and to develop healthy nutraceuticals with natural ingredients. Eudraguard® Natural is a natural coating polymer chosen to develop atomized formulations that improve the technological properties of the extract. (2) Methods: the antioxidant and free radical scavenger activity of the extract was rated using different methods (DPPH assay, ABTS, ORAC, NO). The metalloproteinases of the extracts (MMP-2 and MMP-9), the enhanced inhibition of the final glycation products, and the effects of the compounds on cell viability were also tested. All pure materials and formulations were characterized using UV, HPLC, FTIR, DSC, and SEM methods. (3) Results: almond peel extract showed appreciable antioxidant and free radical activity with a stronger NO inhibition effect, strong activity on MMP-2, and good antiglycative effects. In light of this, a food supplement with added health value was formulated. Eudraguard® Natural acted as a swelling substrate by improving extract solubility and dissolution/release (4) Conclusions: almond peel extract has significant antioxidant activity and MMP/AGE inhibition effects, resulting in an optimal candidate to formulate safe microsystems with potential antimetabolic activity. Eudraguard® Natural is capable of obtaining spray-dried microsystems with an improvement in the extract's biological and technological characteristics. It also protects the dry extract from degradation and oxidation, prolonging the shelf life of the final product.

Effects of topping on rhizome, and analysis of chemical composition, antioxidant activity and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition of the aerial parts in Polygonatum cyrtonema

Polygonatum cyrtonema is a perennial plant, and it has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for food and medicine. The medicinal part of P.cyrtonema is the rhizome; however, the aerial part has not been studied. To understand the effect of the topping of aerial parts on the yield and chemical components of rhizomes, as well as the chemical constituents, antioxidant, and in vitro hypoglycemic activities of the aerial stem, leave, and flower parts of P.cyrtonema, the present study was conducted. The results showed that compared to the control (CK) treatment, the topping of the aerial part increased rhizome weight gain coefficient (3.43) and the total saponin content (37.60 mg/g) significantly (P<0.01) than the CK treatment. The contents of total phenols and total flavonoids in PCL and PCF were significantly (P<0.01) higher than those in rhizomes; however, the polysaccharide content (10.47%) in PCR (whole rhizome) was higher than that in PCS (3.65%), PCL (5.99%), and PCF (4.76%) content. The protein and amino acid contents in PCS, PCL, and PCF were higher than those in rhizomes. The protein and amino acid contents in PCS, PCL, and PCF were higher than those in rhizomes. PCS, PCL, and PCF showed strong antioxidant activity (DPPH, ·OH, ABTS, and FRAP), which were better than traditional medicinal parts (the rhizome).In vitro hypoglycemic results showed that PCS, PCL, and PCF had certain inhibitory activities on α-amylase and α-glucosidase (66.25% and 52.81%), which were close to the hypoglycemic activity of rhizomes (67.96% and 52.22%). The leaf extracts also showed better inhibitory activity. To sum up, the topping measures can improve yield and total saponin content of the rhizomes from P.cyrtonema, which can be applied to improve production. The stems, leaves, and flowers had a much stronger antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities and higher the total polyphenols, flavonoids, proteins, and amino acid content. Therefore, stems, leaves, and flowers of Polygonatum can be fully developed according to different needs. they are typically used in animal feed, food storage and cosmetics.

Effectiveness of natural biomaterials in the protection and healing of experimentally induced gastric mucosa Ulcer in rats

BACKGROUND

A gastric ulcer is a painful lesion of the gastric mucosa that can be debilitating or even fatal. The effectiveness of several plant extracts in the therapy of this illness has been demonstrated in traditional pharmacopoeias.

AIM

this study was aimed to see if propolis, ginseng in normal or nano form, and amygdalin might help in preventing the ulcerative effects of absolute ethanol.

METHODS

Gastroprotective properties of pretreatments before ethanol gavage in rats were compared to omeprazole. The ulcer and stomach parameters (ulcerated regions) were measured (mm2), ulcer inhibition percentage, the stomachs were assessed macroscopically with gastric biopsy histological examinations.

RESULTS

Amygdalin, normal and nano ginseng, nano propolis followed by propolis all showed great efficacy in protecting the cyto-architecture and function of the gastric mucosa. The number of ulcerated sites was greatly reduced, and the percentage of stomach protection was increased. Histopathological examination had confirmed great protective effects of the nanoformulations followed by amygdalin. The protection and healing rate was completed to about 100% in all tested materials while ulcer areas were still partially unhealed in normal propolis and omeprazole. Quantitative assay of the m-RNA levels Enothelin 1(ET-1), leukotriene4 (LT-4), and caspase 3(Cas-3) genes and Histamine were done and revealed significant up-regulations in ethanol group and the maximum protective effect was reported with ginseng nano, moreover the histamine content was significantly decreased with nano- formulated extracts.

CONCLUSION

Amygdalin and the nanoformulated ginseng and propolis had exhibited a marked protective effect against the ulcerative toxic effects of ethanol.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of a methanol extract from Stachys brachyclada de Noé ex Coss. leaves

Stachys brachyclada de Noé ex Coss. (Lamiaceae) is a quite rare medicinal plant endemic to the Mediterranean basin. In this study, seven secondary metabolites from a methanol extract of its leaves have been isolated and identified by a combination of chromatographic and spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR experiments and ESIMS analysis). They include one ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (1), three acylated flavone glycosides (2-4), one diapigenin derivative (5) and two flavone aglycones (6-7). Stachysetin (5) was found the major compound of the extract (74.0 mg/g of dry matter). Moreover, the produced extract showed the ability in inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme (IC50 = 13.7 µg/mL), in quenching the radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (EC50 = 74.6 µg/mL), and in reducing the intracellular oxidative stress level in Human Dermal Fibroblast (64% inhibition at 50 µg/mL).

Chemodiversity of propolis samples collected in various areas of Benin and Congo: Chromatographic profiling and chemical characterization guided by 13 C NMR dereplication

INTRODUCTION

Propolis is a resinous natural substance collected by honeybees from buds and exudates of various trees and plants; it is widely accepted that the composition of propolis depends on the phytogeographic characteristics of the site of collection.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition of ethanolic extracts from eight propolis batches collected in different regions of Benin (north, center, and south) and Congo, Africa.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Characterization of propolis samples was performed by using different hyphenated chromatographic methods combined with carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³ C NMR) dereplication with MixONat software. Their antioxidant or anti-advanced glycation end-product (anti-AGE) activity was then evaluated by using diphenylpicrylhydrazyl and bovine serum albumin assays, respectively.

RESULTS

Chromatographic analyses combined with ¹³ C NMR dereplication showed that two samples from the center of Benin exhibited, in addition to a huge amount of pentacyclic triterpenes, methoxylated stilbenoids or phenanthrenoids, responsible for the antioxidant activity of the extract for the first one. Among them, combretastatins might be cytotoxic. For the second one, the prenylated flavanones known in Macaranga-type propolis were responsible for its significant anti-AGE activity. The sample from Congo was composed of many triterpene derivatives belonging to Mangifera indica species.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, propolis from the center of Benin seems to be of particular interest, due to its antioxidant and anti-AGE properties. Nevertheless, as standardization of propolis is difficult in tropical zones due to its great chemodiversity, a systematic phytochemical analysis is required before promoting the use of propolis in food and health products in Africa.

The medieval skincare routine according to the formulations of Madgistra Trotula and the Medical School of Salerno and its reflection on cosmetology of the third millennium

BACKGROUND

Officinal plants, minerals, animal derivatives, and miscellaneous have always been used to treat and improve appearance despite the different aesthetic canons of a specific historical and cultural context.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to make a critical comparison between medieval and modern dermocosmetics analyzing the works of Trotula de Ruggiero, a female doctor of the 11th century teaching and working inside the illustrious "Medical School of Salerno," who devoted particular attention to the promotion of female care, beauty, and well-being.

METHODS

We applied the historical-critical method analyzing the Latin text and the nglish translation of the standardized corpus of the main Trotula medieval manuscript De Ornatu Mulierum with a multidisciplinary scientific approach ranging from botany to pharmaceutical chemistry and technology, pharmacology and pathology.

RESULTS

We identified the medicinal plants, derivatives of animal origin and minerals used in the recipes of Trotula, highlighting their biological properties in the light of current scientific knowledge. A critical comparison between medieval and modern dermocosmetics is reported also taking into consideration the chemical, pharmaceutical, and technological literature.

CONCLUSION

Beyond the obvious changes in the paradigms of cosmetology and the different beauty canons of Middle Age with respect to modern times, our results emphasize the attention of Trotula to female care, beauty and well-being as well as the extraordinary combination of tradition and modernity in her work.

Eudraguard® Natural and Protect: New "Food Grade" Matrices for the Delivery of an Extract from Sorbus domestica L. Leaves Active on the α-Glucosidase Enzyme

(1) Background: Eudraguard^® Natural (EN) and Protect (EP) are polymers regulated for use in dietary supplements in the European Union and the United States to carry natural products, mask unpleasant smells and tastes, ameliorate product handling, and protect products from moisture, light, and oxidation. Moreover, EN and EP can control the release of encapsulated compounds. The aim of this work was the development, preparation, and control of Eudraguard^® spray-drying microparticles to obtain powders with easy handling and a stable dietary supplement containing a polar functional extract (SOE) from Sorbus domestica L. leaves. (2) Methods: SOE was characterized using HPLC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, and SEM methods. Furthermore, the SOE's antioxidant/free radical scavenging activity, α-glucosidase inhibition, MTT assay effect on viability in normal cells, and shelf life were evaluated in both the extract and final formulations. (3) Results: The data suggested that SOE, rich in flavonoids, is a bioactive and safe extract; however, from a technological point of view, it was sticky, difficult to handle, and had low aqueous solubility. Despite the fact that EN and EP may undergo changes with spray-drying, they effectively produced easy-to-handle micro-powders with a controlled release profile. Although EN had a weaker capability to coat SOE than EP, EN acted as a substrate that was able to swell, drawing in water and improving the extract solubility and dissolution/release; however, EP was also able to carry the extract and provide SOE with controlled release. (4) Conclusion: Both Eudraguard^® products were capable of carrying SOE and improving its antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibition activities, as well as the extract stability and handling.

The Activity of Red Nigerian Propolis and Some of Its Components against Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense

Propolis is a resin that is gathered by bees from exudates produced by various plants. Its exact chemical composition depends on the plants available near the hive. Bees use propolis to coat the surfaces of the hive, where it acts as an anti-infective. Regardless of the chemical composition of propolis, it is always anti-protozoal, probably because protozoan parasites, particularly Lotmarium passim, are widespread in bee populations. The protozoa Trypanosoma brucei and T. congolense cause disease in humans and/or animals. The existing drugs for treating these diseases are old and resistance is an increasingly severe problem. The many types of propolis present a rich source of anti-trypanosomal compounds-from a material gathered by bees in an environmentally friendly way. In the current work, red Nigerian propolis from Rivers State, Nigeria was tested against T. brucei and T. congolense and found to be highly active (EC₅₀ 1.66 and 4.00 µg/mL, respectively). Four isoflavonoids, vestitol, neovestitol, 7-methylvestitol and medicarpin, were isolated from the propolis. The isolated compounds were also tested against T. brucei and T. congolense, and vestitol displayed the highest activity at 3.86 and 4.36 µg/mL, respectively. Activities against drug-resistant forms of T. brucei and T. congolense were similar to those against wild type.

The tibetan medicine Zuozhu-Daxi can prevent Helicobacter pylori induced-gastric mucosa inflammation by inhibiting lipid metabolism

Background

Tibetan medicine has been used in clinical practice for more than 3800 years. Zuozhu-Daxi (ZZDX), a classic traditional Tibetan medicine, has been proved to be effective in the treatment of digestive diseases, such as chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, etc. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), one of the most common pathogenic microbes, is regarded as the most common cause of gastritis. Researching on the effects of ZZDX on H. pylori-induced gastric mucosa inflammation could provide more evidences on H. pylori treatment and promote the development of Tibetan medicine. This study aimed to explore whether ZZDX could rescue H. pylori-induced gastric mucosa inflammation and its mechanism.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice were infected with H. pylori, and orally treated with ZZDX to rescue gastric mucosa inflammation induced by H. pylori infection. Pathology of gastric mucosa inflammation was evaluated under microscopy by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. The infection status of H. pylori was evaluated by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in serum was evaluated using a detection kit. IL-1α, IL-6, and PGE2 expression levels in serum were measured using ELISA. IL-1α, IL-8, TNF-α, and NOD1 expression levels in gastric tissues were measured using real-time PCR. RNA sequencing and gene certification of interest were performed to explore the mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.

Results

The results showed that ZZDX could significantly inhibit H. pylori-induced gastric mucosa inflammation using HE staining. IL-1α, IL-6, and PGE2 expression levels in serum were significantly decreased after treatment with ZZDX. ZZDX treatment significantly decreased the mRNA expression of IL-8 induced by H. pylori infection in gastric tissues. Elovl4, Acot1 and Scd1 might be involved in the mechanisms of ZZDX treatment. However, the H. pylori infection status in the gastric mucosa was not reduced after ZZDX treatment.

Conclusions

ZZDX reversed gastric mucosal injury and alleviated gastric mucosa inflammation induced by H. pylori infection.

Propolis: An update on its chemistry and pharmacological applications

Propolis, a resinous substance produced by honeybees from various plant sources, has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for several purposes all over the world. The precise composition of propolis varies according to plant source, seasons harvesting, geography, type of bee flora, climate changes, and honeybee species at the site of collection. This apiary product has broad clinical applications such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic as well asimmunomodulatory effects. It is also well known from traditional uses in treating purulent disorders, improving the wound healing, and alleviating many of the related discomforts. Even if its use was already widespread since ancient times, after the First and Second World War, it has grown even more as well as the studies to identify its chemical and pharmacological features, allowing to discriminate the qualities of propolis in terms of the chemical profile and relative biological activity based on the geographic place of origin. Recently, several in vitro and in vivo studies have been carried out and new insights into the pharmaceutical prospects of this bee product in the management of different disorders, have been highlighted. Specifically, the available literature confirms the efficacy of propolis and its bioactive compounds in the reduction of cancer progression, inhibition of bacterial and viral infections as well as mitigation of parasitic-related symptoms, paving the way to the use of propolis as an alternative approach to improve the human health. However, a more conscious use of propolis in terms of standardized extracts as well as new clinical studies are needed to substantiate these health claims.

"Jianbing" styling multifunctional electrospinning composite membranes for wound healing

Wound infection and excessive exudate can affect the process of wound healing. However, the disadvantage of the anti-microbial wound dressings is that the biological fluids are ineffectively removed. Inspired by making "Chinese Jianbing", a composite wound nano-dressing was developed consisting of a hydrophilic outer layer (chitosan&polyvinyl alcohol: CTS-PVA) and a hydrophobic inner layer (propolis&polycaprolactone: PRO-PCL) by combining casting and electrospinning methods for effective antibacterial and unidirectional removing excess biofluids. In vitro, the composite wound nano-dressing of PRO-PCL and CTS-PVA (PPCP) could strongly inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, PPCP wound dressing had excellent antioxidant properties and blood coagulation index for effective hemostatic. Importantly, it had a preferable water absorption for removing excess biofluid. In vivo, it had anti-inflammatory properties and promoted collagen Ⅰ preparation, which realized 80% wound healing on day 7. In short, the PPCP wound dressing provides a new direction and option for antibacterial and removes excess biofluid.

The Antimicrobial Properties of Poplar and Aspen–Poplar Propolises and Their Active Components against Selected Microorganisms, Including Helicobacter pylori

There is a noticeable interest in alternative therapies where the outcome is the eradication of the Gram-negative bacterium, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), for the purpose of treating many stomach diseases (chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers) and preventing stomach cancer. It is especially urgent because the mentioned pathogen infects over 50% of the world’s population. Recent studies have shown the potential of natural products, such as medicinal plant and bee products, on the inhibition of H. pylori growth. Propolis is such a bee product, with known antimicrobial activities. The main scope of the study is the determination of the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts from 11 propolis samples (mostly from Poland, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Greece) against H. pylori, as well as selected bacterial and yeast species. The most effective against H. pylori was the propolis from Ukraine, with an MIC = 0.02 mg/mL while the rest of samples (except one) had an MIC = 0.03 mg/mL. Moreover, significant antimicrobial activity against Gram+ bacteria (with an MIC of 0.02–2.50 mg/mL) and three yeasts (with an MIC of 0.04–0.63 mg/mL) was also observed. A phytochemical analysis (polyphenolic profile) of the propolis samples, by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-MS), was performed. An evaluation of the impact of the propolis components on antimicrobial activity, consisting of statistical analyses (principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical fuzzy clustering), was then performed. It was observed that the chemical composition characteristics of the poplar propolis correlated with higher antibacterial activity, while that of the poplar and aspen propolis correlated with weaker antibacterial activity. To summarize the activity in vitro, all tested propolis samples indicate that they can be regarded as useful and potent factors in antimicrobial therapies, especially against H. pylori.

A Review on Plant-Mediated Synthesis of Bimetallic Nanoparticles, Characterisation and Their Biological Applications

The study of bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) has constantly been expanding, especially in the last decade. The biosynthesis of BNPs mediated by natural extracts is simple, low-cost, and safe for the environment. Plant extracts contain phenolic compounds that act as reducing agents (flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and alkaloids) and stabilising ligands moieties (carbonyl, carboxyl, and amine groups), useful in the green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs), and are free of toxic by-products. Noble bimetallic NPs (containing silver, gold, platinum, and palladium) have potential for biomedical applications due to their safety, stability in the biological environment, and low toxicity. They substantially impact human health (applications in medicine and pharmacy) due to the proven biological effects (catalytic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and regenerative activity). To the best of our knowledge, there are no review papers in the literature on the synthesis and characterisation of plant-mediated BNPs and their pharmacological potential. Thus, an effort has been made to provide a clear perspective on the synthesis of BNPs and the antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and size/shape-dependent applications of BNPs. Furthermore, we discussed the factors that influence BNPs biosyntheses such as pH, temperature, time, metal ion concentration, and plant extract.

Propolis and Its Gastroprotective Effects on NSAID-Induced Gastric Ulcer Disease: A Systematic Review

Gastric ulcer disease induced by the consumption of NSAIDs is a major public health problem. The therapy used for its treatment causes adverse effects in the patient. Propolis is a natural product that has been used for the treatments of different diseases around the world. Nevertheless, there is little information about the activity of propolis in gastric ulcers caused by treatment with NSAIDs. Therefore, this review evaluates and compares the gastroprotective potential of propolis and its function against NSAID-induced gastric ulcers, for which a systematic search was carried out in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. The main criteria were articles that report the gastroprotective activity of propolis against the damage produced by NSAIDs in the gastric mucosa. Gastroprotection was related to the antioxidant, antisecretory, and cytoprotective effects, as well as the phenolic compounds present in the chemical composition of propolis. However, most of the studies used different doses of NSAIDs and propolis and evaluated different parameters. Propolis has proven to be a good alternative for the treatment of gastric ulcer disease. However, future studies should be carried out to identify the compounds responsible for these effects and to determine their potential use in people.

To bee or not to bee? The bee extract propolis as a bioactive compound in the burden of lifestyle diseases

Propolis is a polyphenolic plant resin collected by bees to protect hives against pathogens and temperature drop. It exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory properties. Propolis has been reported to possess antidiabetic properties and display beneficial effects against cardiovascular disease, gut dysbiosis, and chronic kidney disease. It has an excellent clinical safety profile, with no known toxic effects described so far. In this review, we discuss the salutogenic effects of propolis, with particular reference to modulating notable features of chronic kidney disease, notably those involving cardiovascular risks.

The Strong Anti-Kinetoplastid Properties of Bee Propolis: Composition and Identification of the Active Agents and Their Biochemical Targets

The kinetoplastids are protozoa characterized by the presence of a distinctive organelle, called the kinetoplast, which contains a large amount of DNA (kinetoplast DNA (kDNA)) inside their single mitochondrion. Kinetoplastids of medical and veterinary importance include Trypanosoma spp. (the causative agents of human and animal African Trypanosomiasis and of Chagas disease) and Leishmania spp. (the causative agents of the various forms of leishmaniasis). These neglected diseases affect millions of people across the globe, but drug treatment is hampered by the challenges of toxicity and drug resistance, among others. Propolis (a natural product made by bees) and compounds isolated from it are now being investigated as novel treatments of kinetoplastid infections. The anti-kinetoplastid efficacy of propolis is probably a consequence of its reported activity against kinetoplastid parasites of bees. This article presents a review of the reported anti-kinetoplastid potential of propolis, highlighting its anti-kinetoplastid activity in vitro and in vivo regardless of geographical origin. The mode of action of propolis depends on the organism it is acting on and includes growth inhibition, immunomodulation, macrophage activation, perturbation of the cell membrane architecture, phospholipid disturbances, and mitochondrial targets. This gives ample scope for further investigations toward the rational development of sustainable anti-kinetoplastid drugs.

Lessons from Exploring Chemical Space and Chemical Diversity of Propolis Components

Propolis is a natural resinous material produced by bees and has been used in folk medicines since ancient times. Due to it possessing a broad spectrum of biological activities, it has gained significant scientific and commercial interest over the last two decades. As a result of searching 122 publications reported up to the end of 2019, we assembled a unique compound database consisting of 578 components isolated from both honey bee propolis and stingless bee propolis, and analyzed the chemical space and chemical diversity of these compounds. The results demonstrated that both honey bee propolis and stingless bee propolis are valuable sources for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development.

In vivo and in vitro anti-diabetic activity of ethanolic propolis extract

The study investigated whether ethanolic propolis extract would exhibit an anti-diabetic effect in rats. The animals were divided into four groups of five rats each. Diabetic rats received 30% or 15% propolis extract at a dosage of 0.5 ml/100 g for 4 weeks. Data for the diabetic groups treated with 30% and 15% propolis showed a decrease in blood sugar levels from 393 ± 192.7 to 154 ± 28.0 mg/dl and from 386 ± 141.1 to 331.5 ± 123.74 mg/dl, respectively. Compared with the diabetic control group, an improvement was observed in both groups treated with propolis at the pancreatic, hepatic, and renal tissue levels. Antioxidant capacity, phenolic analysis, and the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were also tested using the propolis samples to support in vivo data. Chrysin and caffeic acid phenyl ester were the dominant phenolics. The IC₅₀ results for α-amylase (0.62 ± 0.00 μg/ml) and α-glucosidase (40.40 ± 0.09 μg/ml) were also encouraging. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Bee products, non-synthetic compounds including propolis, are of great interest due to their potential therapeutic effects in metabolic disorders. The current study was designed and is now reported in order to confirm this potential benefit. The results obtained indicate that the higher concentration (30%) of ethanolic propolis extract exhibited excellent potential anti-diabetic activity by reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. In addition, compared to the diabetic rat group, this extract exhibited a promising effect on the pancreatic, hepatic, and renal tissues of the propolis-treated groups. The current results indicate that propolis is a remarkable natural product with clinical potential in the treatment of diabetic disease.