In vitroantimicrobial activity and biocompatibility of propolis containing nanohydroxyapatite

Instant clot forming and antibacterial wound dressings: Achieving hemostasis in trauma injuries with S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine-tranexamic acid-propolis formulation

Wound infection and excessive blood loss are the two major challenges associated with trauma injuries that account for 10% of annual deaths in the United States. Nitric oxide (NO) is a gasotransmitter cell signaling molecule that plays a crucial role in the natural wound healing process due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cell proliferation, and tissue remodeling abilities. Tranexamic acid (TXA), a prothrombotic agent, has been used topically and systemically to control blood loss in reported cases of epistaxis and combat-related trauma injuries. Its properties could be incorporated in wound dressings to induce immediate clot formation, which is a key factor in controlling excessive blood loss. This study introduces a novel, instant clot-forming NO-releasing dressing, and fabricated using a strategic bi-layer configuration. The layer adjacent to the wound was designed with TXA suspended on a resinous bed of propolis, which is a natural bioadhesive possessing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The base layer, located furthest away from the wound, has an NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), embedded in a polymeric bed of Carbosil®, a copolymer of polycarbonate urethane and silicone. Propolis was integrated with a uniform layer of TXA in variable concentrations: 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 vol % of propolis. This design of the TXA-SNAP-propolis (T-SP) wound dressing allows TXA to form a more stable clot by preventing the lysis of fibrin. The lactate dehydrogenase-based platelet adhesion assay showed an increase in fibrin activation with 7.5% T-SP as compared with control within the first 15 min of its application. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed the presence of a dense fibrin network stabilizing the clot for fabricated dressing. The antibacterial activity of NO and propolis resulted in a 98.9 ± 1% and 99.4 ± 1% reduction in the colony-forming unit of Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, respectively, which puts forward the fabricated dressing as an emergency first aid for traumatic injuries, preventing excessive blood loss and soil-borne infections.

Propolis Use in Dentistry: A Narrative Review of Its Preventive and Therapeutic Applications

Propolis is a resinous substance produced naturally by bees, and it consists of the exudates of plants mixed with enzymes, wax, and pollen. Propolis continues to gain considerable scientific interest due to its potential health benefits. The modern-day use of propolis in pharmaceutical preparations, such as toothpastes, mouthwashes, chewable tablets, mucoadhesive gels, and sprays, is increasing. However, the effectiveness of using propolis-containing pharmaceuticals in dentistry is not clear. The present paper aims to review the literature on the dental applications of propolis in preventive dentistry, periodontics, oral medicine, and restorative dentistry and discuss its clinical effectiveness. A literature search was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. In total, 104 studies were included, of which 46 were laboratory studies, 5 animal studies, and 53 human clinical studies. Overall, the laboratory studies revealed a range of antimicrobial effects of propolis on oral pathogens. Clinical investigations of propolis in biofilm and dental caries control as well as adjuvant periodontal therapies reported positive outcomes in terms of plaque control, pathogenic microbial count reduction, and periodontal tissue inflammation control. Additional investigations included the use of propolis for the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, oral mucositis, and cavity disinfection after caries removal as well as the development of a range of restorative dental materials. Based on the reported outcomes of the studies, the clinical usage of propolis has potential. However, the majority of the evidence is derived from studies with flaws in their methodological design, making their results and conclusions questionable. As a consequence, properly designed and well-reported clinical studies are required to affirm the effectiveness of propolis for dental applications. Additionally, the safety of propolis and the optimal concentrations and extraction methods for its clinical use warrant further investigation. Utilisation of standardised propolis extracts will help in quality control of propolis-based products and lead to the achievement of reproducible outcomes in research studies.

The Suitability of Propolis as a Bioactive Component of Biomaterials

Propolis is a resinous product collected by bees from plant exudates to protect and maintain hive homeostasis. Propolis has been used therapeutically for centuries as folk medicine. Modern research investigating the diversity of the chemical composition and plant sources, biological activity, extraction processes, analytical methods, and therapeutic properties in clinical settings have been carried out extensively since the 1980s. Due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-modulator properties, propolis appears to be a suitable bioactive component to be incorporated into biomaterials. This review article attempts to analyze the potential application of propolis as a biomaterial component from the available experimental evidence. The efficacy and compabitility of propolis depend upon factors, such as types of extracts and types of biomaterials. Generally, propolis appears to be compatible with hydroxyapatite/calcium phosphate-based biomaterials. Propolis enhances the antimicrobial properties of the resulting composite materials while improving the physicochemical properties. Furthermore, propolis is also compatible with wound/skin dressing biomaterials. Propolis improves the wound healing properties of the biomaterials with no negative effects on the physicochemical properties of the composite biomaterials. However, the effect of propolis on the glass-based biomaterials cannot be generalized. Depending on the concentration, types of extract, and geographical sources of the propolis, the effect on the glass biomaterials can either be an improvement or detrimental in terms of mechanical properties such as compressive strength and shear bond strength. In conclusion, two of the more consistent impacts of propolis across these different types of biomaterials are the enhancement of the antimicrobial and the immune-modulator/anti-inflammatory properties resulting from the combination of propolis and the biomaterials.

Effect of Yellow Propolis on Biocompatibility of Cements: Morphological and Immunohistochemistry Analysis

Objective  The focus of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of ionomer cements modified with ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) in different concentrations and time intervals.

Materials and Methods  In total, one hundred and thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomized into nine groups: Control, Groups Meron, and Groups Ketac (conventional, and added with 10, 25, 50% EEP, respectively). Histological analyses of inflammatory infiltrate and collagen fibers, and immunohistochemistry of CD68+ for macrophages (MOs) and multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) were performed.

Statistical Analysis  Data were analyzed using the Kruskal—Wallis and Dunn ( p < 0.05) tests.

Results  Intense inflammatory infiltrate was demonstrated in the cements with 10% EEP at 7 days and 15 days ( p < 0.05), only Group Ketac 10% EEP ( p = 0.01) at 30 days. A smaller quantity of collagen fibers was observed in the cements with 10% EEP ( p = 0.01) at 7 days, and Group Meron 10% EEP ( p = 0.04) at 15 days. MOs and MGCs showed significant difference for the cements with 10% EEP ( p = 0.01) at 7 and 15 days. At 30 days, MOs persisted in the Groups with 10% EEP.

Conclusions  The concentration of 10% EEP had the greatest influence on the inflammatory and tissue repair processes. The concentrations of 25 and 50% EEP demonstrated biocompatibility similar to that of cements that did not receive EEP.

Antimicrobial properties, mechanics, and fluoride release of ionomeric cements modified by red propolis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the antimicrobial activity, mechanical properties, and fluoride release capacity of glass ionomer cement (GIC) used for cementing orthodontic bands and modified by ethanolic extract of red propolis (EERP) in different concentrations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two orthodontic GICs containing EERP at 10%, 25%, and 50%, were used. The following assays were carried out: cell viability tests against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, diametral tensile strength, compressive strength, shear bond strength, microhardness, and fluoride release capacity. The statistical analyses of the antimicrobial tests, fluoride release, diametral tensile strength, compressive strength, and microhardness were performed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (P < .05). Shear bond strength data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey test (P < .05).

RESULTS

At the concentrations of 25% and 50%, EERP was shown to be a promising antimicrobial agent incorporated into GICs against C albicans (P < .001) and S mutans (P < .001). The fluoride release capacity of the GICs was not affected, and the EERP concentration of 25% was the one that least affected the mechanical properties of the cements (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The GICs containing EERP at 25% showed a significant increase in their antimicrobial activity against S mutans and C albicans, while mechanical properties and fluoride release remained without significant changes.

Green and Red Brazilian Propolis: Antimicrobial Potential and Anti-Virulence against ATCC and Clinically Isolated Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Brazilian green and red propolis stand out as commercial products for different medical applications. In this article, we report the antimicrobial activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts of green (EGP) and red (ERP) propolis, as well as guttiferone E plus xanthochymol (8) and oblongifolin B (9) from red propolis, against multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB). We undertook the minimal inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations, inhibition of biofilm formation (MICB₅₀ ), catalase, coagulase, DNase, lipase, and hemolysin assays, along with molecular docking simulations. ERP was more effective by displaying MIC and MBC values <100 μg mL^-1 . Compounds 8 and 9 displayed the lowest MIC values (0.98 to 31.25 μg mL^-1 ) against all tested Gram-positive MDRB. They also inhibited the biofilm formation of S. aureus (ATCC 43300 and clinical isolate) and S. epidermidis (ATCC 14990 and clinical isolate), with MICB₅₀ values between 1.56 and 6.25 μg mL^-1 . The molecular docking results indicated that 8 and 9 might interact with the catalase's amino acids. Compounds 8 and 9 have great antimicrobial potential.

Increased Fibroblast Metabolic Activity of Collagen Scaffolds via the Addition of Propolis Nanoparticles

Propolis natural extracts have been used since ancient times due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities. In this study, we produced scaffolds of type I collagen, extracted from Wistar Hanover rat tail tendons, and impregnated them with propolis nanoparticles (NPs) for applications in regenerative medicine. Our results show that the impregnation of propolis NPs to collagen scaffolds affected the collagen denaturation temperature and tensile strength. The changes in structural collagen self-assembly due to contact with organic nanoparticles were shown for the first time. The fibril collagen secondary structure was preserved, and the D-pattern gap increased to 135 ± 28 nm, without losing the microfiber structure. We also show that the properties of the collagen scaffolds depended on the concentration of propolis NPs. A concentration of 100 μg/mL of propolis NPs with 1 mg of collagen, with a hydrodynamic diameter of 173 nm, was found to be an optimal concentration to enhance 3T3 fibroblast cell metabolic activity and cell proliferation. The expected outcome from this research is both scientifically and socially relevant since the home scaffold using natural nanoparticles can be produced using a simple method and could be widely used for local medical care in developing communities.

Evaluation of the Effect of Propolis Nanoparticles on Antimicrobial Properties and Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Composite Bonded to Bovine Enamel

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate the effects of propolis nanoparticles (prpNPs) on antimicrobial property and shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic composite bonded to bovine enamel.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty bovine teeth were randomly divided into five groups (n=12). PrpNPs were prepared at concentrations of 0% (control), 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10% in Transbond XT composite to bond stainless steel brackets to the teeth. SBS between brackets and teeth was measured using a universal testing machine. After debonding, the adhesive remnant index (ARI) on bracket bases was measured. In the microbial test, composites with the aforementioned concentrations of prpNPs were cured in metal discs. The bacteria included Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis), and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), and antimicrobial effects of prpNPs were investigated by anti-biofilm, disc agar diffusion and eluted component tests.

Results:

The 10% prpNPs group showed the lowest SBS. Colony growths of S. mutans and S. sanguinis at all concentrations (except for 1%) was significantly lower than the control group. L. acidophilus colony growth was significantly reduced at 5% and 10% concentrations. Growth inhibition zone developed at 2%, 5%, and 10% concentrations for S. mutans and S. sanguinis. The lowest numbers of S. mutans and S. sanguinis colonies at all concentrations were observed on day 15. L. acidophilus colonies decreased significantly at all concentrations (except for 1%) until day 30.

Conclusion:

Nano propolis has a significant antimicrobial effect at 2% and 5% concentrations, and the SBS is maintained within the acceptable clinical range.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic effect of hydroxyapatite containing Brazilian propolis

The aim of this work was to produce hydroxyapatite powder (HA) containing the dry extract of green and red propolis, and to evaluate the possible bactericidal activity of these materials over a short period of time through a fast release system. The ethanolic extracts of green and red propolis (EEP) were incorporated into the material by spray drying. After release tests, powders containing dry EEP were characterized regarding the content of total phenolics and flavonoids. Material characterization was undertaken by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by plate colony counting, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The cytotoxicity of the materials was determined by the neutral red incorporation method. The materials showed apparently spherical morphology, indicating a decrease in the degree of agglomeration with the addition of propolis. Characteristic HA and propolis functional groups were observed in the FTIR. The materials showed a higher release of phenolics and lower amounts of flavonoids when compared to the EEP, with the higher amounts of flavonoids observed for HA with red propolis. A bactericidal effect was observed for all materials within the interval of 0.5 and 1 h, showing lower inhibitory activity (MIC) and higher bactericidal activity (MBC) when compared to the EEP, with the best results attributed to HA with red propolis. The IC₅₀ values (which is the concentration needed to inhibit cell growth by 50%) obtained from the cytotoxicity assay for HA with the green and red propolis lay between MIC and MCB. Considering these results, it is suggested that HA and propolis may be used as a possible antimicrobial agent, inhibiting the growth of S. aureus, although further in vivo biocompatibility should be investigated before using this material as a medical device with bactericidal potential.

Polymeric Nanoparticles of Brazilian Red Propolis Extract: Preparation, Characterization, Antioxidant and Leishmanicidal Activity

The ever-increasing demand for natural products and biotechnology derived from bees and ultra-modernization of various analytical devices has facilitated the rational and planned development of biotechnology products with a focus on human health to treat chronic and neglected diseases. The aim of the present study was to prepare and characterize polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Brazilian red propolis extract and evaluate the cytotoxic activity of "multiple-constituent extract in co-delivery system" for antileishmanial therapies. The polymeric nanoparticles loaded with red propolis extract were prepared with a combination of poly-ε-caprolactone and pluronic using nanoprecipitation method and characterized by different analytical techniques, antioxidant and leishmanicidal assay. The red propolis nanoparticles in aqueous medium presented particle size (200-280 nm) in nanometric scale and zeta analysis (-20 to -26 mV) revealed stability of the nanoparticles without aggregation phenomenon during 1 month. After freeze-drying method using cryoprotectant (sodium starch glycolate), it was possible to observe particles with smooth and spherical shape and apparent size of 200 to 400 nm. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and thermal analysis revealed the encapsulation of the flavonoids from the red propolis extract into the polymeric matrix. Ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (UPLC-DAD) identified the flavonoids liquiritigenin, pinobanksin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin and biochanin A in ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and nanoparticles of red propolis extract (NRPE). The efficiency of encapsulation was determinate, and median values (75.0 %) were calculated using UPLC-DAD. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl method showed antioxidant activity to EEP and red propolis nanoparticles. Compared to negative control, EEP and NRPE exhibited leishmanicidal activity with an IC50 value of ≅38.0 μg/mL and 31.3 μg/mL, 47.2 μg/mL, 154.2μg/mL and 193.2 μg/mL for NRPE A1, NRPE A2, NRPE A3 and NRPE A4, respectively. Nanoparticles loaded with red propolis extract in co-delivery system and EEP presented cytotoxic activity on Leishmania (V.) braziliensis. Red propolis extract loaded in nanoparticles has shown to be potential candidates as intermediate products for preparation of various pharmaceutical dosage forms containing red propolis extract in the therapy against negligible diseases such as leishmaniasis. Graphical Abstract Some biochemical mechanisms of cellular debridement of Leishmania (V.) braziliensis species by the flavonoids of red propolis extract (EEP) or NRPE loaded with red propolis extract.

Comparative Study of Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Yellow, Green, Brown, and Red Brazilian Propolis

The chemical composition and biological activity of a sample of yellow propolis from Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil (EEP-Y MS), were investigated for the first time and compared with green, brown, and red types of Brazilian propolis and with a sample of yellow propolis from Cuba. Overall, EEP-Y MS had different qualitative chemical profiles, as well as different cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities when compared to the other types of propolis assessed in this study and it is a different chemotype of Brazilian propolis. Absence of phenolic compounds and the presence of mixtures of aliphatic compounds in yellow propolis were determined by analysing (1)H-NMR spectra and fifteen terpenes were identified by GC-MS. EEP-Y MS showed cytotoxic activity against human tumour strain OVCAR-8 but was not active against Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria. Our results confirm the difficulty of establishing a uniform quality standard for propolis from diverse geographical origins. The most appropriate pharmacological applications of yellow types of propolis must be further investigated.

Brazilian red propolis: phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity and effect against cancer cells

BACKGROUND

The implementation of new public healthcare models that stimulate the use of natural products from traditional medicine, as a so-called integrated medicine, refers to an approach that use best of both conventional medicine and traditional medicine. Propolis is a widely used natural product by different ancient cultures and known to exhibit biological activities beneficial for health. The large number of studies conducted with propolis had shown that its chemical composition differs as a function of the climate, plant diversity and bee species and plays an important role on its therapeutic properties. The aim of this study was to analyse the phytochemical profile of the ethanolic extract of red propolis (EEP) and its fractionation, antioxidant action of EEP and its fractions hexane, cloroform and ethyl acetate and cytotoxic activity of EEP on human tumour cell lines SF-295 (glioblastoma), OVCAR-8 (ovary) and HCT-116 (colon).

METHODS

EEP was obtained by maceration with absolute ethanol, then it was concentrated in rotaevaporator up to complete evaporation of the solvent. The crude extract was fractionated with hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol and they were subjected to phytochemical screening and total phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity of EEP and fractions was done by means of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Biomarkers of red propolis were identified by LC-Orbitrap-FTMS. To assess cytotoxic activity of the extract, cells were exposed to EEP over 72 h. Cell viability was assessed by means of MTT assay. The percentage of cell growth inhibition (IC50) was analysed by means of non-linear regression, and the absorbance values of the various investigated concentrations were subjected to one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's or Tamhane's tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The results obtained using phytochemical screening and LC-Orbitrap-FTMS indicated the presence of phlobaphene tannins, catechins, chalcones, aurones, flavonones, flavonols, xanthones, pentacyclic triterpenoids and guttiferones in Brazilian red propolis. EEP and its hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions obtained by liquid-liquid partitioning exhibited satisfactory antioxidant percentages. EEP (IC50 < 34.27 μg/mL) exhibited high levels of cytotoxicity on all human tumour cell lines tested when compared to negative control.

CONCLUSIONS

C-Orbitrap-FTMS was useful to establish the chemical profile of the red propolis. Brazilian red propolis has antioxidant properties and decreases substantially the percentage of cell survival of human tumour cells; thus, it has potential to serve as an anticancer drug.

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.