Propolis ethanolic extracts reduce adenosine diphosphate induced platelet aggregation determined on whole blood

Propolis in the management of cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND

Propolis is a resinous compound that is obtained from honey bees. It consists of numerous chemical constituents that impart different therapeutic action. The heart is the core of the body and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a burden for the human being. This article emphasizes how propolis is fruitful in the management of various CVDs.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

This review focuses on how various constituents of the propolis (such as terpenes, flavonoids, phenolics, etc.) impart cardio protective actions.

KEY FINDING AND CONCLUSION

With the support of various clinical trials and research outcomes, it was concluded that propolis owns niche cardio protective properties that can be a boon for various cardiac problems (both in preventive and therapeutic action) such as atherosclerosis, excessive angiogenesis, hypertension, and many more.

Inflammation in Coronary Atherosclerosis: Insights into Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Potential of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Atherosclerosis is a lipid-driven immune-inflammatory disease that affects the arteries, leading to multifocal plaque development. The inflammatory process involves the activation of immune cells and various inflammatory pathways. Anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to be effective in reducing cardiovascular events in individuals with coronary disease. However, their use is still limited due to concerns about long-term follow-up, cost-effectiveness, adverse effects, and the identification of the ideal patient profile to obtain maximum benefits. This review aims to improve the understanding of inflammation in coronary atherosclerosis and explore potential therapeutic interventions, encompassing both traditional and non-traditional anti-inflammatory approaches. By addressing these concepts, we seek to contribute to the advancement of knowledge about this type of treatment for coronary artery disease.

Bee Products as Interesting Natural Agents for the Prevention and Treatment of Common Cardiovascular Diseases

Apitherapy is a form of alternative therapy that relies on the use of bee products, i.e., honey, royal jelly, propolis, pollen, and bee venom (known as apitoxin), for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Various in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that these products may be effective in the prophylaxis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This mini-review of papers identified in various electronic databases describes new aspects of the bioactivity of certain bee products, viz. bee pollen, royal jelly, bee venom, propolis, and bee bread, as natural interesting products for the prevention and treatment of common CVDs.

From propolis to nanopropolis: An exemplary journey and a paradigm shift of a resinous substance produced by bees

Propolis, a natural resinous mixture produced by honey bees is poised with diverse biological activities. Owing to the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and sesquiterpenes, propolis has garnered versatile applications in pharmaceutical industry. The biopharmaceutical issues associated with propolis often beset its use as being too hydrophobic in nature; it is not absorbed in the body well. To combat the problem, various nanotechnological approaches for the development of novel drug delivery systems are generally applied to improve its bioavailability. This paradigm shift and transition of conventional propolis to nanopropolis are evident from the literature wherein a multitude of studies are available on nanopropolis with improved bioavailability profile. These approaches include preparation of gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, liposomes, liquid crystalline formulations, solid lipid nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, etc. Nanopropolis has further been explored to assess the potential benefits of propolis for the development of futuristic useful products such as sunscreens, creams, mouthwashes, toothpastes, and nutritional supplements with improved solubility, bioavailability, and penetration profiles. However, more high-quality clinical studies assessing the effects of propolis either alone or in combination with synthetic drugs as well as natural products are warranted and its safety needs to be firmly established.

Molecular Mechanisms of Possible Action of Phenolic Compounds in COVID-19 Protection and Prevention

The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 was caused by a pathogenic virus called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Therapies against SARS-CoV-2 target the virus or human cells or the immune system. However, therapies based on specific antibodies, such as vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, may become inefficient enough when the virus changes its antigenicity due to mutations. Polyphenols are the major class of bioactive compounds in nature, exerting diverse health effects based on their direct antioxidant activity and their effects in the modulation of intracellular signaling. There are currently numerous clinical trials investigating the effects of polyphenols in prophylaxis and the treatment of COVID-19, from symptomatic, via moderate and severe COVID-19 treatment, to anti-fibrotic treatment in discharged COVID-19 patients. Antiviral activities of polyphenols and their impact on immune system modulation could serve as a solid basis for developing polyphenol-based natural approaches for preventing and treating COVID-19.

Brazilian propolis (AF-08) inhibits collagen-induced platelet aggregation without affecting blood coagulation

Brazilian propolis (AF-08) is a dietary supplement containing a variety of flavonoids. It is used worldwide as a folk medicine. Flavonoids and a diet of fruits and vegetables containing them have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Most of CVDs are caused by arterial thrombus formation. A thrombus is formed by the interaction between adhesion and aggregation of platelets to damaged blood vessels and blood coagulation consisting of extrisic and intrinsic pathways. Platelet aggregation and blood coagulation are closely linked to thrombosis. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of AF-08 or its component flavonoids against thrombosis by examining their inhibition of platelet aggregation and blood coagulation. Human platelet-rich plasma was incubated with serial dilutions of AF-08 for 10 min to assess its inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation caused by collagen. The inhibitory effect of AF-08 on blood coagulation was evaluated by the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), which reflect the coagulation function of extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, respectively. AF-08 significantly inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation but not PT and APTT, indicating that AF-08 inhibited platelet aggregation but not blood coagulation. Among three flavonoids contained in AF-08, apigenin and chrysin obviously inhibited platelet aggregation but the inhibitory effect of kaempferol was less effective. The three flavonoids did not affect PT and APTT. The inhibitory activity of AF-08 on human platelet aggregation without affecting blood coagulation was suggested to be partially due to apigenin and chrysin. AF-08 may be effective in suppressing platelet-based arterial thrombus formation and reducing the risk of CVDs.

The Cardiovascular Therapeutic Potential of Propolis-A Comprehensive Review

Simple Summary

Propolis, also described as bee glue, is a natural component made up of a resinous mixture of honeybee compounds from multiple botanical sources. The literature has demonstrated a variety of medicinal properties attributed to propolis due to its chemical complexity. However, the positive effects of propolis on cardiovascular health have gained little coverage. Therefore, we aimed to provide an accurate and up-to-date review of the main cardiovascular health benefits of propolis. In particular, we intend to establish the key varieties of propolis and pharmacological compounds with the therapeutic effects that are most encouraging, as well as the physiological processes by which those advantages are accomplished. The Brazilian green and red varieties reveal the greatest number of beneficial activities among the varieties of propolis studied. While much of the cardiovascular beneficial effects appear to derive from the cumulative actions of several compounds working via multiple signaling mechanisms, some individual compounds that may enhance the existing therapeutic arsenal have also shown significant results. It is also worth exploring the prospect of using propolis as food supplements.

Abstract

Owing to its chemical richness, propolis has a myriad of therapeutic properties. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review paper on propolis to focus exclusively on its major effects for cardiovascular health. The propolis compound varieties with the most promising therapeutic benefits and their respective physiological mechanisms will be discussed. Propolis displays an anti-atherosclerotic activity, attained through modulation of the plasma lipid profile and through stabilization of the fatty plaque by inhibiting macrophage apoptosis, vascular smooth muscle proliferation and metalloproteinase activity. The antihypertensive effects of propolis probably arise through the combination of several mechanisms, including the suppression of catecholamine synthesis, stimulation of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and vascular anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-hemostatic activity of propolis is attributed to the inhibition of platelet plug formation and antifibrinolytic activity. By inhibiting the secretion of proangiogenic factors, propolis suppresses endothelial cell migration and tubulogenesis, exerting antiangiogenic activity. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities are responsible for protection against vascular endothelial and cardiomyocyte dysfunction, mostly by the prevention of oxidative stress. Among the reviewed propolis varieties, the Brazilian green and red varieties show the largest number of beneficial activities. Further research, especially preclinical, should be conducted to assess the cardiovascular benefits of the given varieties with different compositions.

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.

Propolis and its potential against SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms and COVID-19 disease: Running title: Propolis against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19

Propolis, a resinous material produced by honey bees from plant exudates, has long been used in traditional herbal medicine and is widely consumed as a health aid and immune system booster. The COVID-19 pandemic has renewed interest in propolis products worldwide; fortunately, various aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanism are potential targets for propolis compounds. SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells is characterized by viral spike protein interaction with cellular angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and serine protease TMPRSS2. This mechanism involves PAK1 overexpression, which is a kinase that mediates coronavirus-induced lung inflammation, fibrosis, and immune system suppression. Propolis components have inhibitory effects on the ACE2, TMPRSS2 and PAK1 signaling pathways; in addition, antiviral activity has been proven in vitro and in vivo. In pre-clinical studies, propolis promoted immunoregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including reduction in IL-6, IL-1 beta and TNF-α. This immunoregulation involves monocytes and macrophages, as well as Jak2/STAT3, NF-kB, and inflammasome pathways, reducing the risk of cytokine storm syndrome, a major mortality factor in advanced COVID-19 disease. Propolis has also shown promise as an aid in the treatment of various of the comorbidities that are particularly dangerous in COVID-19 patients, including respiratory diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Standardized propolis products with consistent bioactive properties are now available. Given the current emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and limited therapeutic options, propolis is presented as a promising and relevant therapeutic option that is safe, easy to administrate orally and is readily available as a natural supplement and functional food.

L. L. Pinheiro D, de la Rosa T, G. de Almeida AC, A. Scorza F, A. Scorza C. Propolis as A Potential Disease-Modifying Strategy in Parkinson's Disease: Cardioprotective and Neuroprotective Effects in the 6-OHDA Rat Model

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) manifest nonmotor and motor symptoms. Autonomic cardiovascular dysregulation is a common nonmotor manifestation associated with increased morbimortality. Conventional clinical treatment alleviates motor signs but does not change disease progression and fails in handling nonmotor features. Nutrition is a key modifiable determinant of chronic disease. This study aimed to assess the effects of propolis on cardiological features, heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) and on nigrostriatal dopaminergic damage, detected by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity, in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of PD. Male Wistar rats were injected bilaterally with 6-OHDA or saline into the striatum and were treated with propolis or water for 40 days. Autonomic function was assessed by time domain parameters (standard deviation of all normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and square root of the mean of the squared differences between adjacent normal RR intervals (RMSSD)) of HRV calculated from electrocardiogram recordings. Reductions in HR (p = 1.47×10-19), SDNN (p = 3.42×10-10) and RMSSD (p = 8.2×10-6) detected in parkinsonian rats were reverted by propolis. Propolis attenuated neuronal loss in the substantia nigra (p = 5.66×10-15) and reduced striatal fiber degeneration (p = 7.4×10-5) in 6-OHDA-injured rats, which also showed significant weight gain (p = 1.07×10-5) in comparison to 6-OHDA-lesioned counterparts. Propolis confers cardioprotection and neuroprotection in the 6-OHDA rat model of PD.

Development and validation of a sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS cocktail assay for CYP450 enzymes: Application to study the effect of catechin on rat hepatic CYP activity

A sensitive and specific liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method that enables the simultaneous quantification of probe substrates and metabolites of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes was developed and validated. These substrates (metabolites)-coumarin (7-hydroxycoumarin), tolbutamide (4-hydroxytolbutamide), S-mephenytoin (4-hydroxymephenytoin), dextromethorphan (dextrorphan), and testosterone (6β-hydroxytestosterone)-were utilized as markers for the activities of the major human CYP enzymes CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4, respectively. Analytes were separated on Kinetex C₁₈ column (2.1 × 50 mm, 5 μm) using a binary gradient mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile. Metabolites were detected and quantified by MS using multiple reaction monitoring at m/z 163 → 107.2 for 7-hydroxycoumarin, m/z 235 → 150.1 for 4-hydroxymephenytoin, m/z 287 → 171 for 4-hydroxytolbutamide, m/z 258 → 157.1 for dextrorphan, m/z 305 → 269 for 6β-hydroxytestosterone, and m/z 237 → 194 for the internal standard. The assay exhibited good linearity over a range of 10-500 ng/mL with acceptable accuracy and precision criteria. As a proof of concept, the developed cocktail assay was successfully used to examine the potential impact of catechin on the activity of the major rat liver CYP enzymes.

Polyphenols: Modulators of Platelet Function and Platelet Microparticle Generation?

Platelets and platelet microparticles (PMPs) play a key role in the pathophysiology of vascular disorders such as coronary artery disease and stroke. In atherosclerosis, for example, the disruption of the plaque exposes endogenous agonists such as collagen, which activates platelets. Platelet hyper-activation and the high levels of PMPs generated in such situations pose a thrombotic risk that can lead to strokes or myocardial infarctions. Interestingly, dietary polyphenols are gaining much attention due to their potential to mimic the antiplatelet activity of treatment drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel that target the glycoprotein VI (GPVI)-collagen and cyclooxygenease-1 (COX-1)-thromboxane platelet activation pathways respectively. Platelet function tests such as aggregometry and flow cytometry used to monitor the efficacy of antiplatelet drugs can also be used to assess the antiplatelet potential of dietary polyphenols. Despite the low bioavailability of polyphenols, several in vitro and dietary intervention studies have reported antiplatelet effects of polyphenols. This review presents a summary of platelet function in terms of aggregation, secretion, activation marker expression, and PMP release. Furthermore, the review will critically evaluate studies demonstrating the impact of polyphenols on aggregation and PMP release.

Antithrombotic activity of flavonoids and polyphenols rich plant species

Cardiovascular diseases represent one of the most notable health problems of the modern civilization. Stroke and heart attack often lead to lethal outcome; essential problem underneath being thrombus formation. Prophylactic approaches include acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel therapy on the level of primary hemostasis, i.e., primary clot formation. In the last five years, in the USA, health care expenses related to cardiovascular diseases have increased 50 %, to over 350 billion dollars. Thus, application of plant species and medicinal plants rich in polyphenols in prevention of thrombus formation are of interest. This is supported by the fact that the number of publications on antiaggregatory effect of polyphenols has doubled in the last decade. In this review we focus on antiaggregatory effect of most abundant polyphenols - flavonoids, the effect of plant extracts rich in polyphenols (propolis, species Salvia sp., Calamintha nepeta L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Melissa officinalis L, Mentha x piperita L., Ocimum basilicum L., Origanum vulgare L., Rosmarinus officinalis L.) on platelet aggregation, association of chemical composition and antioxidant properties with the observed biological effect, and possible clinical significance of the published results.

The propolis and boric acid can be highly suitable, alone/or as a combinatory approach on ovary ischemia-reperfusion injury

PURPOSE

Ovarian ischemia-reperfusion (IR) damage continues to be a serious infertility problem. The oxidative stress plays central role in the development of IR injuries. Activation of antioxidants decreases IR injuries; however, the efficacy of antioxidant agents remains controversial. Unfortunately, there has been no evidence for medicinal use of boric acid (BA) and propolis (Prop) on ovarian IR injury on rats so far. This study will provide to reveal the potential applications of the Prop and BA in ovarian IR therapy.

METHODS

The Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups: I-control, II-IR, 3 h of ischemia and 3 h of reperfusion, III and IV-a signal dose of oral BA (7 mg/kg) and Prop (100 mg/kg) alone 1 h before induction of IR, V-Prop and BA together 1 h before induction of IR. SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), GSH (glutathione), MPO (myeloperoxidase), MDA (malondialdehyde), and IL-6 (interleukin-6) levels were quantified by ELISA and the TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), 8-OHdG (8-hydroxylo-2'-deoxyguanosin) and Caspase-3 expressions were performed by immunohistochemical analyses.

RESULTS

BA and Prop pretreatment significantly reduced MPO, MDA, and IL-6 levels and pathologic score in IR rats, with no effects in control group. These agents used in therapy also decreased TNF-α, 8-OHdG and Caspase-3 protein expressions increased by IR. Furthermore, BA and Prop combination showed significant ameliorative effects on ovary injury caused by IR through acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic agent.

CONCLUSION

BA and Prop alone and especially in combination could be developed as therapeutic agents against ovary IR injury.

The Effect of Flavonoid Aglycones on the CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C8 and CYP2D6 Enzymes Activity

Cytochromes P450 are major metabolic enzymes involved in the biotransformation of xenobiotics. The majority of xenobiotics are metabolized in the liver, in which the highest levels of cytochromes P450 are expressed. Flavonoids are natural compounds to which humans are exposed through everyday diet. In the previous study, selected flavonoid aglycones showed inhibition of CYP3A4 enzyme. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine if these flavonoids inhibit metabolic activity of CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C8, and CYP2D6 enzymes. For this purpose, the O-deethylation reaction of phenacetin was used for monitoring CYP1A2 enzyme activity, coumarin 7-hydroxylation for CYP2A6 enzyme activity, 6-α-hydroxylation of paclitaxel for CYP2C8 enzyme activity, and dextromethorphan O-demethylation for CYP2D6 enzyme activity. The generated metabolites were monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection. Hesperetin, pinocembrin, chrysin, isorhamnetin, and morin inhibited CYP1A2 activity; apigenin, tangeretin, galangin, and isorhamnetin inhibited CYP2A6 activity; and chrysin, chrysin-dimethylether, and galangin inhibited CYP2C8. None of the analyzed flavonoids showed inhibition of CYP2D6. The flavonoids in this study were mainly reversible inhibitors of CYP1A2 and CYP2A6, while the inhibition of CYP2C8 was of mixed type (reversible and irreversible). The most prominent reversible inhibitor of CYP1A2 was chrysin, and this was confirmed by the docking study.