The Study of Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Poplar-Type Polish Propolis Considering Local Flora Diversity in Relation to Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Chemical Composition and Neuroprotective Properties of Indonesian Stingless Bee (Geniotrigona thoracica) Propolis Extract in an In-Vivo Model of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH)

Stroke is the world's second-leading cause of death. Current treatments for cerebral edema following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) mainly involve hyperosmolar fluids, but this approach is often inadequate. Propolis, known for its various beneficial properties, especially antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, could potentially act as an adjunctive therapy and help alleviate stroke-associated injuries. The chemical composition of Geniotrigona thoracica propolis extract was analyzed by GC-MS after derivatization for its total phenolic and total flavonoid content. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of the propolis extract were 1037.31 ± 24.10 μg GAE/mL and 374.02 ± 3.36 μg QE/mL, respectively. By GC-MS analysis, its major constituents were found to be triterpenoids (22.4% of TIC). Minor compounds, such as phenolic lipids (6.7% of TIC, GC-MS) and diterpenic acids (2.3% of TIC, GC-MS), were also found. Ninety-six Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups; namely, the control group, the ICH group, and four ICH groups that received the following therapies: mannitol, propolis extract (daily oral propolis administration after the ICH induction), propolis-M (propolis and mannitol), and propolis-B+A (daily oral propolis administration 7 days prior to and 72 h after the ICH induction). Neurocognitive functions of the rats were analyzed using the rotarod challenge and Morris water maze. In addition, the expression of NF-κB, SUR1-TRPM4, MMP-9, and Aquaporin-4 was analyzed using immunohistochemical methods. A TUNEL assay was used to assess the percentage of apoptotic cells. Mannitol significantly improved cognitive-motor functions in the ICH group, evidenced by improved rotarod and Morris water maze completion times, and lowered SUR-1 and Aquaporin-4 levels. It also significantly decreased cerebral edema by day 3. Similarly, propolis treatments (propolis-A and propolis-B+A) showed comparable improvements in these tests and reduced edema. Moreover, combining propolis with mannitol (propolis-M) further enhanced these effects, particularly in reducing edema and the Virchow-Robin space. These findings highlight the potential of propolis from the Indonesian stingless bee, Geniotrigona thoracica, from the Central Tapanuli region as a neuroprotective, adjunctive therapy.

The Influence of Geographical Origin on Poplar Propolis Composition and the Impact of Human Microbiota

Ethanol extracts obtained from 13 poplar propolis samples originating from various European countries by traditional maceration were tested for total polyphenols, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. Moreover, the content of 18 polyphenolic compounds (from the group of phenolic acids and flavonoids) was determined using the HPLC method. The inhibitory effect of six selected extracts with the highest activity was assessed by well-diffusion method against five strains (Bifidobacterium spp., L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, E. coli, and Bacteroides spp.) of intestinal bacteria self-isolated from the faeces of obese probands with the use of selective media. It was found that the antioxidant activity of propolis varied depending on geographical origin and even among samples from the same region, which indicates that some other factors also influence propolis quality. The samples of different geographical origin varied mainly in the share of individual phenolic compounds, and it was not possible to find a characteristic marker of origin, excluding the galangin present in the Polish samples only. Assessing the inhibitory activity of propolis (in the range of 70 mg to 10 µg per mL) indicated that the concentration of 100 µg/mL was found as being safe for tested fecal bacteria (Bifidobacterium spp., L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, E. coli, and Bacteroides spp.). As no negative effect of low doses of propolis on the intestinal microflora was found, it can be suggested that its use in recommended doses brings only beneficial effects to the body.

A novel black poplar propolis extract with promising health-promoting properties: focus on its chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-genotoxic activities

Propolis is a resinous mixture produced by honeybees which has been used since ancient times for its useful properties. However, its chemical composition and bioactivity may vary, depending on the geographical area of origin and the type of tree bees use for collecting pollen. In this context, this research aimed to investigate the total phenolic content (using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay) and the total antioxidant capacity (using the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays) of three black poplar (Populus nigra L.) propolis (BPP) solutions (S1, S2, and S3), as well as the chemical composition (HPLC-ESI-MSn) and biological activities (effect on cell viability, genotoxic/antigenotoxic properties, and anti-inflammatory activity, and effect on ROS production) of the one which showed the highest antioxidant activity (S1). The hydroalcoholic BPP solution S1 was a prototype of an innovative, research-type product by an Italian nutraceutical manufacturer. In contrast, hydroalcoholic BPP solutions S2 and S3 were conventional products purchased from local pharmacy stores. For the three extracts, 50 phenolic compounds, encompassing phenolic acids and flavonoids, were identified. In summary, the results showed an interesting chemical profile and the remarkable antioxidant, antigenotoxic, anti-inflammatory and ROS-modulating activities of the innovative BPP extract S1, paving the way for future research. In vivo investigations will be a possible line to take, which may help corroborate the hypothesis of the potential health benefits of this product, and even stimulate further ameliorations of the new prototype.

Potential Antidiabetic Activity of Apis mellifera Propolis Extraction Obtained with Ultrasound

Recent studies have linked phenolic compounds to the inhibition of digestive enzymes. Propolis extract is consumed or applied as a traditional treatment for some diseases. More than 500 chemical compounds have been identified in propolis composition worldwide. This research aimed to determine Mexican propolis extracts' total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and digestive enzyme inhibitory activity (ɑ-amylase and ɑ-glucosidase). In vitro assays measured the possible effect on bioactive compounds after digestion. Four samples of propolis from different regions of the state of Oaxaca (Mexico) were tested (Eloxochitlán (PE), Teotitlán (PT), San Pedro (PSP), and San Jerónimo (PSJ)). Ethanol extractions were performed using ultrasound. The extract with the highest phenolic content was PE with 15,362.4 ± 225 mg GAE/100 g. Regarding the flavonoid content, the highest amount was found in PT with 8084.6 ± 19 mg QE/100 g. ABTS•+ and DPPH• radicals were evaluated. The extract with the best inhibition concentration was PE with 33,307.1 ± 567 mg ET/100 g. After simulated digestion, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity decreased by 96%. In contrast, antidiabetic activity, quantified as inhibition of ɑ-amylase and ɑ-glucosidase, showed a mean decrease in enzyme activity of approximately 50% after the intestinal phase. Therefore, it is concluded that propolis extracts could be a natural alternative for treating diabetes, and it would be necessary to develop a protective mechanism to incorporate them into foods.

Potentially toxic trace elements in bee bread, propolis, beeswax and royal jelly - A review of the literature and dietary risk assessment

Scientific evidence suggests that apicultural products accumulate pollutants present in the hive environment, thus, they can be used as bioindicators. However, our understanding on the food safety implications of the presence of potentially toxic trace elements in these products remains incomplete. In our study, available data on the trace metal content of bee bread, propolis, beeswax and royal jelly, as well as their possible sources are reviewed. Furthermore, dietary risk assessments were conducted for elements that do not have any biological role in humans by comparing the estimated exposures with official reference values. In the case of elements with genotoxic carcinogen potential, the margin of exposure (MoE) approach was applied. The observed concentration ranges vary over a wide range for Fe (0.94-2125.20 mg/kg), Zn ( Collapse

Key Words

• Apicultural product
• Bioindicator
• Contaminant
• Heavy metal
• Margin of exposure
• Trace metal

Collapse

MESH Headings

• Humans
• Trace Elements/analysis
• Propolis
• Metals, Heavy/analysis
• Lead
• Environmental Monitoring
• Risk Assessment
• Soil Pollutants/analysis

Collapse

Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

Rita Végh Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Department of Nutrition, 1118, Budapest, Somlói út 14-16., Hungary
Mariann Csóka Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Department of Nutrition, 1118, Budapest, Somlói út 14-16., Hungary
Zsuzsanna Mednyánszky Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Department of Nutrition, 1118, Budapest, Somlói út 14-16., Hungary
László Sipos Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Department of Postharvest, Commercial and Sensory Science, 1118, Budapest, Villányi út 29-43., Hungary; Institute of Economics, Centre of Economic and Regional Studies, Loránd Eötvös Research Network, 1097, Budapest, Tóth Kálmán Utca 4., Hungary.

Collapse

Comparison of the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Propolis from Urban Apiaries

Bee products from urban apiaries are increasingly used. They are mainly used to promote local apiaries and cities in which they are located. The aim of the study was to compare the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of propolis from 6 Polish apiaries located in cities (Legionowo, Torun, Cracow, Warsaw, Katowice, Lodz). The chemical composition was analyzed using liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and the analysis of antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals (ABTS and DPPH) and FRAP. The obtained results showed the presence of 24 phenolic compounds in propolis extracts. The tested samples showed differentiation in terms of the content of individual chemical components, however, cinnamic acid and its derivatives were dominant. High antioxidant activity of the tested extracts was demonstrated (ABTS was in the range of 16.80-51.53 mg Te/mL, DPPH was in the range of 7.54-22.13 mg Te/mL, while FRAP reduction was in the range of 10.93-29.55 mg Te/mL). The obtained results compared with literature data on propolis from agricultural areas allow to conclude that propolis samples from both Poland types of areas are similar and can be classified as poplar propolis.

Characteristics of Chitosan Films with the Bioactive Substances-Caffeine and Propolis

Chitosan is a natural and biodegradable polymer with promising potential for biomedical applications. This study concerns the production of chitosan-based materials for future use in the medical industry. Bioactive substances-caffeine and ethanolic propolis extract (EEP)-were incorporated into a chitosan matrix to increase the bioactivity of the obtained films and improve their mechanical properties. Acetic and citric acids were used as solvents in the production of the chitosan-based films. The obtained materials were characterized in terms of their antibacterial and antifungal activities, as well as their mechanical properties, including tensile strength and elongation at break. Moreover, the chemical structures and surface morphologies of the films were assessed. The results showed that the solution consisting of chitosan, citric acid, caffeine, and EEP exhibited an excellent antiradical effect. The activity of this solution (99.13%) was comparable to that of the standard antioxidant Trolox (92.82%). In addition, the film obtained from this solution showed good antibacterial activity, mainly against Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. The results also revealed that the films produced with citric acid exhibited higher activity levels against pathogenic bacteria than the films obtained with acetic acid. The antimicrobial effect of the chitosan-based films could be further enhanced by adding bioactive additives such as caffeine and propolis extract. The mechanical tests showed that the solvents and additives used affected the mechanical properties of the films obtained. The film produced from chitosan and acetic acid was characterized by the highest tensile strength value (46.95 MPa) while the chitosan-based film with citric acid showed the lowest value (2.28 MPa). The addition of caffeine and propolis to the film based on chitosan with acetic acid decreased its tensile strength while in the case of the chitosan-based film with citric acid, an increase in strength was observed. The obtained results suggested that chitosan films with natural bioactive substances can be a promising alternative to the traditional materials used in the medical industry, for example, as including biodegradable wound dressings or probiotic encapsulation materials.

Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of Laboratory-Fermented Bee Pollen in Comparison with Natural Bee Bread

Bee bread is a valuable product obtained from the hive on a relatively small scale, while bee pollen is more easily available. Therefore, an effective laboratory method of converting pollen into a bee bread substitute is desired. The aim of the research was to verify the influence of selected factors (temperature, ultrasound) on the quality of obtained product using Lactobacillus rhamnosus inoculum. The composition of the fermented pollen was analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Raman spectroscopy, and SDS-PAGE and compared to natural bee bread and the original pollen. In vitro biological activity was assessed as antioxidant activity using a yeast model (BY4741 and sod1∆ strains). Fermentation of pollen occurred spontaneously and after inoculation, as demonstrated by lower pH and higher lactic acid content. Raman spectroscopy and ICP-OES confirmed changes in composition compared to the initial pollen. Compared to bee bread, the fermented pollen showed a higher content of polyphenols and comparable antioxidant activity; moreover, it accelerated yeast growth rate. In addition, a protective effect was observed for Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase 1 (sod1∆ yeast mutant exposed to hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress). The higher fermentation temperature (25 °C) produces a more bee-bread-like product, while the use of ultrasound and starter culture seems to have no positive effect.

Correlation between Chemical Profile of Georgian Propolis Extracts and Their Activity against Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is considered the most common bacterial pathogen colonizing stomach mucosa of almost half the world's population and is associated with various gastrointestinal diseases (from digestive problems and ulcers to gastric cancer). A lack of new drugs and a growing number of H. pylori antibiotic-resistant strains is a serious therapeutic problem.As a mixture of natural compounds, propolis has antimicrobial activity based on high concentrations of bioactive polyphenols (mainly flavonoids and phenolic acid derivates). The chemical composition of tested Georgian propolis is characterized by the presence of flavonoids aglycones, and phenolic acid monoesters, e.g., pinobanksin-5-methyl ether, pinobanksin, chrysin, pinocembrin, galangin, pinobanksin-3-O-acetate, pinostrobin and pinobanksin-3-O-butanoate, or isobutanoate and methoxycinnamic acid cinnamyl ester. The anti-H. pylori activity of 70% ethanol water extracts of 10 Georgian propolis samples was evaluated in vitro by MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) against the reference strain (H. pylori ATCC 43504) and 10 clinical strains with different antibiotic-resistance patterns. The strongest anti-Helicobacter activity (MIC and MBC = 31.3 µg/mL) was observed for propolis from Orgora, Ota, and Vardzia and two from Khaheti. Lower levels of activity (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL) were found in propolis obtained from Qvakhreli and Pasanauri, while the lowest effect was observed for Norio and Mestia (MIC = 125.0 µg/mL). However, despite differences in MIC, all evaluated samples exhibited bactericidal activity. We selected the most active propolis samples for assessment of urease inhibition property. Enzyme activity was inhibited by propolis extracts, with IC₅₀ ranging from 4.01 to 1484.8 µg/mL. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical fuzzy clustering (dendrograms) coupled with matrix correlation analysis exhibited that the strongest anti-Helicobacter activity was connected with black poplar origin and high flavonoid content of propolis. Samples with lower activity contained higher presence of aspen markers and/or dominance of non-flavonoid polyphenols over flavonoids. In summary, Georgian propolis can be regarded as a source bioactive compounds that can be used as adjuvant in therapy of H. pylori infection.

The Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Properties of Rapeseed Creamed Honey Enriched with Selected Plant Superfoods

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of the addition of selected fruits and herbs belonging to the "superfoods" category for the bioactivity of a rapeseed honey matrix. Flavored creamed honeys with nine types of various additives (2 and 4% of content) were prepared and analyzed for the content of total phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant (FRAP, DPPH and ABTS) and antibacterial activity against four strains of bacteria. Additionally, the impact of three months of storage on the antioxidant properties of the products obtained was examined. The significant dose-dependent increase in the content of bioactive ingredients and antioxidant capacity in spiced honeys, as compared to control honey, was observed. The highest enrichment was obtained for the addition of powdered sea buckthorn leaves and black raspberry fruits. Honey with the addition of sea buckthorn leaves inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and K. pneumonia, whereas honeys with black raspberry and blackcurrant fruits showed activity only on the latter two strains. Furthermore, what is more interesting, honey supplemented with sea buckthorn leaf and black raspberry fruits inhibited S. aureus biofilm formation at the sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs), showing a dose-dependent anti-biofilm effect.

Do ultrasonic field effects upon the polyphenolics profile of propolis extracts improve their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity?

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was applied for polyphenols extraction from Romanian propolis, followed by comparison with previous maceration work. The effects consisted not only in time reduction and extraction yield increase, but also in polyphenolics profile modification in terms of flavonoids / polyphenolic acids ratio. The operating parameters were ultrasounds (US) field exposure time (10-100 min), solvent composition (water, 25 % and 50 % ethanolic solutions, w/w), and liquid:solid ratio (2:1, 4:1 and 6:1, w:w), while keeping temperature constant. 24 polyphenolic derivatives were quantified by UHPLC-HRMS. UAE favored the extraction of pinocembrin, isorhamnetin and chrysin in water and 25 % ethanol, leading to different profiles than maceration, and further influences upon the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. All extracts demonstrated increased antibacterial and antifungal activity compared to maceration, particularly the 50 % ethanolic extracts, which presented a three-times larger antioxidant capacity. Chemometric methods (Principal Component Analysis - PCA and Partial Least Squares Regression - PLS) and a saturation type model were used to correlate the polyphenolics profiles and antioxidant capacity. Experimental and modelling results concluded that 50 % ethanolic solutions and UAE represent the favorable operating conditions in terms of yield and extracts quality.