ABSTRACT
This study explores the potential of propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, from Melipona rufiventris species. With its composition encompassing resin, wax, pollen, and soil, propolis holds historical significance in traditional medicine within tropical regions. This research is driven by the scarcity of information surrounding M. rufiventris propolis, prompting an investigation into its chemical constituents, inâ vivo toxicity, and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This exploration could potentially uncover novel applications for this natural product, bolstering both meliponiculture practices and the preservation of native bee populations. The propolis was sampled in Cabo Verde-MG and underwent ethanolic extraction to yield an extract (EEP) for analysis. Chemical assessments (Folin-Ciocalteau, and UHPLC-HRMS) revealed the presence of polyphenols, including flavonoids. The EEP demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and exhibited efficacy against multiresistant strains isolated from complex wounds. Synergistic interactions with commercial antibiotics were also observed. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory evaluations showcased the EEP's potential in reducing NF-kB activation and TNF-α release at non-toxic concentrations. Despite these promising biological activities, the EEP exhibited no antiproliferative effects and demonstrated safety in both the MTS assay and the G. mellonella model. Collectively, these findings highlight the M. rufiventris propolis extract as a valuable reservoir of bioactive compounds with multifaceted potential.
Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents , Antioxidants , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Propolis , Propolis/chemistry , Propolis/pharmacology , Animals , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Antioxidants/chemistry , Antioxidants/isolation & purification , Bees , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification , Gram-Positive Bacteria/drug effects , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry , Anti-Infective Agents/isolation & purification , Mice , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
The geopropolis is a unique type of propolis produced by some stingless bee species. This product is known in folk medicine for its pharmacological properties, mainly antimicrobial and antioxidant, but there are few scientific studies that prove these properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phenolic composition and the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of Melipona quadrifasciata geopropolis. The phenolic characterization of the geopropolis ethanolic extract was evaluated by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. The antimicrobial activity was carried out against Gram-positive (including multiresistant microorganisms), negative and yeast. The synergistic effect was evaluated in association with Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim. DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, ORAC and HPLC on-line were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Antiproliferative activity was assessed by the sulforhodamine B assay. Flavonoids and phenolic acids were identified in the extract, which showed promising antimicrobial activity, partially synergistic effect and antioxidant activity.
