Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Jandaíra Stingless Bee Products (Melipona subnitida, Ducke, 1911): A Brief Review.

Melipona subnitida (Ducke, 1911), a species of stingless bee, popularly known as Jandaíra, has a wide distribution in the Brazilian Northeast region, being an important pollinator of the Caatinga biome. This bee produces products such as honey, geopropolis, pollen (saburá) and wax that are traditionally used for therapeutic purposes and some studies report the biological properties, as well as its chemical composition. This review aimed to select, analyze and gather data published in the literature focusing on the chemical profile and bioactivities described for M. subnitida products. Data collection was carried out through the Capes Journal Portal platform, using the following databases: Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Original articles published in English and Portuguese were included, with no time limitation. The chemical composition of M. subnitida products has been investigated through chromatographic analysis, demonstrating the presence of a variety of phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and phenylpropanoids, among other classes of secondary metabolites. These products also have several biological activities, including antioxidant, healing, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antidyslipidemic, antiobesity, antifungal, antibacterial and prebiotic. Among the biological activities reported, the antioxidant activity was the most investigated. These data show that products derived from the stingless bee M. subnitida have promising bioactive compounds. This review provides useful information about the bioactivities and chemical profile of Melipona subnitida bee products, and a direction for future research, which should focus on understanding the mechanisms of action associated with the already elucidated pharmacological activities, as well as the bioactive properties of the main isolate's constituents identified in the chemical composition of these products.

Geopropolis gel for the adjuvant treatment of candidiasis - formulation and in vitro release assay

ABSTRACT The geopropolis produced by the stingless bee Melipona subnitida (popularly called "jandaíra" in Brazil) is a mixture of resin, wax, and mud. This study analyzed the antifungal activity of the geopropolis extract from Candida spp., developed a gel formulation with this extract and analyzed the delivery of bioactives (kinetics release) in the formulation and their chemical profile by UHPLC-PDA-qTOF-MS/MS. Three different gels were prepared using the geopropolis extract, carbomer, propylene glycol, and water. Formulations with different amounts of propylene glycol were investigated. Physical, visual, pH, viscosity, adhesion, spreadability, leakage, and in vitro release tests were performed in the proposed formulations. Antifungal tests with the geopropolis ethanolic extract were carried out against six Candida species. The chemical profile of the geopropolis extract and compounds released from the formulations were analyzed after the release test. The formulations had a pH between 4.6 and 4.8 and viscosity between 535,600 and 920,400 cPs. The geopropolis extract presented excellent antifungal activity against the tested yeasts. The results of the release test in semipermeable cellulose membrane showed that all formulations containing 5%, 10% and 40% propylene glycol presented release of geopropolis extract. For adhesion and leakage tests, the gel formulation with 5% propylene glycol was more effective. Both geopropolis ethanolic extract and the liquid obtained in the release test showed the presence of flavonoids (flavonol/flavone, flavanone, and chalcones). Gel formulations with geopropolis extract that are rich in flavonoids are promising as an adjuvant treatment of vaginal candidiasis.

Stingless bees and their adaptations to extreme environments.

Nearly half of all terrestrial tropical ecosystems around the globe comprise dry forests, characterised through elevated temperatures all year round, and short rainy seasons at irregular intervals. The consequent water deficit over several consecutive months limits the availability of floral resources to often very brief and unpredictable periods, which poses a challenge to the maintenance of perennial colonies in highly eusocial bees. Thus, only few highly eusocial bees occur permanently in tropical dry forests, among them some highly adapted species of stingless bees (Apidae, Meliponini). In the present review, we discuss the current knowledge on the adaptations to such extreme environments in Melipona subnitida, a stingless bee native to the Brazilian tropical dry forest. Key to the success of this species is not so much heat resistance of foragers, as it is the ability to maintain perennial colonies despite extended dearth periods. After several months of drought, M. subnitida colonies are capable of re-establishing fully functional colonies from nests containing only few dozens of workers. This surprising resilience is based on a quick reaction to precipitation-driven increase in floral resource availability, mainly owing to selective foraging at high-profit resources and an immediate up-regulation of brood production once food storage conditions improve.

Characterisation of phenolic compounds by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS of geopropolis from the stingless bee Melipona subnitida (jandaíra).

INTRODUCTION: Melipona subnitida Ducke (jandaíra) is a stingless bee native to north-eastern Brazil, which produces geopropolis, a mixture of beeswax, plant resins, pollens and earth that is used for sealing beehives. OBJECTIVE: To extend the knowledge on phenolic compounds in fractions obtained by C18-solid phase extraction (SPE) of nine geopropolis samples from Melipona subnitida collected at different times. METHODOLOGY: Chromatographic profiles of nine samples of geopropolis from jandaíra were analysed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS) and combined with the use of data-independent acquisition (MSE) for the profiling and structural characterisation of the phenolic compounds. The isolated compound was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance of hydrogen and carbon (1 H- and 13 C-NMR). RESULTS: The present study with geopropolis of jandaíra resulted in the characterisation of 51 phenolics by UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS: four galloyl glucosides, one ellagic acid, 11 acyl-hexosides, 23 acyl-galloyl-hexosides and 12 flavonoids. The structures of two compounds (1,6-di-O-(E)-coumaroyl-2-O-galloyl-ß-d-glucopyranoside and 1-O-cinnamoyl-6-O-(E)-coumaroyl-2-O-galloyl-ß-d-glucopyranoside) were established by 1 H and the attached proton test (APT) experiments as well as high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectroscopy (HR-ESI-MS) analysis. CONCLUSION: The geopropolis of jandaíra showed phenolic compounds galloyl hexosides, ellagic acid, acyl-(cinnamoyl/coumaroyl)-hexosides, acyl-(cinnamoyl/coumaroyl)-galloyl-hexosides and flavonoids (aglycones and acylated-O-glycosides).

Prospecção fitoquímica, toxicidade in vitro e avaliação das atividades anti-radicalar e antibacteriana da geoprópolis da abelha jandaíra / Phytochemical screening, in vitro toxicity and evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of jandaírabee’s geopropolis

No Brasil, a espécie de abelha Melipona subnitida, popularmente conhecida por “jandaíra” éendêmica da Caatinga nordestina. Esta espécie possui a peculiaridade de adicionar terra ou barro a sua respectivaprópolis, formando geoprópolis. Este estudo objetivou caracterizar um extrato hidroalcóolico de geoprópolis(EHG) de jandaíra, através de prospec o fitoquímica e da determina o do teor de compostos fenólicos totais.Além disso, determinou-se seu potencial enquanto agente anti-radicalar e antibacteriano, pela capacidadesequestrante do radical DPPH e pelo método de difusão em ágar, respectivamente. A toxicidade in vitro contra omicrocrustáceo Artemia salina também foi investigada. O EHG mostrou alto teor de compostos fenólicos totais(11,29% p/p) e potencial atividade anti-radicalar (IC50 = 0,084 mg/mL). A fitoquímica revelou presença detaninos hidrolisáveis, flavonóides das classes das flavonas e flavonóis, xantonas e triterpenos pentacíclicoslivres. Esses compostos bioativos podem ter sido os responsáveis pela atividade antibacteriana, demonstradatanto em bactérias gram-positivas, quanto em gram-negativas, principalmente na concentração de 100 mg/mL.Aliado a isso, o EHG mostrou-se pouco tóxico (CL50 = 1282,61 µg/mL). Esses comportamentos abremperspectivas para futuros estudos da geoprópolis produzida pela abelha jandaíra, um produto nordestino compotencial benefício para a saúde, dada a presença de compostos bioativos em sua composição

In Brazil, the bee’s specie Melipona subnitida, popularly known as "jandaira" is endemic tonortheastern Caatinga. This species has the peculiarity of add soil or clay in their respective propolis, forminggeopropolis. This study aimed to characterize a geopropolis hydroalcoholic extract (GHE) of jandaira throughphytochemical screening and determination of total phenolic compounds. Furthermore, it was determined itspotential as antibacterial and anti-free radical agent, respectively through of: sequestering capacity of the radicalDPPH and agar diffusion method. The in vitro toxicity against Artemia salina was also investigated. The GHEexhibited high content of total phenolic compounds (11.29% w/w) and potential anti-radical activity (IC50 =0.084 mg/mL). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids like flavonolsand flavones, xanthones and free pentacyclic triterpenes. These bioactive compounds may have been responsiblefor the antibacterial activity, as demonstrated in both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterias, mainly in theconcentration of 100 mg/mL. Allied to this, the GHE showed little toxicity (LC50 = 1282.61 g/mL). Thesecharacteristics create perspectives for future studies of geopropolis produced by jandaira’s bee, a northeasternproduct with potential health benefit, given the presence of bioactive compounds in its composition

Prospecção fitoquímica, toxicidade in vitro e avaliação das atividades anti-radicalar e antibacteriana da geoprópolis da abelha jandaíra / Phytochemical screening, in vitro toxicity and evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of jandaírabees geopropolis

No Brasil, a espécie de abelha Melipona subnitida, popularmente conhecida por “jandaíra” éendêmica da Caatinga nordestina. Esta espécie possui a peculiaridade de adicionar terra ou barro a sua respectivaprópolis, formando geoprópolis. Este estudo objetivou caracterizar um extrato hidroalcóolico de geoprópolis(EHG) de jandaíra, através de prospec o fitoquímica e da determina o do teor de compostos fenólicos totais.Além disso, determinou-se seu potencial enquanto agente anti-radicalar e antibacteriano, pela capacidadesequestrante do radical DPPH e pelo método de difusão em ágar, respectivamente. A toxicidade in vitro contra omicrocrustáceo Artemia salina também foi investigada. O EHG mostrou alto teor de compostos fenólicos totais(11,29% p/p) e potencial atividade anti-radicalar (IC50 = 0,084 mg/mL). A fitoquímica revelou presença detaninos hidrolisáveis, flavonóides das classes das flavonas e flavonóis, xantonas e triterpenos pentacíclicoslivres. Esses compostos bioativos podem ter sido os responsáveis pela atividade antibacteriana, demonstradatanto em bactérias gram-positivas, quanto em gram-negativas, principalmente na concentração de 100 mg/mL.Aliado a isso, o EHG mostrou-se pouco tóxico (CL50 = 1282,61 µg/mL). Esses comportamentos abremperspectivas para futuros estudos da geoprópolis produzida pela abelha jandaíra, um produto nordestino compotencial benefício para a saúde, dada a presença de compostos bioativos em sua composição(AU)

In Brazil, the bees specie Melipona subnitida, popularly known as "jandaira" is endemic tonortheastern Caatinga. This species has the peculiarity of add soil or clay in their respective propolis, forminggeopropolis. This study aimed to characterize a geopropolis hydroalcoholic extract (GHE) of jandaira throughphytochemical screening and determination of total phenolic compounds. Furthermore, it was determined itspotential as antibacterial and anti-free radical agent, respectively through of: sequestering capacity of the radicalDPPH and agar diffusion method. The in vitro toxicity against Artemia salina was also investigated. The GHEexhibited high content of total phenolic compounds (11.29% w/w) and potential anti-radical activity (IC50 =0.084 mg/mL). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids like flavonolsand flavones, xanthones and free pentacyclic triterpenes. These bioactive compounds may have been responsiblefor the antibacterial activity, as demonstrated in both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterias, mainly in theconcentration of 100 mg/mL. Allied to this, the GHE showed little toxicity (LC50 = 1282.61 g/mL). Thesecharacteristics create perspectives for future studies of geopropolis produced by jandairas bee, a northeasternproduct with potential health benefit, given the presence of bioactive compounds in its composition(AU)