Antihypertensive effect of a nanoemulsion of baccharis dracunculifolia leaves extract in sodium-dependent hypertensive rats.

Baccharis dracunculifolia (DC) is an important botanical source of Brazilian green propolis and have many compounds with potential antihypertensive activity. However, little is known about the specific antihypertensive properties of DC, or the mechanisms involved. Here we aimed to chemically characterise an ethanolic DC extract (eDC), test its antihypertensive properties and the involvement of neurogenic mechanisms using an animal model of salt-dependent hypertension. The chemical analysis of the eDC revealed the presence of many antihypertensive compounds. Administering the eDC in a nanoemulsion formulation (25 to 50 mg/kg) effectively normalised blood pressure in hypertensive rats. The result also suggested that neurogenic mechanisms are involved in the antihypertensive action of eDC. The treatment with p-coumaric acid (0.32 to 3 mg/kg), a polyphenol abundant in the eDC, produced no significant antihypertensive effect. The findings indicate that the eDC has antihypertensive properties, and that these effects may be mediated through neurogenic pressor mechanisms.

Novel composite of nano zinc oxide and nano propolis as antibiotic for antibiotic-resistant bacteria: a promising approach.

This study proposes an innovative approach to combat the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance in bacteria by introducing a novel ZnO-propolis nanocomposite (ZnO-P NCs). The overuse of antibiotics, particularly during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, has intensified bacterial resistance, necessitating innovative solutions. The study employs a cost-effective and controllable biosynthesis method to produce ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), with propolis extract crucially contributing to the reduction and stabilization of Zn2+ ions. A biodegradable nano-propolis matrix is then created by incorporating ZnO-NPs, forming the ZnO-P NCs. Structural stability is confirmed through FT-IR and Zeta potential analysis, while nanoscale properties are validated via TEM, SEM, and XRD analyses. The antimicrobial efficacy of various substances, including propolis, nano propolis, ethanolic propolis extract, ZnO-NPs, and ZnO-P NCs, is assessed against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, alongside a comparison with 28 antibiotics. Among the bacteria tested, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 ATCC15692 was more sensitive (40 mm) to the biosynthesized nanocomposite ZnO-P NCs than to ZnO-NPs (38 mm) and nanopropolis (32 mm), while Escherichia coli was resistant to nanopropolis (0 mm) than to ZnO-NPs (31 mm), and ZnO-P NCs (34 mm). The study reveals a synergy effect when combining propolis with green-synthesized ZnO-NPs in the form of ZnO-P NCs, significantly improving their efficiency against all tested bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains like E. coli. The nanocomposite outperforms other materials and antibiotics, demonstrating remarkable antibacterial effectiveness. SEM imaging confirms the disruption of bacterial cell membranes by ZnO-NPs and ZnO-P NCs. The study emphasizes the potential applications of ZnO-NPs integrated into biodegradable materials and underscores the significance of the zinc oxide-propolis nanocomposite in countering antimicrobial resistance. Overall, this research offers a comprehensive solution to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria, opening avenues for novel approaches in infection control.

The effects of MIND diet and propolis supplementation on metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

The MIND is a novel eating plan preserves cognitive function. Propolis is a resinous substance that has several biological and medicinal properties. This study examines the effect of the MIND diet and propolis supplementation on MetS indices among metabolic syndrome subjects. This RCT study, was conducted on adults with metabolic syndrome who were referred to the Hazrat Ali Health Center in Isfahan. 84 eligible subjects were divided into 3 groups. Including MIND diet + Propolis supplement, MIND diet + placebo, and control group. The data obtained from the subjects was analyzed in two descriptive and analytic levels. The Shapiro-Wilk test and examination of skewness were conducted to assess the normality of the distribution of quantitative variables. Quantitative variables were reported using either the mean (SD). SPSS Statistics software version 26 was used for statistical analysis of data. In this study the MIND + Propolis group compared to the control group after adjusting variables showed a significant decrease (p-value < 0.05) in weight, BMI, WC, SBP, DBP, and TG by 0.97 times (3%), 0.97 times (3%), 0.98 times (2%), 0.93 times (7%), 0.94 times (6%), and 0.75 times (25%), respectively; this significant change was also observed in FBS (p-value < 0.001) by 0.85 times (15%), and HDL-C (mg/dl) has shown a significant increase (p-value < 0.05) by 1.17 times (17%). MIND group compared to the control group after adjusting variables showed a significant decrease (p-value < 0.05) in BMI, WC, and SBP by 0.98 times (2%), 0.98 times (2%), and 0.95 times (5%), respectively; this significant change (p-value < 0.001) was also observed in DBP, FBS, and TG by 0.92 times (8%), 0.83 times (17%), and 0.71 times (29%), respectively; HDL-C has shown a significant increase (p-value < 0.001) by 1.21 times (21%), and weight has shown a non-significant decrease (p-value = 0.055) by 0.98 times (2%). This study indicated that the MIND diet + Propolis supplement and MIND diet compared to the control group can significantly decrease BMI, WC, SBP, DBP, FBS, TG, and weight (non-significant for the MIND group), and also increase HDL-C.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of chemically characterized propolis originating from different geographic regions and vitamin D co-supplementation against human ovarian cancer cells.

Ovarian cancer is the second most common and lethal gynecologic malignancy. Among natural product-based therapy, the honeybee products, particularly propolis, serve a valuable source contributing directly to human nutrition and health.In the present study, we determined the chemical composition of different types of propolis originating from Egypt, Germany and France using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The compounds identified belong to different metabolite classes, including flavonoids, cinnamic acid, chalcones, terpenoids, phenolic lipids, stilbenes, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, vitamins, coumarins, polyprenylated benzophenone, benzoic acids, fatty acid methyl ester, and coumaric acid, and their derivatives. The most active extract is from France then Egypt and Germany.Afterwards, we treated the human ovarian cancer cells, OVCAR4, with different concentrations (1-400 µg/mL) of variable propolis types supplemented or not with vitamin D (0.0015-0.15 µg/mL) in order to evaluate the efficacy and the cytotoxic activities of our local P as compared to other types collected from different geographic regions. Importantly, the combinatorial treatment of OVCAR4 cancer cells with propolis and vitamin D in the same concentration ranges resulted in enhanced cell viability inhibition. Furthermore, such co-supplementation with vitamin D inhibits predominately the proliferative activity of cell population with the French propolis type as manifested by Ki67 expression, while it reduces considerably its expression, particularly with the German type, followed by the Egyptian one.Nowadays, scientists are interested by natural products which have risen to the forefront of drug discovery. Chemically characterized propolis showing cell viability inhibition and antiproliferative potential seems a valuable extract for further consideration as anti-carcinogenic agent.

Productions of Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, were enhanced via the function of IL-2 from anti-CD3 antibody-stimulated mouse spleen cells treated with caffeic acid phenethyl ester.

OBJECTIVES: Interleukin (IL)-2 production by mouse spleen cells stimulated with an anti-CD3 antibody is significantly enhanced by caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a major constituent of Chinese propolis (CP). In this study, we evaluated the functional significance of IL-2 in CAPE-treated activated spleen cells. METHODS: Mouse spleen cells were stimulated with an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody in the presence of CAPE. Cytokine production was examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Messenger RNA level expression was examined via reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). IL-2 function was assessed using IL-2 and a neutralizing antibody. Spleen cell subsets were identified and characterized using flow cytometry. RESULTS: CAPE treatment of anti-CD3 antibody-stimulated spleen cells reduced IFN-γ production, then enhanced IL-2 production, followed by enhancement of IL-4 and IL-10 production. The Th2 cytokine production enhancing effects of CAPE were completely abolished by addition of an anti-IL-2 neutralizing antibody. In the absence of CAPE, exogenously added IL-2 could enhance IL-4 production to a lesser degree, but did not stimulate IL-10 production, in stimulated spleen cells. Interestingly, CAPE significantly reduced the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ cells, and increased those of CD4-CD8- cells among anti-CD3 stimulated spleen cells, in the presence or absence of anti-IL-2 neutralizing antibody treatment. CONCLUSIONS: CAPE reduced IFN-γ production, then enhanced IL-4 and IL-10 production via the activity of specifically elevated IL-2 in stimulated spleen cells. CAPE exerted these effects in a CD4- CD8- cell specific manner.

Polyprenylated Benzophenones from Brazilian Red Propolis: Analytical Characterization and Anticancer Activity.

The present work describes the extraction of a polyprenylated benzophenone-rich extract from Brazilian red propolis (ERPB), the development and validation of an RP-HPLC-UV method to characterize it, and its evaluation against breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, as well as the normal counterpart MCF-10A. A mixture of gutifferone E and xanthochymol (1+2), and isolated oblongifolin B (3) were used as chemical standards for ERPB and were also evaluated. The concentrations of 1+2 and 3 corresponded to 16.68% and 42.25% of the total content of the extract, respectively, and the validation parameters evaluated were satisfactorily met. The cytotoxic effects of ERPB were assessed, and the obtained IC50 values were 19.58 µg/mL (MCF-10A), 11.56 µg/mL (MCF-7), and 5.22 µg/mL (MDA-MB-231). In conclusion, ERPB exhibits promising cytotoxic effects on the tested breast cell lines. However, further investigation to elucidate its potential therapeutic applications and safety profile should be conducted.

The Effects of Propolis Consumption on Body Composition and Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis.

Introduction and Aim: Research on the effects of propolis consumption on body composition, and blood pressure (BP) has produced inconsistent results. This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis was carried out to compile the data from the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on how propolis supplementation affects body composition, and BP level in adults. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane library, up to January 2024. The RCTs, evaluating the effects of propolis consumption on weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), fat mass (FM), systolic BP (SBP), and diastolic BP (DBP), were included in the study. We used the random-effects model to establish the pooled effect size. Results: A total of 22 RCTs involving 1082 participants were included in the study. Propolis supplementation demonstrated significant reductions in weight (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.37 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.63 to -0.12), and BMI (WMD: -0.11 kg/m2; 95% CI: -0.13 to -0.09). However, there were no significant effects on WC, WHR, FM, HC, SBP, and DBP levels. The dose-response analysis revealed a significant nonlinear relationship between propolis dosage and WC (P = 0.020). Moreover, the BMI (P = 0.047) and WC (P = 0.004) reduction trend continues until 8 weeks of intervention and then this impact plateaued. Conclusions: Supplementation with propolis seems to be effective in reducing weight and BMI. However, it should be noted that the anti-obesity properties of propolis supplementation were small and may not reach clinical importance. Therefore, future well-designed studies with a large sample size are needed to investigate the effect of propolis on body composition and BP in adults.

Effects of MIND diet and propolis supplementation on metabolic syndrome indices and cognitive function among patients with metabolic syndrome in Isfahan, Iran, 2024. A rationale and study protocol for randomized controlled trial.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the main general and clinical health challenge worldwide. Based on the National Cholesterol Education Program, if the person has three or more indices containing: elevated fasting blood sugar, high levels of triglycerides, hypertension, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and central obesity, he suffers MetS. The Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet is a novel diet that with the specific aim of safeguarding cognitive function. Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees from the combination of buds and secretions of plants with saliva and bee enzymes. After propolis supplementation, a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose levels and lipid profiles has been observed. Considering the importance of chronic diseases like MetS on health, the role of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and propolis supplement that will improve blood sugar, blood lipid, anthropometric indicators, blood pressure, and cognitive function, and limited contradictory studies, we decided to conduct this study. This study, which is a randomized controlled clinical trial study, will be conducted on adults with MetS who will visit Hazrat Ali Health Center in Isfahan. Participants must provide informed consent before engaging in the study. Demographic data such as age, gender, and medical history will be recorded. Then, anthropometric indices, MetS indices, and cognitive function will be measured in all subjects. The study participants will be divided into three groups and will be controlled for 12 weeks. We will have a MIND diet + placebo group, a MIND diet + propolis supplement group, and a control group that will receive a microcrystalline cellulose placebo and usual dietary advice. At the end of the intervention, all indices will be assessed again. The data obtained in the study will be analyzed at descriptive and analytical levels by the statistical software SPSS26. The present study's protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) on 3/28/2023 and a registration reference is IRCT20230105057054N1.

Biofunctional Textiles: Antioxidant and Antibacterial Finishings of Cotton with Propolis and Honey.

The growing activity in the textile industry has been demanding the search for new and innovative technologies to meet consumers' needs regarding more sustainable and ecological processes, with functionality receiving more attention. Bee products are known for their wide spectra of properties, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Propolis and honey are the most popular and used since ancient times for the most diverse applications due to their health benefits. With the increasing need for safer and more sustainable practices, the use of natural products for the functional finishing process can be a suitable alternative due to their safety and eco-friendly nature. For that, a biosolution, composed of a mixture of propolis and honey in water, was used to perform the functional finishing of cotton knits, both in the presence and in the absence of potassium alum as a chemical mordant. The fastness strength was also evaluated after three washing cycles. The antioxidant potential of the biosolution, assessed with the in vitro ABTS scavenging assay, provided textiles with the capacity to reduce more than 90% of the ABTS radical, regardless of the mordant presence and even after three washing cycles. Furthermore, biofunctional textiles decreased the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Propionibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, and, particularly, Staphylococcus aureus cultures after 24 h of incubation with an increase in antibacterial activity when potassium alum was used. These findings show that bee products are promising and effective alternatives to be used in the textile industry to confer antioxidant and antibacterial properties to cotton textiles, thereby enhancing human health.

Propolis: a natural compound with potential as an adjuvant in cancer therapy - a review of signaling pathways.

Propolis is a natural product used in cancer treatment, which is produced by bees via different sources. The chemical composition of Propolis is determined based on the climatic and geographical conditions, as well as harvesting time and method. This compound has been the subject of numerous investigational endeavors due to its expansive therapeutic capacity which includes antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, and anti-cancer effects. The growing incidence rate of different cancers necessitates the need for developing novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem cell therapy have proved effective in cancer treatment, regardless of the adverse events associated with these modalities. Clinical application of natural compounds such as Propolis may confer promise as an adjuvant therapeutic intervention, particularly in certain subpopulations of patients that develop adverse events associated with anticancer regimens. The diverse biologically active compounds of propolis are believed to confer anti-cancer potential by modulation of critical signaling cascades such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester, Galangin, Artepillin C, Chrysin, Quercetin, Caffeic acid, Nymphaeols A and C, Frondoside A, Genistein, p-coumaric acid, and Propolin C. This review article aims to deliver a mechanistic account of anti-cancer effects of propolis and its components. Propolis can prevent angiogenesis by downregulating pathways involving Jun-N terminal kinase, ERK1/2, Akt and NF-ƘB, while counteracting metastatic progression of cancer by inhibiting Wtn2 and FAK, and MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Moreover, propolis or its main components show regulatory effects on cyclin D, CDK2/4/6, and their inhibitors. Additionally, propolis-induced up-regulation of p21 and p27 may result in cell cycle arrest at G2/M or G0/G1. The broad anti-apoptotic effects of propolis are mediated through upregulation of TRAIL, Bax, p53, and downregulation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Considering the growing body of evidence regarding different anti-cancers effects of propolis and its active components, this natural compound could be considered an effective adjuvant therapy aimed at reducing related side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Propolis ethanol extract functionalized chitosan/Tenebrio molitor larvae protein film for sustainable active food packaging.

The application of novel insect proteins as future food resources in the food field has attracted more and more attention. In this study, a biodegradable antibacterial food packaging material with beneficial mechanical properties was developed using Tenebrio molitor larvae protein (TMP), chitosan (CS) and propolis ethanol extract (PEE) as raw materials. PEE was uniformly dispersed in the film matrix and the composite films showed excellent homogeneity and compatibility. There are strong intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions between CS, TMP, and PEE in the films, which exhibit the structure characteristics of amorphous materials. Compared with CS/TMP film, the addition of 3 % PEE significantly enhanced the elongation at break (34.23 %), water vapor barrier property (22.94 %), thermal stability (45.84 %), surface hydrophobicity (20.25 %), and biodegradability of the composite film. The composite film has strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which were enhanced with the increase of PEE content. These biodegradable films offer an eco-friendly end-of-life option when buried in soil. Composite films can effectively delay the spoilage of strawberries and extend the shelf life of strawberries. Biodegradable active packaging film developed with insect protein and chitosan can be used as a substitute for petroleum-based packaging materials, and has broad application prospects in the field of fruits preservation.

Effects of Propolis Consumption on Glycemic Indices and Liver Enzymes in Adults: A Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and valuation-assessed Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Even though various randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have assessed the effect of propolis on glycemic indices and liver enzyme concentrations in adults, results have been inconsistent, without conclusive evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs sought to evaluate the effects of propolis consumption on glycemic indices and liver enzymes, fasting blood glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, glycosylated hemoglobin, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase in adults. METHODS: Two independent researchers systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for English-language RCTs published up to April 2024. The results were generated through a random-effects model and presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% CI. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation assessment were used to evaluate quality assessment and certainty of evidence. FINDINGS: A total of 21 RCTs were included. A pooled analysis of 24 trials reported that propolis consumption led to a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (WMD, -9.75 mg/dL; 95% CI, -16.14 to -3.35), insulin (WMD, -1.64 µU/mL; 95% CI, -2.61 to -0.68), glycosylated hemoglobin (WMD, -0.46%; 95% CI, -0.71 to -0.21), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (WMD, -0.54; 95% CI, -0.98 to -0.09), alanine transaminase (WMD, -2.60 IU/L; 95% CI, -4.58 to -0.61), and aspartate aminotransferase (WMD, -2.07 IU/L; 95% CI, -3.05 to -1.09). However, there were no significant effects on gamma-glutamyl transferase in comparison with the control group. IMPLICATIONS: This meta-analysis has shown that propolis supplementation may have beneficial effects on glycemic indices and liver enzymes. Future high-quality, long-term RCTs are needed to confirm our results. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifiers: CRD42024524763. (Clin Ther. 2024;46:XXX-XXX) © 2024 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc.

Countercurrent chromatography isolation of green propolis biomarkers: Potential blockers of SARS-COV-2 RBD and ACE2 interaction.

Propolis is a natural resinous mixture produced by honeybees with numerous biological activities. Considering the recently reported potential of propolis as an adjuvant in COVID-19 treatment, a methodology for the fractionation of the hexane extract of Brazilian green propolis (HEGP) was developed for the obtention of prenylated biomarkers by countercurrent chromatography. The inhibition of the interaction between the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike and ACE2 receptor was evaluated by the Lumitᵀᴹ immunoassay. Fractionation of HEGP was performed by both normal (CCC1 and CCC2, with extended elution) and reversed (CCC3) phase elution-extrusion modes with the solvent system hexane-ethanol-water 4:3:1. The normal elution mode of CCC1 (471 mg HEGP in a 80 mL column volume, 1.6 mm id) was scaled-up (CCC5, 1211 mg HEGP in a 112 mL column volume, 2.1 mm id), leading to the isolation of 89.9 mg of artepillin C, 1; 52.7 mg of baccharin, 2; and 26.6 mg of chromene, with purities of 93 %, 83 % and 88 %, respectively, by HPLC-PDA. Among the isolated compounds, artepillin C, 1, and baccharin, 2, presented the best results in the Lumitᵀᴹ immunoassay, showing 67% and 51% inhibition, respectively, at the concentration of 10 µM. This technique proved to be of low operational cost and excellent reproducibility.

Propolis suppresses atopic dermatitis through targeting the MKK4 pathway.

Propolis is a natural resinous substance made by bees through mixing various plant sources. Propolis has been widely recognized as a functional food due to its diverse range of beneficial bioactivities. However, the therapeutic effects of consuming propolis against atopic dermatitis (AD) remain largely unknown. The current study aimed to investigate the potential efficacy of propolis against AD and explore the active compound as well as the direct molecular target. In HaCaT keratinocytes, propolis inhibited TNF-α-induced interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 secretion. It also led to a reduction in chemokines such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), while restoring the levels of barrier proteins, filaggrin and involucrin. Propolis exhibited similar effects in AD-like human skin, leading to the suppression of AD markers and the restoration of barrier proteins. In DNCB-induced mice, oral administration of propolis attenuated AD symptoms, improved barrier function, and reduced scratching frequency and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In addition, propolis reversed the mRNA levels of AD-related markers in mouse dorsal skin. These effects were attributed to caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), the active compound identified by comparing major components of propolis. Mechanistic studies revealed that CAPE as well as propolis could directly and selectively target MKK4. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that propolis may be used as a functional food agent for the treatment of AD.

Efficacy of propolis and royal jelly in attenuating cadmium-induced spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis dysregulation, causing infertility in rats.

Bee-derived pharmaceutical products, including propolis (PRO) and royal jelly (ROJ), possess outstanding pharmacological properties. However, their efficiency in counteracting the deleterious influences of cadmium (Cd) in testes and the relevant mechanisms entail further investigations. Therefore, this study sheds light on the therapeutic efficacy of PRO and ROJ against testicular dysfunction and infertility induced by Cd. Toward this end, 30 mature male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups (5 animals/group), including (I) control, (II) Cd, (III) PRO, (IV) ROJ, (V) PRO + Cd, and (VI) ROJ + Cd groups. Furthermore, antioxidant factors, semen quality, hormonal levels, steroidogenic enzymes, and genotoxicity were assessed. Moreover, histopathological and ultrastructural attributes and offspring rates were investigated. The Cd-treated group revealed marked reductions in reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) with an amplification of lipid peroxidation in testes, indicating disruption of the antioxidant defense system. Furthermore, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and DNA damage were significantly heightened, implying inflammation and genotoxicity, respectively. Moreover, steroidogenic enzymes, including 17ß-Hydroxy Steroid Dehydrogenase 3 (HSD17b3), 3ß-Hydroxy Steroid Dehydrogenase 2 (HSD3b2), 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1), and steroid 5α-reductase 2 (SRD5A2) were markedly diminished accompanied with disorders in luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone. Besides, spermatozoa quality was reduced, associated with a diminution in the diameter of seminiferous tubules. By contrast, PRO or ROJ significantly protected and/or counteracted the Cd-induced pathophysiological consequences, ameliorating antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers, steroidogenic enzymes, hormonal levels, and sperm properties, along with lessening DNA impairments. Critically, histological and ultrastructural analyses manifested several anomalies in the testicular tissues of the Cd-administered group, including the Leydig and Sertoli cells and spermatozoa. Conversely, PRO or ROJ sustained testicular tissues' structure, enhancing spermatozoa integrity and productivity. Interestingly, treatment with PRO or ROJ improved fertility indices through offspring rates compared to the Cd-animal group. Our data suggest that PRO is a more effective countermeasure than ROJ against Cd toxicity for securing the delicate testicular microenvironment for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.

Bioaccessibility and bioavailability of Pb and Cd in rice is affected by propolis and its extracts and Fe intervention.

Increasing the intake of dietary supplements containing antioxidant components can reduce the oral bioavailability of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and benefit human health. In this study, the effects of propolis and its extracts (kaempferol (KAE), quercetin (QR), and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE)) in conjunction with proanthocyanidins (PA) on Pb and Cd bioaccessibility (BAC) and the relative bioavailability (RBA) in brown and polished rice are investigated. The results of in vitro tests showed that propolis and its extracts were effective in reducing Pb BAC in both brown and polished rice. A medium dose of PA had a significant reduction effect on Cd BAC (76 %) and RBA in both brown and polished rice. Based on mouse bioassays, the supplementation of propolis and its extracts significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the Pb-RBA in brown rice, resulting in a decrease in Pb RBA from 25 % in the control group to 16.5-17.6 %. The results showed that the BAC and RBA of Pb in brown rice with dietary supplements decreased significantly, which may be related to the enhanced inhibitory effect of high Fe. It was also found that the Pb RBA was negatively correlated with the Fe content in mice kidneys. This result provided evidence that antioxidants better inhibit the bioavailability of heavy metals, highlighting that propolis and PA may be alternative dietary supplements for intervening in human Pb and Cd exposure.

The Antibacterial Potential of Brazilian Red Propolis against the Formation and Eradication of Biofilm of Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori is associated with gastrointestinal diseases, and its treatment is challenging due to antibiotic-resistant strains, necessitating alternative therapies. Brazilian red propolis (BRP), known for its diverse bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical properties, was investigated for its anti-H. pylori activity, focusing on biofilm formation inhibition and eradication. BRP was tested against H. pylori (ATCC 43526) using several assays: time-kill, nucleotide leakage, biofilm formation inhibition (determining the minimum inhibitory concentration of biofilm of 50%-MICB50, and cell viability), and biofilm eradication (determining the minimum eradication concentration of biofilm of 99.9%-MBEC). Standardization of H. pylori biofilm formation was also conducted. In the time-kill assay, BRP at 50 µg/mL eliminated all H. pylori cells after 24 h. The nucleotide leakage assay showed no significant differences between control groups and BRP-treated groups at 25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL. H. pylori formed biofilms in vitro at 109 CFU/mL after 72 h. The MICB50 of BRP was 15.6 µg/mL, and at 500, 1000, and 2000 µg/mL, BRP eradicated all bacterial cells. The MBEC was 2000 µg/mL. These findings suggest that BRP has promising anti-H. pylori activity, effectively inhibiting and eradicating biofilms. Further studies are necessary to elucidate BRP's mechanisms of action against H. pylori.

The Chemical Residues in Secondary Beekeeping Products of Environmental Origin.

Natural products of bee origin, despite their complex composition and difficulties in standardization, have been of high interest among scientists representing various disciplines from basic sciences to industrial and practical implementation. As long as their use is monitored and they do not impact human health, they can be considered valuable sources of many chemical compounds and are potentially useful in medicine, food processing, nutrition, etc. However, apart from honey, the general turnover of bee products lacks precise and detailed legal requirements ensuring their quality. The different residues in these products constitute a problem, which has been reported in numerous studies. All products derived from beekeeping are made by bees, but they are also influenced by the environment. Such a dual pathway requires detailed surveillance of hazards stemming from outside and inside the apiary. This should be ensured via harmonized requirements arising from the binding legal acts, especially in international and intercontinental trade zones.

The Comparative Study of the Antioxidant and Antibacterial Effects of Propolis Extracts in Veterinary Medicine.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to human and animal health. Efforts to combat AMR include the introduction of antimicrobial drugs as alternative treatment options. To contribute to an effective plan for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, the development of new antimicrobial agents is increasingly being explored. Propolis has garnered significant attention from both scientists and industry due to its extensive spectrum of biological activity. The growing interest in polyphenols of natural origin and their plant sources further encourages the investigation of their chemical composition and biological effects. Propolis serves as a rich source of phenolic compounds. Baltic region propolis, classified as poplar-type propolis, was selected for this study, and extracts were prepared using raw propolis materials from various Baltic countries. The production of liquid extracts utilized a combination of 70 percent ethanol, a mixture of water and poloxamer P407, and DES (deep eutectic solvent). The research aims to produce liquid propolis extracts using different solvents and to assess their chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity against different veterinary pathogens. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), revealing antioxidant activity in all extracts, with results correlating with the total phenolic compound content. It was found that p-coumaric acid predominated in the studied propolis extracts (in ethanol extracts 1155.90-1506.65 mg/g, in DES extracts 321.13-954.76 mg/g, and in polymeric extracts 5.34-30.80 mg/g), with smaller amounts of ferulic acid and vanillin detected. Clinical and reference bacterial strains were collected from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, the Academy of Veterinary Medicine, and the Institute of Microbiology and Virology. To effectively treat bacterial infections, the antimicrobial activity of propolis extracts was tested against six pathogenic bacterial species and one pathogenic fungus (S. aureus, S. agalactiae, B. cereus, E. faecalis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans). Antimicrobial activity studies demonstrated that DES propolis extracts exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity compared to ethanolic propolis extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of DES propolis extracts against the tested strains ranged between 50 and 1000 µg/mL. Considering the study results, it can be concluded that propolis from the Baltic region is abundant in phenolic compounds exhibiting antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Results of patch testing propolis in the European baseline series: A 4-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Propolis was added to the European baseline series (EBS) in 2019. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the frequency and relevance of positive patch tests to propolis in the EBS and to study co-reactivities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study in patients patch tested between June 2019 and November 2023 in a university hospital in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. RESULTS: Of 3134 consecutive patients, 299 (9.5%) had a positive reaction to propolis 10% pet. Only nine reactions (3%) were judged to be clinically relevant. There were significant co-reactivities to Myroxylon pereirae resin (balsam of Peru), colophonium, fragrance mixes 1 and 2, and to limonene and linalool hydroperoxides. A steep increase in rates of positive reactions to propolis was observed from 2020 to 2023. This was highly likely the result of the replacement of Chinese propolis with Brazilian propolis by the manufacturer. CONCLUSIONS: Positive patch tests for propolis are very frequent in Amsterdam, but only a few of these reactions are relevant. Most are probably (pseudo-)cross-reactions in patients with fragrance allergies. Propolis in the EBS has very limited value for dermatologists and patients in The Netherlands. Changes in patch test materials should be provided to all users to avoid misinterpretation of patch test results.