Use of Propolis chemical and Asian tiger mosquito bites : case report and review

Propolis is a substance of variable composition which incorporates resins derived from plants and beeswax. It varies depending on the geographic location and local flora such as plant and bee species. Propolis possesses several attributes such as immune enhancement, antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic as well as reported anti-tumour effects.1,2 Several research efforts have focused on studying the chemical composition of propolis.3-7 The diverse biological activity probably relates in part to the significant changes in extract constituents. Propolis has been popularized in the past as a natural remedy but significant possible pharmaceutical use is envisaged. This brief review details a case of how multiple annoying localized allergic skin reactions secondary to Asian tiger mosquito bites were soothed and resolved very rapidly with the application of Propolis.peer-reviewe

Effect of Propolis supplementation on C-reactive protein levels and other inflammatory factors:A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Propolis is a resin-like substance collected by honeybees from certain plants that have been shown to positive effect on inflammatory factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyse the effects of Propolis supplementation on CRP, TNF-a, IL-1, and IL-6 in Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). A comprehensive systematic search of articles was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of sciences, and Scopus to identify the potential titles up to August, 2019. PRISMA guidelines were performed for this study. Inclusion was 1-study design was parallel or cross over randomized controlled trial (RCT), 2- consumption of Propolis as intervention, 3- reported sufficient information about inflammatory factors, CRP, IL1, IL6, TNF-a. Six studies were identified by comprehensive search. This meta-analysis study found a significant reduction in IL6, CRP, and TNF-α following Propolis consumption (Weighted mean differences (WMD): -17.96 pg/ml, 95% CI: -35.53, -0.38, I2 = 98%), (WMD: -1.16 pg/ml, 95% CI: -2.28, -0.03, I2 = 97%), and (WMD: -34.08 pg/ml, 95% CI: -60.25, -7.91, I2 = 97%), respectively. Propolis did not showed any significant effect on IL-1 (WMD: -17.36 pg/ml, 95% CI: -37.60, 2.87, I2 = 97%). In conclusion, the results demonstrated that CRP, TNF-a and IL-6 were significantly reduced following propolis supplementation. <br/

Differentiation of argentine propolis from different species of bees and geographical origins by UV spectroscopy and chemometric analysis

Bees collect vegetal resins that they mix with their wax and mechanical impurities to elaborate propolis, whose chemical composition is complex and variable depending on botanical/geographical origin, type of bee, time of year when it was produced and function in the hive. The presence of compounds that absorb UV radiation, such as those of the phenolic type: acids, esters, flavonoids and chalcones, largely responsible for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory biological activity has been reported. The objective of the present work was to establish if it was possible to differentiate Argentine propolis using UV spectroscopy and chemometric analysis, in the following cases: a) Propolis elaborated by three different species of bees (Apis mellifera, Tetragonisca fiebrigi, Scaptotrigona jujuyensis) of the same geographical origin, and b) Propolis produced by a species of bee (Apis mellifera) of four different geographical origins. UV spectrograms were performed in the 190 to 420 nm range for all the samples followed by analysis of principal components, hierarchical clusters and linear discriminants. The results showed that Argentine propolis could be differentiated in the two cases studied, and that A.mellifera, T, fiebrigi and S. jujuyensis would not use the same plant species to produce them.Fil: Maldonado, Luis María. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Tucuman-Santiago del Estero. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá; ArgentinaFil: Marcinkevicius, Karenina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Tucuman-Santiago del Estero. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; ArgentinaFil: Borelli, Romina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Tucuman-Santiago del Estero. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá; ArgentinaFil: Gennari, Gerardo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Tucuman-Santiago del Estero. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá; ArgentinaFil: Salomón, Virginia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Tucuman-Santiago del Estero. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá; ArgentinaFil: Isla, Maria Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; ArgentinaFil: Vera, Nancy. Universidad Nacional de Tucuman. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Farmacia. Cátedra de Farmacoquímica; ArgentinaFil: Borelli, Valeria Soledad. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Chaco-Formosa. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Las Breñas; Argentin

Studies of the biological and therapeutic effects of argentine stingless bee propolis

Meliponids are native bees of the Americas, characterized by having no sting (ANSA). Some live in the Yunga forests of northern Argentina, a place rich in a diversity of this type of bees of which at least thirty-three species may be found. Propolis is a resinous substance that bees collect from plants exudates. Chemical composition and functional properties vary according to the flora of the place where the hives are. They have been valued by humans for their biological properties for centuries. This study is aimed at investigating the antinociceptive, antioxidant and anti-biofilm activities of propolis from the stingless bees Tetragonisca fiebrigi Schwarz and Scaptotrigona jujuyensis Schrottky found in Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá of INTA, Tucumán, Argentina. Analgesic activity of the extracts was estimated against acetic acid induced writhing, tail immersion method and formalin test. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH free radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching assays. Propolis anti biofilm activity was tested on Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Staphylococcus aureus ATTC 6538P bacteria. Phytochemical constituents were obtained using standard chemical methods. The propolis alcoholic extracts of the studied species possess antinociceptive activity at both central and peripheral levels as demonstrated by the three algesia tests used. Both propolis extracts were effective antioxidants in DPPH and β-carotene linoleic acid model systems. S. jujuyensis propolis tested at all doses against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa presented a selective biofilm inhibition unrelated to bacterial growth inhibition, thus achieving a reduction in pathogenicity. The chemical studies revealed the presence of sterols, triterpenes, catechins, coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, tannins and anthocyanidins. Chemical composition observed in the T.fiebrigi and S. jujuyensis propolis, suggest that those responsible for the activity would be chemical compounds of a non-phenolic nature. Our data indicate that geopropolis is a natural source of bioactive substances with promising beneficial properties for human health. Isolation and identification of compounds responsible for the pharmacological activities displayed by propolis has started.Fil: Brodkiewicz, Ivana Yanina. Universidad Nacional de Tucuman. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Farmacia. Cátedra de Farmacoquímica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Marcinkevicius, Karenina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; ArgentinaFil: Reynoso Marcos. Universidad Nacional de Tucuman. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Farmacia. Cátedra de Farmacoquímica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán; ArgentinaFil: Salomon Virginia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Tucuman-Santiago del Estero. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá; ArgentinaFil: Maldonado Luis. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Tucuman-Santiago del Estero. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá; ArgentinaFil: Vera, Nancy Roxana. Universidad Nacional de Tucuman. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Farmacia. Cátedra de Farmacoquímica; Argentin

Utilização de extrato de própolis verde no resfriamento de sêmen equino

Seminal cooling aims to prolong spermatic lifespan and fertilizing capacity due to reduction in energy metabolism of spermatozoa, providing enough period for transportation from the stallion to the mare. Cooling process can result in ultraestructural, biochemical and functional alterations to spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of green propolis hydroalcoholic extract (GPHE) added into equine semen extender and stored at 5ºC. For that, semen was collected from five stallions (Crioulo and Quarter horse) in four opportunities (n=20). These ejaculates were submitted to the following treatments: control group (skim milk glucose semen extender) and groups with the addition of green propolis extract in different concentrations (2,5μl/mL; 5μl/mL; 7,5μl/mL; 10μl/mL). Seminal analyses included motility, mitochondrial functionality, integrity of plasma membrane, DNA and acrossome, being used ejaculates with ≥70% of intact cells. Evaluation was performed at 0; 30; 60; 120; 180; 240; 300; 360 and 1440 minutes during cooled storage at 5ºC. Seminal parameters declined according to storage time in all treatments (P<0.05). Sperm motility reached 0% in 360 minutes in the groups with propolis. The addition of green propolis extract into the semen extender maintained structural characteristics of stallion sperm cell, however it was detrimental no functional characteristics.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPESO resfriamento seminal tem como intuito o prolongamento da viabilidade espermática e capacidade fecundante pela redução no metabolismo energético dos espermatozoides, proporcionando período hábil para transporte do sêmen do garanhão até a égua. O processo de resfriamento pode resultar em alterações ultraestruturais, bioquímicas e funcionais na célula espermática. O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar o efeito do extrato de própolis verde adicionado ao diluente para resfriamento de sêmen equino a 5ºC. Para isso, foram coletados 4 ejaculados de 5 garanhões da raça Crioula e Quarto de Milha (n=20). Estes ejaculados foram submetidos aos seguintes tratamentos: controle (diluente a base de leite desnatado) e grupos com adição de extrato de própolis verde em diferentes concentrações (2,5μl/mL; 5μl/mL; 7,5μl/mL; 10μl/mL). As análises espermáticas incluíram motilidade, funcionalidade mitocondrial, integridade de membrana plasmática, DNA e acrossoma, sendo utilizados ejaculados contendo ≥70% de células íntegras ás 0h. As avaliações foram realizadas ás 0; 30; 60; 120; 180; 240; 300; 360 e 1440 minutos durante o resfriamento a 5ºC. Os parâmetros seminais diminuíram de acordo com o aumento do tempo em resfriamento em todos tratamentos (P<0,05). A motilidade espermática atingiu 0% em 360 minutos nos tratamentos com própolis. A adição de extrato de própolis verde ao diluente de resfriamento seminal manteve as características estruturais da célula espermática equina, no entanto prejudicou as caraterísticas funcionais

Moroccan propolis: a natural antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm against Staphylococcus aureus with no induction of resistance after continuous exposure

This study was performed to evaluate the total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities of twenty-four propolis samples from different regions of Morocco. In addition, two samples were screened regarding the antibacterial effect against four Staphylococcus aureus strains. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectra (GC-MS) analysis was done for propolis samples used in antibacterial tests. The minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC, MBC) were determined. The potential to acquire the resistance after sequential exposure of bacterial strains and the impact of adaptation to propolis on virulence using the Galleria mellonella were evaluated. Additionally, the effects of propolis extract on the bacterial adherence ability and its ability to inhibit the quorum sensing activity were also examined. Among the twenty-four extracts studied, the samples from Sefrou, Outat el Haj, and the two samples marketed in Morocco were the best for scavenging DPPH, ABTS, NO, peroxyl, and superoxide radicals as well as in scavenging of hydrogen peroxide. A strong correlation was found between the amounts of phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities. Propolis extract at the MIC value (0.36 mg/mL) significantly reduced (p < 0.001) the virulence potential of S. aureus ATCC 6538 and the MRSA strains without leading to the development of resistance in the sequence of continuous exposure. It was able to impair the bacterial biofilm formation. The results have revealed that sample 1 reduces violacein production in a concentration dependent manner, indicating inhibition of quorum sensing. This extract has as main group of secondary metabolites flavonoids (31.9%), diterpenes (21.5%), and phenolic acid esters (16.5%).Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Pest-OE/QUI/UI4023/2011info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

THE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF PROPOLIS AND CAFFEIC ACID PHENETHYLESTER ON CYCLOOXYGENASE ACTIVITY IN J774 MACROPHAGES.

The effect of an ethanolic extract of propolis, with and without CAPE, and some of its components on cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) activity in J774 macrophages has been investigated. COX-1 and COX-2 activity, measaured as prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) production, were concentration-dependently inhibited by propolis (C x 10(-3)-3 x 10(2) mugml(-1)) with an IC50 of 2.7 mugml(-1) and 4.8 x 10(-2) mugml(-1), respectively. Among the compounds tested pinocembrin and caffeic, ferulic, cinnamic and chlorogenic acids did not affect the activity of COX isoforms. Conversely, CAPE (2.8 x 10(-4)-28 mugml(-1); 10(-9)-10(-4) M) and galangin (2.7 x 10(-4)-27 mugml(-1); 10(-9)-10(-4) M) were effective, the last being about ten-twenty times less potent. In fact the IC50 of CAPE for COX-1 and COX-2 were 4.4 x 10(-1) mugml(-1) (1.5 x 10(-6) M) and 2 x 10(-3) mugml(-1) (6.3 x 10(-9) M), respectively. The IC50 of galangin were 3.7 mugml(-1) (15 x 10(-6) M) and 3 x 10(-2) mugml(-1) (120 x 10(-1) M), for COX-1 and COX-2 respectively. To better investigate the role of CAPE, we tested the action of the ethanolic extract of propolis deprived of CAPE, which resulted about ten times less potent than the extract with CAPE in the inhibition of both COX-1 and COX-2, with an IC50 of 30 mugml(-1) and 5.3 x 10(-1) mugml(-1), respectively. Moreover the comparison of the inhibition curves showed a significant difference (p < 0.001). These results suggest that both CAPE and galangin contribute to the overall activity of propolis, CAPE being more effective

Physical Treatments and Propolis Extract to Enhance Quality Attributes of Fresh-Cut Mixed Vegetables

The impact of individual and combined application of propolis extract (PE) plus ultrasound (ULT) or thermal treatment (TT) on the microbiological, nutritional, physicochemical and sensory quality of fresh-cut mixed vegetables for soup (celery, leek and butternut squash) stored at 5C was studied. The use of PE slightly reduced microbial growth, inhibited the activity of browning related enzymes and improved quality attributes during refrigerated storage. Moreover, PE was effective to reduce ascorbic acid losses in the product maintaining its nutritional quality. TT greatly lowered the initial microbial load (1.7–2.2 log units) and also reduced microbial growth on mixed vegetables extending its microbiological shelf-life to 5 days. Furthermore, TT inactivated browning enzymes improving visual quality; however, ascorbic acid degradation adversely affected nutritional quality. Meanwhile, ULT caused a significant microbial inactivation, reduced browning enzyme activity and also the inhibitory effect on polyphenoloxidase enzyme was enhanced by combining ULT with PE. Practical Applications: The use of natural agents, as propolis extract, along with physical treatments to preserve the quality of fresh-cut mixed vegetables for soup might be an interesting option to address the concerns of the consumer about the use of synthetic chemical antimicrobials potentially harmful for health.Fil: Alvarez, María Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Ingeniería Química. Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería en Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Ponce, Alejandra Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Ingeniería Química. Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería en Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Goyeneche, Rosario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Ingeniería Química. Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería en Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Moreira, Maria del Rosario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Ingeniería Química. Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería en Alimentos; Argentin

Model-based Transportation Performance: A Comparative Framework and Literature Synthesis, Research Report 11-09

In an era of limited resources and a proliferation of data, there is increasing pressure to conduct careful evaluations of the economic, environmental, and equity effects of investments and policies that influence transportation and land-use systems. This report compares performance measures recommended to achieve desired goals and reviews the literature to determine the degree to which these measures have been implemented and what they indicate about the relative effectiveness of land-use, transit, and automobile pricing policies. Despite the variation in methods and performance measures implemented in the studies reviewed for this report, the synthesis of study results suggests the direction and relative magnitude of change resulting from different types of policies, as well as potential biases introduced by omitting the representation of the land-use and transportation interaction. Overall, the performance measures indicate that carefully designed transit, land-use, and automobile pricing policies may improve travel, economic, environmental, and equity conditions for communities. However, transit and peak-period automobile pricing policies can, in some situations, lead to negative performance outcomes across some or all measures, as illustrated in studies that explicitly represent the land-use and transportation interaction