Objective: This report presents a study the anti-oxidant properties of propolis wax from Tetragonula sp. bees by evaluating the protection ability of propolis towards cells from ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The next evaluation was using a literature study and LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) to find compounds in propolis that are responsible for anti-oxidative stress activity.
Methods: HEK 293T (Human Embryonic Kidney 293 T) and fibroblast cells line were used. Four tests were performed on the cells, namely: cell proliferation assay using water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-8); lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and free radicals produced on cells test by measuring fluorescence intensity produced by dichlorofluorescein; cell viability through observation using fluorescence microscope on cells stained with Hoechst and propidium iodide (PI); and reactive oxygen assay (ROS) Assay. Before UV exposure, propolis wax was added to the cells in different concentrations. The authors also analyzed the component in propolis wax using LC-MS.
Results: Based on this assessment, it was found that propolis wax successfully protects the cells against UV-induced free radicals’ formation by maintaining the cell proliferation rate, reducing the free radicals produced after UV exposure, and decreasing the number of cell death. Nevertheless, we found that a greater concentration of propolis wax tends to be toxic to the cells. While on the LC-MS results obtained about 83 compounds, in which 35 of them are flavonoid and polyphenols derived compounds with antioxidant properties.
Conclusion: Based on these findings, propolis wax produced Tetragonula sp. can be used as a potential alternative treatment of anti-oxidative stress and anti-free radicals
