Search

The objective was to assess the effect of gastrointestinal digestion/Caco-2 cell transport on biological activities and toxicity of the ethanolic extract of organic propolis from southern Brazil (EEOP1). As principal results, the EEOP1 deactivated the ROO

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of seasons on the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Brazilian red propolis (BRP) and its plant source. BRP was collected from Maceio, Alagoas state, north-east of Brazil, during one year. Chemical composition was determined by physicochemical analyses and HPLC while antimicrobial activity was assessed against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Staphylococcus aureus and Actinomyces naeslundii by determining the minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC, respectively). The comparative chemical profiles varied quantitatively according to the collection period. Formononetin was the most abundant compound in both propolis and resin, while isoliquiritigenin, (3S)-neovestitol, (3S)-vestitol are suggested to be responsible for antimicrobial activity of Brazilian red propolis. MIC varied from 15.6 to 125 μg/mL, whereas MBC varied from 31.2 to 500 μg/mL. Therefore, season in which propolis and its botanical source are collected indeed influences their chemical compositions, resulting in variations in their antibacterial activity.

Biological assays that have been performed on different types of Brazilian propolis have shown that type 6 propolis (G6) has a strong antimicrobial activity and a low flavonoid content. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the phenolic composition and the biological activities displayed by propolis G6 from the state of Bahia and green propolis, also known as type 12 (G12). The values of the flavonoids and the total phenolics in propolis G6 were different than those in propolis G12. Although the G12 variety presented greater antioxidant activity, propolis G6 proved to have greater antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The results showed that the phenolic compounds may not be the only compounds responsible for the biological activity. More detailed studies of the chemical composition and an assessment of the biological activity are required to establish the quality of propolis.Ensaios biológicos realizados com diferentes tipos de própolis brasileira têm mostrado que a própolis do tipo 6 (G6) tem forte atividade antimicrobiana e menor teor de flavonóides. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a correlação entre a composição fenólica e atividades biológicas apresentadas pela própolis G6, do Estado da Bahia, e a própolis verde, do tipo 12 (G12). Os teores de flavonóides e fenólicos totais na própolis G6 foram diferentes dos teores da própolis G12. Apesar da G12 apresentar maior atividade antioxidante, a própolis G6 apresenta maior atividade antimicrobiana e citotóxica. Os resultados mostraram que os compostos fenólicos não são os únicos compostos responsáveis pela atividade biológica da própolis. Estudos mais específicos da composição química, em adição à avaliação das atividades biológicas, são requeridos para determinar a qualidade da própolis.

The composition and biological activities of propolis, a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources, depends on various factors such as season and vegetation of the area. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the seasonal effect on the ethanolic extracts of Brazilian propolis (EEP) type 6 and type 12, collected during 6 months in terms of antibacterial activity and phenolic composition. The antimicrobial properties were evaluated by MIC and MBC on S. mutans Ingbritt 1600 and the profile of chemical composition by UV-visible spectrophotometry, HPLC-RF and GC-MS. The results demonstrated that the season in which propolis is collected influences its chemical composition, resulting in modifications in its antibacterial activity.

South Brazilian organic propolis (OP), which has never been studied before, was assessed and its chemical composition, scavenging potential of reactive oxygen species, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities are herein presented. Based on the chemical profile obtained using HPLC, OP was grouped into seven variants (OP1–OP7) and all of them exhibited high scavenging activity, mainly against superoxide and hypochlorous acid species. OP1, OP2, and OP3 had the smallest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, and Streptococcus aureus (12.5–100 μg/mL). OP1, OP2, OP3, and OP4 were more effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative), with MIC values ranging from 100 to 200 μg/mL. OP6 showed anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing NF-kB activation and TNF-α release in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and expressing the NF-κB-luciferase reporter stable gene. Therefore, south Brazilian OP can be considered an excellent source of bioactive compounds with great potential of application in the pharmaceutical and food industry.

Análises experimentais foram realizadas objetivando a composição quantitativa dos ácidos graxos Eicosapentaenóico (EPA) e Docosahexaenóico (DHA), em diferentes partes do corpo de espécies de peixes marinhos da costa brasileira (atum, bonito, olho de boi, cavalinha, sardinha e serra). Os teores de EPA e DHA foram analisados em duas partes distintas: olho (órbita ocular e material gorduroso da cavidade ocular) e filés, sendo significativas as diferenças entre as mesmas. Os teores de DHA para uma determinada espécie foram sempre superiores no olho em relação ao filé, sendo o mesmo observado para o EPA em quatro das espécies (olho de boi, cavalinha, sardinha e serra). Comparando-se a mesma espécie e partes do corpo dos peixes, observou-se que os teores de DHA foram superiores aos teores de EPA, exceto para a sardinha. A somatória dos níveis de EPA e DHA em filés foram maiores para as espécies sardinha e bonito, mostrando serem uma boa fonte alimentar destes ácidos, especialmente a sardinha por ser uma fonte com preço acessível no Brasil. Quantitative compositions of two unsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were examined in fish oil from orbital cavity and fillets of fishes which captured from Brazilian coast. The experimental results demonstrated that quantities of DHA were extremely higher in oil from orbital cavity of Atum and Bonito as compared with fillet oil, whereas orbital cavity oil from Olho de Boi, Cavalinha, Sardinha, and Serra contained slightly higher DHA than fillet oil. On the other hand, fillet oil from Atum and Bonito contained more EPA than oil from orbital cavity, whereas orbital cavity oils from Olho de Boi, Cavalinha, Sardinha and Serra contained higher quantities of EPA than oils from fillets.

One thousand three hundred and fourty one strains of microorganisms were isolated from soil, flower and fruit samples and examineted for production of b-fructofuranosidase. This enzyme produces lactosucrose from mixture of lactose and sucrose. Six strains of microorganisms were selected as lactosucrose producers. Among them, one strain, identified as Bacillus sp no 417, showed high b-fructofuranosidase transfer activity to lactosucrose production. The optimum pH and temperature for lactosucrose production were 5,6 and 45°C, respectively. The best condition for the lactosucrose production were: 8 hours of reaction; a ratio lactose to sucrose of 1:1 (w/w) and a total sugar concentration of 20% (1:1, w/w).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the bioactive nonpolar fraction of geopropolis onStreptococcus mutansbiofilm. The ethanolic extract ofMelipona scutellarisgeopropolis was subjected to a liquid-liquid partition, thus obtaining the bioactive hexane fraction (HF) possessing antimicrobial activity. The effects of HF onS. mutansUA159 biofilms generated on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs were analyzed by inhibition of formation, killing assay, and glycolytic pH-drop assays. Furthermore, biofilms treated with vehicle control and HF were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). HF at 250 μg/mL and 400 μg/mL caused 38% and 53% reduction in the biomass of biofilm, respectively, when compared to vehicle control (P<0.05) subsequently observed at SEM images, and this reduction was noticed in the amounts of extracellular alkali-soluble glucans, intracellular iodophilic polysaccharides, and proteins. In addition, theS. mutansviability (killing assay) and acid production by glycolytic pH drop were not affected (P>0.05). In conclusion, the bioactive HF of geopropolis was promising to control theS. mutansbiofilm formation, without affecting the microbial population but interfering with its structure by reducing the biochemical content of biofilm matrix.

A total of 22 endophytic fungi isolated from coffee (Coffea arabica L.) were cultivated in vitro and their crude extracts tested. The screening was carried out using the agar diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The most effective isolate was Alternaria alternata, and subsequently, its extract was assayed. The total phenolic content was 3.44 μg GAE/mg of the crude extract. For the antibacterial and antifungal activity assays, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations (MBC and MFC) were determined. The ranges of MIC values were 50-100 μg/mL for S. aureus and 400-800 μg/mL for E. coli. The extract did not show activity in the tested concentrations for C. albicans. The fungal crude extract was assayed for antioxidant activities. Its ability to scavenge DPPH radicals and antioxidant activity by β-carotene/linoleic acid system oxidation was not significant. In addition, antitumor activity was studied using the MTT assay. At a dilution of 400 μg/mL, the extract displayed a cytotoxic activity of approximately 50% towards HeLa cells in vitro. The results indicate that endophytic fungi could be a promising source of bioactive compounds and warrant further study.Total de 22 fungos endofíticos isolados de café (Coffea arabica L.) foi cultivado in vitro e seus extratos testados. A triagem foi conduzida pelo método de difusão em agar contra bactérias Gram-positiva, Gram-negativa e uma levedura. O isolado mais efetivo foi Alternaria alternata e, subsequentemente, seu extrato foi analisado. O conteúdo de fenólicos totais do extrato bruto foi de 3,44 μg EAG/mg de extrato. Para os testes de atividade antimicrobiana, a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração bactericida e fungicida mínima (CBM e CFM) contra Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli e Candida albicans foram determinadas. Resultados da CIM variaram entre 50-100 μg/mL para S. aureus e 400-800 μg/mL para E. coli. O extrato bruto não apresentou atividade nas concentrações testadas para C. albicans. Foram analisadas as atividades antioxidantes do extrato bruto. Sua habilidade para seqüestrar radicais DPPH e a atividade antioxidante pela oxidação do sistema β-caroteno/ácido linoléico não foram significativas. Além disso, a atividade antitumoral foi estudada pelo teste do MTT. À diluição de 400 μg/mL, o extrato apresentou atividade de aproximadamente 50% sobre as células HeLa in vitro. Os resultados indicam que fungos endófitos poderiam ser uma fonte promissora de compostos bioativos necessitando de estudos futuros.

Background Brazilian propolis type 6 (Atlantic forest, Bahia) is distinct from the other types of propolis especially due to absence of flavonoids and presence of other non-polar, long chain compounds, but presenting good in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity. Several authors have suggested that fatty acids found in this propolis might be responsible for its antimicrobial activity; however, so far no evidence concerning this finding has been reported in the literature. The goals of this study were to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the main pure fatty acids in the ethanolic extract and fractions and elucidate the chemical nature of the bioactive compounds isolated from Brazilian propolis type 6. Methods Brazilian propolis type 6 ethanolic extract (EEP), hexane fraction (H-Fr), major fatty acids, and isolated sub-fractions were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high resolution gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (HRGC-FID), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Three sub-fractions of H-Fr were obtained through preparative HPLC. Antimicrobial activity of EEP, H-Fr, sub-fractions, and fatty acids were tested against Staphyloccus aureus ATCC 25923 and Streptococcus mutans Ingbritt 1600 using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results EEP and H-Fr inhibited the growth of the microorganisms tested; nevertheless, no antimicrobial activity was found for the major fatty acids. The three sub-fractions (1, 2, and 3) were isolated from H-Fr by preparative HPLC and only sub-fraction 1 showed antimicrobial activity. Conclusion a) The major fatty acids tested were not responsible for the antimicrobial activity of propolis type 6; b) Sub-fraction 1, belonging to the benzophenone class, was responsible for the antimicrobial activity observed in the present study. The identification of the bioactive compound will improve the development of more efficient uses of this natural product.

Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources. It has a complex chemical composition, constituted by various phenolic compounds. Extracts of increasing polarity (n-hexane, chloroform, and ethanol) were obtained from a sample of red propolis from the state of Alagoas. Assays were carried out for determination of contents of phenolics, along with antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The EEP, fractions and sub-fractions showed strong biological activities and were related with phenolic the content compounds contents. The sub-fractions were more bioactive than the EEP and fractions, demonstrating that the antioxidant and antibacterial activities are not a result of synergistic effect between the various chemical compounds in propolis.

Cogumelos comestíveis contêm importantes propriedades funcionais. Em particular, beta-glucanos, homo- e hetero-glucanos com ligações glicosídicas beta(1->3), beta(1->4) e beta(1->6), supostamente responsáveis por algumas propriedades benéficas à saúde humana, como atividade imunomodulatória, antioxidante, antiinflamatória e anticancerígena. Neste trabalho, a quantidade de beta-glucano presente em cogumelo Agaricus blazei Murill, coletados de três diferentes locais, foi analisada utilizando-se método enzimático. As amostras (em base seca) foram tratadas com alfa-amilase, protease bacteriana e com glicoamilase fúngica. beta-glucano foi quantificado após hidrólise ácida e determinação da glicose liberada. Foi verificado que amostras de A. blazei Murill cultivadas em estufas apresentaram menor concentração de b-glucano (8,4±0,9 e 7,6±2,8g/100g) quando comparado com amostras cultivadas em campo aberto (10,1±2,1g/100g). Observou-se ainda que, mesmo sendo cultivado em condições semelhantes, porém em locais diferentes, as amostras apresentaram diferenças significativas (7,6±2,8 e 8,4±0,9g/100g). Edible mushrooms contains a very interesting functional properties. Among them, the beta-glucans, polysaccharides with beta-1,3; b-1,4 and beta-1,6glucosidic linkages, they are responsible to a series of properties to human health, such as immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and, antitumoral activities. In the present work, the Agaricus blazei Murill beta-glucan concentrations from three locations, were determined through the enzymatic method. Samples were treated with alpha-amylase, bacterial protease and fungal glucoamylase. beta-glucans were quantified after acid hydrolysis and, the glucose determined for spectrophotometric method. It was verified that samples cultivated inside stoves presented smaller beta-glucan concentration (8.4±0.9 and 7.6±2.8g/100g), when compared with samples cultivated in open field (10.1±2.1g/100g). It was also observed that the samples cultivated in similar conditions, even so in different place, presented significant differences (7.6±2.8 and 8.4±0.9g/100g).

Flavonoids have been considered the main biologically active components in propolis. However, a new variety of flavonoid-free propolis was recently found and chemically classified as type 6. Because it showed activity against oral microorganisms, this study evaluated the effects of the crude ethanolic extract of this propolis and its chemical fractions on the activity of purified glucosyltransferases (GTFs) and on the growth and adherence of mutans streptococci. The inhibitory effect of propolis extracts on GTF activities was determined either in solution or adsorbed onto saliva-coated hydroxyapatite. Streptococcus mutans Ingbritt 1600, Streptococcus sobrinus 6715, and two clinical isolates of each species were used for antibacterial assays. Susceptibilities to the test extracts were analyzed using the agar diffusion method and by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC); the effect on bacterial adherence to a glass surface was also assessed. The activity of GTFs in solution was effectively inhibited by the ethanolic extract of propolis type 6 (EEP) (>80% inhibition at 0.5 mg/ml), hexane, and chloroform fractions (60-90% inhibition at 100 microg/ml); their inhibitory effects on surface enzymes were less pronounced. The EEP, hexane, and chloroform fractions also showed significant antibacterial activity. The data showed that propolis type 6 remarkably reduced GTF activity and inhibited mutans streptococci growth and adherence; these biological activities are associated with its nonpolar components.

The effects of a new variety of propolis, from Northeastern Brazil (BA), on growth of mutans streptococci, cell adherence, and water-insoluble glucan (WIG) synthesis were evaluated. Propolis from Southeastern (MG) and Southern (RS) Brazil were also tested as an extension of our previous work. Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared and analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC. For the antibacterial activity assays, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of EEPs against Streptococcus mutans, S. sobrinus, and S. cricetus were determined. Cell adherence of S. mutans and S. sobrinus to a glass surface was measured spectrophotometrically at 550 nm. WIG synthesized from sucrose by glucosyltransferase (Gtf) was extracted and quantified by the phenol-sulfuric method. The HPLC profile of the new variety of propolis was entirely different from Southeastern and Southern propolis. Neither flavonoid aglycones nor p-coumaric acid were detected in EEP BA. All EEPs demonstrated biological activities against mutans streptococci; EEP BA showed the highest potency in all in vitro parameters evaluated in this study. The ranges of MIC values were 50 (EEP BA)-400 microg/ml (MG), for S. mutans; and 25 (BA)-400 microg/ml (MG), for S. sobrinus and S. cricetus. The bactericidal concentration of EEPs was four to eight times the MIC values. The adherence of S. mutans and S. sobrinus cells and WIG synthesis were markedly inhibited by EEPs, demonstrating significant inhibition at all concentrations compared with the control (80% ethanol) (p0.05). EEP BA showed 80% inhibition of cell adherence and WIG synthesis at concentrations as low as 12.5 and 7.8 microg/ml, respectively. The results show that the new variety of propolis was exceptionally effective in all in vitro parameters tested against mutans streptococci; biological effects of propolis are likely not to be due solely to flavonoids and (hydroxy)cinnamic acid derivatives.