Antioxidant activity and constituents of propolis collected in various areas of China

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from various plant sources. The composition of propolis depends on time, vegetation, and the area of collection. This study examined the antioxidant activity of propolis from various areas of China: Heilongjiang, Neimongol, Hebei, Shandong, Shanxi, Gansu, Henan, Hubei, Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan and Hainan. Ethanol extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared and evaluated for their antioxidant activities by β-carotene bleaching, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging, and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation decolorization assays. Furthermore, the major constituents in EEP were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis with a photodiode array (PDA) and mass spectrometric (MS) detection, and each component was quantitatively analyzed. All propolis samples except that from Yunnan had relatively strong antioxidant activity accompanied by high total polyphenol contents. Propolis with strong antioxidant activity contained large amounts of antioxidative compounds, such as caffeic acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid phenethyl ester. On the other hand, propolis from Yunnan and Hainan had compounds not present in propolis from other areas.     

蜂胶中有效成分的提取及其抗氧化性能的研究

研究了用乙醇提取蜂胶中有效成分的工艺条件,并对其进行了抗氧化性能的研究。经响应面优化的试验结果表明最佳提取条件为:乙醇浓度为94.51%,提取温度为34.44℃,提取时间为33.86h,料液比为1:15.91。抗氧化试验表明蜂胶的乙醇提取物(EEP)可有效的延缓油脂脂质过氧化反应,通过与维生素E和茶多酚进行比较,其抗氧化性能明显优于二者,表明蜂胶的乙醇提取物是一种很有潜力的天然、安全、高效的油脂抗氧化剂。     

Assessment of the (anti)genotoxicity of brown propolis extracts from Brazilian Cerrado biome in a Drosophila melanogaster model

Among the great number of studies on the chemical and biological features of propolis from Brazil, none have been found on the evaluation of the biological properties of propolis from the Cerrado biome of Center-West Brazil. Propolis biological activities have principally been attributed to its phenolic compounds, notable for significant antioxidant properties responsible for reducing the toxic effects of free radicals, in addition to the anticancer potential of these compounds. The purposes of the present investigation were to determine the DPPH-radical-scavenging activities of extracts and fractions of a propolis sample from the Brazilian Cerrado biome and to evaluate their genotoxicities by performing the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) on wing cells of Drosophila melanogaster, using standard (ST) and high bioactivation (HB) crosses, with regular and enhanced levels of metabolizing enzymes of the cytochrome P450 type, respectively. The protective effects of propolis on the genotoxicity of doxorubicin (DXR), as well as the correlation between the radical-scavenging ability of propolis and its antigenotoxic potential were also evaluated. The ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) showed a significant level of phenolic compounds, as well as great antioxidant potential, unlike the hexane extract (HEP), of inexpressive radical-scavenging activity. Neither HEP nor EEP proved genotoxic to the offspring of ST and HB crosses, while co-treatments with DXR demonstrated the antigenotoxic properties of EEP on the ST cross, albeit proving genotoxic at the highest concentrations tested under conditions of high metabolic activation (HB cross). Solvent partitioning of EEP revealed expressive protective effects against DXR-induced genotoxicity exhibited by the n-butanol fraction, which were potentiated in HB strains, possibly due to the higher total phenolic content and more pronounced radical-scavenging properties of this fraction.     

Antioxidant activity of Indian propolis and its chemical constituents

We report for the first time the antioxidant activity of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of Indian propolis (AEP and EEP, respectively). The antioxidant activity was measured by chemical and electrochemical assays. Reducing power and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity were the chemical assays, whereas, cyclic voltammetry was used as the electrochemical assay. In all these assays, AEP showed significantly greater activity over EEP; which is in contradiction with the previous reports of propolis from other countries. This may be due to its higher polyphenol content. Hence aqueous extract may well be a substitute of organic solvent extracts of propolis. Moreover, two flavonoids, pinocembrin (1) and galangin (2) were isolated from EEP; among which (2) showed high DPPH radical scavenging activity. Thus Indian propolis, being a rich source of natural antioxidants, may be used in the prevention of various free radicals related diseases.     

Anti-AGE activity of poplar-type propolis: mechanism of action of main phenolic compounds

This study aimed to compare the protective effect of two geographically distinct propolis against the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The polyphenol content of propolis extracts (EEPs) was analysed using HPLC-DAD-MS profiling and evaluated for their protective effects against pentosidine-like AGEs. Dicarbonyl trapping capacities of major EEP compounds were determined using a methylglyoxal scavenging in vitro assay. Both propolis samples were characterised with high levels of pinobanksin derivatives exhibiting strong anti-AGE properties. EEPs reduced AGE formation more effectively than well-known natural AGE inhibitors such as quercetin or chlorogenic acid. Individual evaluations of the five major compounds in EEPs showed that flavonoids strongly inhibit the formation of AGEs by trapping dicarbonyl intermediates, whereas compounds such as caffeic acid derivatives only act as antioxidant agents. Propolis is thus a promising candidate for the prevention and control of AGE-related chronic diseases.     

蜂胶抗油脂氧化作用的研究

以菜籽油为对象，采用高温诱导其发生脂质过氧化反应，研究了蜂胶对油脂的抗氧化作用，结果表明，蜂胶醇提液可有效地延缓油脂脂质过氧化反应，抑制油脂酸价的升高，并与丁基化羟基茴香醚（BHA）和VE进行比较，其抗氧化作用明显优于二者，表明蜂胶是一种天然、安全、高效的油脂抗氧化剂。     

Antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of propolis from different regions of Morocco

Propolis is a bee product used since ancient times in folk medicine. Antioxidant activity is one of the properties attributed to this natural product, which varies depending on the botanical and geographic origin. The antioxidant capacities of propolis from different regions of Morocco were determined. Samples from the Khamissat and Immouzzer regions showed the highest antioxidant activities (ABTS assay), reducing power, and peroxyl and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacities. The best capacities to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase were found in propolis samples from Rabat. A strong correlation was found between the amounts of phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These results support the hypothesis that phenols contribute greatly to the pharma-cological properties of propolis and suggest that propolis could be important in prevention of diseases in which free radicals are implicated.     

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of different propolis samples from north‐western Algeria

The aim of this study was the investigation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of different ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) collected from north‐western Algeria. Total polyphenols and flavonoids contents of extracts were measured. The UV absorption spectrum showed and confirmed their polyphenols constituents. All EEPs exerted antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria, but no effect on Gram‐negative bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EEPs ranged from 0.01% to 2.6% v/v. The antioxidant activity was measured using ferric‐reducing power (FRAP), 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical‐scavenging and ESR methods. Propolis TIA‐2 and MOH‐MAS samples showed the highest antioxidative capacity, after 35 min, while TIA‐1, NED‐TL and SFS‐SBA samples showed the highest antioxidative potential of measured EEPs, after 3 min. TIA‐2 sample showed the highest antibacterial, antioxidant activity and highest DPPH free radical‐scavenging activity as well as the highest polyphenols and flavonoids content, compared with other propolis samples.     

不同季节中国蜂胶醇提物的化学成分及生物活性

季节是影响蜂胶化学组成和生物活性的生态因子之一。为了解季节对蜂胶品质的影响,以分别来自温带、亚热带和热带地区的不同季节中国蜂胶为材料,采用分光光度法测定其色度、特定吸收率(E1cm)以及总酚、总黄酮、黄酮-黄酮醇和黄烷酮的含量;并测定蜂胶醇提物的抗氧化及抑菌活性。实验结果相关性分析表明:季节对中国蜂胶醇提物(ethanol extract of propolis,EEP)的化学组成有显著影响,中国EEP中总酚、总黄酮、黄酮-黄酮醇和黄烷酮的含量均在7～8月为最高,9月份化学成分含量大多最低,说明其品质在8月总体最好,而9月份,中国蜂胶品质最差。不同季节EEP的总酚和总黄酮含量差异极显著,总酚最大值为(243.87±152.13)mg/g,最小值为(187.25±146.45)mg/g,总黄酮最大值为(189.34±107.51)mg/g,最小值为(122±81.02)mg/g;且季节对EEP的抗氧化活性也有显著影响;EEP的E1cm值与清除DPPH自由基活性和总酚、总黄酮的含量有显著正相关性。而季节对中国EEP的抑菌性没有显著影响。因此,季节对中国蜂胶品质有较大影响。     

Seasonal effect on chemical composition and biological activities of Sonoran propolis

Propolis is widely used as a folk medicine and as a constituent of health foods in many parts of the world. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the seasonal effect on the chemical composition and biological activities (antiproliferative and antioxidant activities) of Sonoran propolis (Mexico). Propolis was collected during all four seasons of the year and chemical composition, antiproliferative, and free-radical scavenging activities of collected propolis were evaluated by HPLC, MTT, and DPPH assays, respectively. The relative abundance of the main chemical constituents of propolis was similar in all propolis samples analysed. In contrast, significant differences were observed in their antiproliferative activity in the B-cell lymphoma cancer cell line M12.C3.F6. Propolis collected in the spring showed the highest inhibitory effect on the growth of cancer cells. All propolis samples had weak free-radical scavenging activity. Our results indicate that season had a significant effect on the antiproliferative properties of Sonoran propolis.     

Accumulation of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances in cured pork sausages treated with propolis extracts

Propolis collected by bees has many components that possess antifungal, anticancer and antioxidant properties. Cured ground pork meat was treated separately with 0.4% w/w ethanol‐extracted propolis (EEP 0.4%), 0.6% w/w water‐extracted propolis (WEP 0.6%), 0.8% w/w dried residue of ethanol‐extracted propolis (DREEP 0.8%) and 0.1% w/w potassium sorbate (PS 0.1%) and made into sausages. Thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in the sausages to assess the effects of storage at 5, 10 and 20 °C after 0, 2 and 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of storage at 5 °C the sausages treated with EEP 0.4%, DREEP 0.8%, WEP 0.6% and PS 0.1% yielded TBARS values which were 50, 59, 35 and 91% respectively of the control value. There was an increase of 0.33 mg MDA kg^?1, the lowest of all treatments, in TBARS for the 0.4% w/w EEP‐treated sausages. The curing process will control microbiological spoilage, as will potassium sorbate. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Red propolis as an additive for preweaned dairy calves: Effect on growth performance,health, and selected blood parameters

Propolis is a natural product produced by bees and sold commercially. It is well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to improve immune system functions in humans and animals. Many of its positive effects can contribute positively to animal productivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible beneficial effects of red propolis supplementation on growth performance, metabolism, and health status of dairy calves during the preweaning phase. Thirty-two newborn calves were individually housed, with free access to water and concentrate, and fed 6 L/d of whole milk. Animals were distributed in 2 treatments: (1) control and (2) supplementation with 4 mL/d of red propolis ethanolic extract (30%; EEP) in whole milk. Feed consumption and fecal and health scores were monitored daily from 1 d of age to 56 d. Calves were weighed and measured weekly. Blood samples were collected weekly, 2 h after morning milk feeding, for determination of glucose, total serum protein, urea, lactate, β-hydroxybutyrate, total iron binding capacity, and total leukocytes (white blood cells) and erythrocytes (red blood cells). Starter feed intake, daily weight gain, and body measurements were not affected by the EEP supplementation. Blood parameters were also not affected, with the exception for the red blood cell counts, which were lower in animals supplemented with EEP. Supplementation with EEP significantly decreased fecal score, days with diarrhea, and veterinary treatments of diarrhea. These results indicate that red propolis supplementation has potential to improve calf health and reduce the incidence of diarrhea and, as a consequence, the use of antibiotics in calf rearing systems.     

蜂胶掺假鉴别技术研究进展

蜂胶具有广泛的生物活性,如抗氧化、防辐射、防龋齿、消炎抑菌及调节免疫等,是较为珍贵的蜜蜂产品。蜂胶依据胶源植物的不同可分为杨树型蜂胶、巴西绿蜂胶、红蜂胶等7大类。我国的蜂胶类型主要为杨树型蜂胶,其化学成分与杨树芽提取物相似,蜂胶资源紧缺和高利润导致杨树胶掺假冒充蜂胶现象日益严重。蜂胶掺假鉴别一直是蜂产品等天然产物的研究热点,本文综述近15年国内外研究者关于蜂胶掺假鉴别技术的研究进展,其中主要包括气相色谱法、液相色谱法、红外光谱法、核磁共振技术、薄层色谱法和特征物质鉴别等,其中液相-质谱技术应用最为广泛,鉴别结果较优。同时本文对多种蜂胶鉴别技术进行比较和总结,为蜂胶品质的鉴定和蜂胶的掺假鉴别提供资料参考和依据。     

Bioactivity of propolis from Santiago del Estero, Argentina, related to their chemical composition

Propolis, an extremely complex resinous material gathered by honeybees from various plant sources, exhibits valuable pharmacological and biological properties attributed to the presence of polyphenols. This study examined the antibacterial, antiradical and antioxidant activities of propolis from different provenances and correlated the values with total levels of polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids. Besides, individual contents of those polyphenols with antioxidant ability were determined and related with their bioactivity. Analyzed samples presented a noticeable variability in their antioxidant and antiradical activities, although, linear relationships were found between them and also between polyphenol and flavonoid total levels. Propolis antiradical and protective abilities against lipid oxidation are related to its high levels of polyphenols, but their correlations with individual active-compound contents were not simple. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus of the samples presented low variability. This bioactivity is assigned to pinocembrin, present in high concentrations in all the samples studied. Good correlation was found between such activity and pinocembrin content. Linear relationships between antibacterial activity and polyphenol and flavonoid total levels were also found.     

蜂胶醇提物的挥发性成分分析

本研究采用顶空-固相微萃取法(HS-SPME)和气相色谱-质谱(GC-MS)比较分析了中国和马来西亚醇提蜂胶(EEP)的挥发性成分。结果显示,中国醇提蜂胶的挥发性成分中检测到60种物质,其中姜黄烯、雪松烯、苯乙醇、乙酸苯乙酯和柏木烯含量较高;马来西亚醇提蜂胶挥发性成分中检测到29种物质,其中苯甲醛、萘、2-戊基呋喃、2-甲基萘和可巴烯含量较高;中国醇提蜂胶的挥发性成分含量较之马来西亚醇提蜂胶高出约10倍;二者挥发性成分之间的共有物质为乙醇、苯乙烯、柏木烯、苯甲醇和4-乙基-2-甲氧基苯酚,但含量明显不同。     

Correlation analysis between phenolic levels of Brazilian propolis extracts and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

Propolis extracts are currently used for the treatment of oronasal infections and as antioxidant agents. Ethanolic commercial Brazilian propolis extracts were assayed for their ability to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and also for their ability to scavenge DPPH radicals. These activities were correlated with their total phenolic and flavonoid levels. In one group of extracts there was a strong linear relationship between total phenol contents and the measured activities, while in the other group this relationship was weaker. It was also found that flavonoid levels had a greater influence on the antioxidant activity of these extracts than on their antimicrobial profiles.     

应用细胞模型研究蜂胶醇提物的抗氧化活性

为了研究蜂胶醇提物在细胞内的抗氧化活性(CAA),本实验将2′, 7′- 二氯荧光二乙酸盐(DCFH-DA)荧光探针装载到人肝癌Hep G2 细胞内,然后被进入到细胞内的2, 2′- 偶氮二异丁基脒二盐酸盐(ABAP)产生的活性氧氧化成有荧光的二氯荧光(DCF);以荧光值为指标,使用多功能酶标仪和荧光倒置显微镜分析蜂胶醇提物清除活性氧的能力。结果表明：蜂胶醇提物具有明显的抗氧化活性,并呈现良好的剂量- 效应关系。当CAA 值达到50 时,蜂胶醇提物质量浓度仅0.14mg/mL;当蜂胶醇提物质量浓度为0.5mg/mL 时,细胞内的活性氧显著减少,有绿色荧光的细胞数几乎减少一半,清除率接近50%。蜂胶醇提物具有非常好的细胞内抗氧化能力。     

蜂胶提取物对顺铂诱导大鼠肝、肾损伤的保护作用

目的：探究蜂胶乙醇提取物对顺铂所致肝、肾损伤的干预作用。方法：采用不同剂量（50、100、 150 mg/kg mb）的蜂胶乙醇提取物对大鼠进行灌胃,连续7 d给药后单次腹腔注射10 mg/kg mb的顺铂建立肝、肾损伤 模型,之后再灌胃5 d。实验结束后通过测定血清中肝、肾损伤的标志物,肝、肾组织中脂质过氧化物、抗氧化物 的含量以及观察肝、肾组织病理学的改变来探究蜂胶对顺铂毒性的干预作用。结果：与模型组相比,高剂量组大鼠 血清中谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶的活力,尿素氮、肌酐含量均有降低;肝、肾组织中超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化氢酶 的活力,还原型谷胱甘肽的含量均有升高;丙二醛、诱导型一氧化氮合酶含量均有降低;从组织病理学方面来看, 模型组的肝、肾组织都出现了病变,表现为肝小叶细胞坏死,肾小球细胞脱落、空泡性等,蜂胶给药组这些病变情 况均有不同程度的降低。结论：蜂胶乙醇提取物可以降低体内的氧化应激程度,提高机体自身抗氧化能力,从而很 好地降低顺铂造成的肝、肾损伤。     

不同口味——来自进口食品展

<正> 一年一度的FHC展会于9月14-17日在上海开幕,有来自28个国家的500家公司参加,展区面积比2003年增加了60％,因此此次参展商被分在虹桥地区的上海国际展览中心和上海世贸商城两个展馆,规模空前。选择“不同口味——来自进口食品展”作为主题是用来强调FHC与其他由国内食品生产企业参展组成的不同。FHC2004中98％的参展商来自海外或是海外公司的代理,因此FHC的重点在于为中国的食品、饮料、酒店、零售商及买家提供一个参观和品尝进口食品的机会。     

Physical,antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of starch‐based film containing ethanolic propolis extract

Propolis is a natural product that meets the requirements as functional additive for food packaging due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In this work, ethanolic propolis extract (EPE) was incorporated in cassava starch films, and characterisations with respect to their microstructure, mechanical properties, water vapour permeability (WVP), moisture sorption kinetics as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities were performed. The results showed that tensile strength was not affected (P > 0.05) by the presence of EPE but Young's modulus decreased about 50% when compared to control films possibly because of EPE plasticiser effect. When 1% EPE was used, changes in moisture sorption properties were detected by a slightly hydrophobic character at films WVP. When extracted from the films, propolis retained its antioxidant activity. The films exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli even at low EPE concentrations (0.5%) mainly due to its phenolic compounds.