Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	8.1	2000	16.8 Days	CHF 2900
Molecules molecules	4.2	7.4	1996	15.1 Days	CHF 2700
Antioxidants antioxidants	6.0	10.6	2012	16.9 Days	CHF 2900
Current Issues in Molecular Biology cimb	2.8	2.9	1999	15.8 Days	CHF 2200
BioChem biochem	-	-	2021	21.7 Days	CHF 1000
Foods foods	4.7	7.4	2012	14.5 Days	CHF 2900

18 pages, 5178 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Brazilian Stingless Bee Geopropolis Exhibit Antioxidant Properties and Anticancer Potential Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

by Mariana Muniz da Paz, Kamila Marques Sette, Raissa Eduardo dos Santos, Ana Luiza Barbosa e Vasconcelos, Danielly C. Ferraz da Costa, Ana Claudia F. Amaral, Igor Almeida Rodrigues and Luciana Pereira Rangel

Antioxidants 2025, 14(2), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14020141 - 24 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 917

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cancer in terms of mortality and the sixth in incidence worldwide. Treatment varies by tumor stage, but low survival rates are common across all stages. Due to these poor outcomes, there is a critical need [...] Read more.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cancer in terms of mortality and the sixth in incidence worldwide. Treatment varies by tumor stage, but low survival rates are common across all stages. Due to these poor outcomes, there is a critical need for new treatment options and lead compounds, prompting an active search. Geopropolis has been identified as a source of bioactive compounds with various pharmacological activities, including anticancer effects against different types of cancer. Since stingless bees may be selective for native botanical species, the geopropolis they produce can have an unusual chemical profile. In this study, we report the antioxidant properties and anticancer potential of geopropolis extracts produced by Melipona bicolor, M. marginata, and M. mondury using 2D- and 3D- cell culture models. The chemical profile of these samples using UPLC-QTOF HRMS/MS indicated ferreirin and dihydrokaempferide as the main flavonoids, along with cupressic acid and 15-acetoxyisocupressic acid as the most abundant diterpenoids. Interestingly, artepillin C, a main component of green propolis, was also detected. The geopropolis extracts showed good cell viability inhibition and selectivity indices in comparison to cisplatin used as an HCC treatment option. The antioxidant capacity of the geopropolis extracts was high and correlated with the cytotoxic effect against the HCC cells. Investigations into the mechanisms show the ability of the extracts to induce apoptosis and suppress the clonogenic potential of these cell lines. We also observed an inhibition of spheroid formation, viability, and morphology alterations. This is the first time the effects of geopropolis are described in a panel of HCC cell lines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the Chemical Composition of Beeswax Foundation Sheets on Their Acceptability by the Bee’s Colony

by Sava Ledjanac, Fatjon Hoxha, Nebojša Jasnić, Aleksandra Tasić, Marko Jovanović, Slavica Blagojević, Nada Plavša and Tomislav Tosti

Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5489; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235489 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1842

Abstract

Beeswax is one of the most important products for the well-being of bee colonies. The wax glands of young worker bees produce beeswax, which serves as a building material for honeycomb construction. Beekeepers using hives with mobile frames mainly utilize local beeswax to [...] Read more.

Beeswax is one of the most important products for the well-being of bee colonies. The wax glands of young worker bees produce beeswax, which serves as a building material for honeycomb construction. Beekeepers using hives with mobile frames mainly utilize local beeswax to make foundations. Any paraffin addition represents adulteration, resulting in a high degree of contamination. During the preparation of re-used beeswax, losses during the process may instigate producers to add cheaper, wax-like substances like paraffin and tallow. This article presents a systematic investigation of the quality of beeswax foundation from six major producers in Vojvodina, Serbia, by applying the classic analytical procedure for the determination of selected physicochemical parameters and instrumental gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection (FTIR–ATR) spectroscopy techniques. FTIR–ATR detected possible paraffin and beef tallow in 72 foundation sheet samples. This technique was complemented with GC–MS. This analysis revealed that paraffin content ranged between 19.75 and 85.68%, while no tallow was detected over the two-year period. Two sheets from each manufacturer were placed into wired Langstroth–Ruth frames and placed in beehives. The construction, based on built cells, was monitored every 24 h. Evaluating newly inserted sheets proved that without quality nectar, there is no intensive building, regardless of adulteration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2615 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wound Healing, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Activities, and Chemical Composition of Korean Propolis from Different Sources

by Aman Dekebo, Chalshisa Geba, Daniel Bisrat, Jin Boo Jeong and Chuleui Jung

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11352; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111352 - 22 Oct 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2751

Abstract

Propolis, such as is used as bio-cosmetics and in functional materials, is increasing because of its antioxidant medicinal benefits. However, its pharmacological and chemical composition is highly variable, relative to its geography and botanical origins. Comparative studies on three propolis samples collected from [...] Read more.

Propolis, such as is used as bio-cosmetics and in functional materials, is increasing because of its antioxidant medicinal benefits. However, its pharmacological and chemical composition is highly variable, relative to its geography and botanical origins. Comparative studies on three propolis samples collected from different regions in Korea have been essential for linking its provenance, chemical composition, and biological activity, thereby ensuring the efficient utilization of its beneficial properties. Here, we report the chemical composition and biological activities such as the antioxidant, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanolic extract of Korean propolis collected from two regions. We compared the chemical constituents of three 70% ethanol-extracted (EE) samples, including the Andong, Gongju field (GF), and Gongju mountain (GM)-sourced propolis using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The major and common components of these EE Korean propolis were flavonoids such as pinocembrin (12.0–17.7%), chrysin (5.2–6.8%), and apigenin (5.30–5.84%). The antioxidant property using a 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay of EEP showed substantial differences among samples with the highest from Andong. The sample 10% GM levigated in simple ointment was found to be the most active in wound healing activity based on the excision, incision, and dead space wound models. The potential of propolis for wound healing is mainly due to its evidenced properties, such as its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and angiogenesis promoter effects, which need further study. The anti-inflammatory activity and NO production inhibitory effect were highest in GM samples. However, GM and GF samples demonstrated similar inhibitory effects on the expression of inflammatory mediators such as iNOS, IL-1β, and IL-6. The presence of a higher concentration of flavonoids in Korean EE propolis might be responsible for their promising wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3943 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Healing Activity of Propolis of Stingless Bee (Scaptotrigona aff. postica), Reared in Monoculture of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea), in Induced Wounds in Rats

by Sara R. L. Ferreira, Suzanne A. Teixeira, Gabriella O. Lima, Jhennifer N. R. S. de Castro, Luís E. O. Teixeira, Carlos A. R. Barros, Daniel S. Pereira, Moisés Hamoy, Veronica R. L. O. Bahia and Nilton A. Muto

Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4742; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194742 - 7 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1544

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex and coordinated process involving interactions between cells and various messenger systems. This study conducted in vivo tests to determine the healing effect of propolis (PR)-based cream derived from the Amazon stingless bee, Scaptotrigona aff. postica, reared in açaí [...] Read more.

Wound healing is a complex and coordinated process involving interactions between cells and various messenger systems. This study conducted in vivo tests to determine the healing effect of propolis (PR)-based cream derived from the Amazon stingless bee, Scaptotrigona aff. postica, reared in açaí (Euterpe oleracea) monoculture, on induced wounds in rats. Data were obtained by monitoring injuries on 14 Wistar rats, divided into three groups (G1, G2 and G3), each receiving specific treatments: propolis-based cream (PR), collagenase (PC) and neutral cream (NC). Over the seven days of treatment, the lesions were measured using photographic records and ImageJ software to evaluate the healing effectiveness of the test cream. ImageJ software version 1.53g was used to compare the wound diameters for each treatment. After seven days, histopathological analyses of the induced lesions were performed. It was observed that collagenase (PC) and the test cream (PR) did not differ significantly in terms of wound diameter reduction. However, the propolis-based cream directly influenced the lesion maturation process and exhibited a milder inflammatory response compared to the positive control (PC). This effect is possibly associated with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds identified by GC/MS analysis in the propolis. Notably, this is the first report describing propolis of Scaptotrigona aff. postica obtained from açaí monocultures with strong healing potential, highlighting the identification of a high concentration of phenolic compounds that aid directly in wound repair. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibitory Effects of Aqueous Ethanol Extracts of Poplar-Type Propolis on Advanced Glycation End Products and Protein Oxidation

by Guangxin Wang, Yu Zhang, Jiangtao Qiao, Hesham R. El-Seedi, Lingjie Kong and Hongcheng Zhang

Foods 2024, 13(19), 3022; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13193022 - 24 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1449

Abstract

(1) Background: The non-enzymatic glycation of proteins is a significant contributor to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and intermediates that are responsible for diabetic complications. It is imperative to explore effective inhibitors to prevent protein glycation. (2) Methods: This study [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The non-enzymatic glycation of proteins is a significant contributor to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and intermediates that are responsible for diabetic complications. It is imperative to explore effective inhibitors to prevent protein glycation. (2) Methods: This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potential of various aqueous ethanol extracts of poplar-type propolis on AGEs and oxidative modifications in bovine serum albumin (BSA)-glucose and BSA-methylglyoxal models. (3) Results: The results revealed that these propolis extracts exhibited significant effectiveness in inhibiting the formation of total AGEs, pentosidine, and Nε-carboxymethyllysine (CML). Furthermore, the investigation discovered that these propolis extracts can effectively inhibit oxidative modification, based on measuring the levels of carbonyl and thiol groups and analyzing tryptophan fluorescence quenching. Notably, 75% ethanol extracts of propolis (EEP) exhibited the highest inhibitory activity, surpassing the chemical inhibitor aminoguanidine (AG). (4) Conclusions: The remarkable anti-glycation potency of aqueous ethanol extracts of poplar-type propolis can be attributed to their elevated contents of phenolic compounds, especially abundant flavonoids, which inhibit the formation of AGEs by scavenging free radicals, decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and capturing reactive carbonyl species (RCS) in the protein glycation process. Our results indicate that poplar-type propolis may be a potential AGE inhibitor and could be used to develop functional foods and nutraceuticals to prevent diabetic complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 1624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Activity, Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Stingless Bee Honey from Australia

by Mariana Mello dos Santos, Nazim Khan, Lee Yong Lim and Cornelia Locher

Foods 2024, 13(11), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111657 - 25 May 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2026

Abstract

This study reports on the physicochemical and sensory attributes, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of 36 honey samples produced by two different stingless bee species (Tetragonula carbonaria and Tetragonula hockingsi) from Australia. The findings reveal moisture content across all samples [...] Read more.

This study reports on the physicochemical and sensory attributes, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of 36 honey samples produced by two different stingless bee species (Tetragonula carbonaria and Tetragonula hockingsi) from Australia. The findings reveal moisture content across all samples ranges from 24.9% to 30.8% (w/w), electrical conductivity from 1.02 to 2.15 mS/cm, pH levels between 3.57 and 6.54, soluble solids from 69.2 to 75.1 °Brix, trehalulose concentrations from 6.20 to 38.2 g/100 g, fructose levels from 7.79 to 33.4 g/100 g, and glucose content from 3.36 to 26.8 g/100 g. Sucrose was undetectable in all investigated samples. In a sensory analysis involving 30 participants, Australian stingless bee honey was perceived as having a more pronounced sourness compared with New Zealand Manuka honey. The study reveals considerable variability in the composition of Australian stingless bee honey, influenced by factors such as floral availability, geographical origin, and time of harvest. It also demonstrates the presence of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in stingless bee honey, underlining their potential as a natural source of antioxidants. All investigated samples contain trehalulose, which supports the findings of other recent studies that propose this unusual disaccharide as a marker compound of stingless bee honey. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition of Volatile and Extractive Components of Canary (Tenerife) Propolis

by Valery A. Isidorov, Andrea M. Dallagnol and Adam Zalewski

Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1863; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081863 - 19 Apr 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1305

Abstract

The vegetation of the Canary Islands is characterized by a large number of endemic species confined to different altitudinal levels. It can be assumed that these circumstances determine the characteristic features of the chemical composition of local beekeeping products, including propolis. We report, [...] Read more.

The vegetation of the Canary Islands is characterized by a large number of endemic species confined to different altitudinal levels. It can be assumed that these circumstances determine the characteristic features of the chemical composition of local beekeeping products, including propolis. We report, for the first time, the chemical composition of propolis from Tenerife (Canary Islands). The volatile emissions of three propolis samples collected from different apiaries are represented by 162 C₁–C₂₀ compounds, of which 144 were identified using the HS-SPME/GC-MS technique. The main group of volatiles, consisting of 72 compounds, is formed by terpenoids, which account for 42–68% of the total ion current (TIC) of the chromatograms. The next most numerous groups are formed by C₆–C₁₇ alkanes and alkenes (6–32% TIC) and aliphatic C₃–C₁₁ carbonyl compounds (7–20% TIC). The volatile emissions also contain C₁–C₆ aliphatic acids and C₂–C₈ alcohols, as well as their esters. Peaks of 138 organic C₃–C₃₄ compounds were recorded in the chromatograms of the ether extracts of the studied propolis. Terpene compounds form the most numerous group, but their number and content in different samples is within very wide limits (9–63% TIC), which is probably due to the origin of the samples from apiaries located at different altitudes. A peculiarity of the chemical composition of the extractive substances is the almost complete absence of phenylcarboxylic acids and flavonoids, characteristic of Apis mellifera propolis from different regions of Eurasia and North America. Aromatic compounds of propolis from Tenerife are represented by a group of nine isomeric furofuranoid lignans, as well as alkyl- and alkenyl-substituted derivatives of salicylic acid and resorcinol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

12 pages, 3408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Application of Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Principal Component Analysis in Characterisation of Selected Herbhoneys

by Joanna Banaś and Marian Banaś

Molecules 2024, 29(4), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29040749 - 6 Feb 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1688

Abstract

This study reports the use of front-face fluorescence spectroscopy with principal component analysis (PCA) as a tool for the characterisation of selected Polish herbhoneys (raspberry, lemon balm, rose, mint, black current, instant coffee, pine, hawthorn, and nettle). Fluorimetric spectra registered in the ranges [...] Read more.

This study reports the use of front-face fluorescence spectroscopy with principal component analysis (PCA) as a tool for the characterisation of selected Polish herbhoneys (raspberry, lemon balm, rose, mint, black current, instant coffee, pine, hawthorn, and nettle). Fluorimetric spectra registered in the ranges ascribed to fluorescence of amino acids, polyphenols, vitamins, and products of Maillard’s reaction enabled the comparison of herbhoney compositions. Obtained synchronous spectra combined with PCA were used to investigate potential differences between analysed samples and interactions between compounds present in them. The most substantial influence on the total variance had the intensities of polyphenols fluorescence. These intensities were the main factor differentiated by the analysed products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 3556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Chemical Composition of Scaptotrigona mexicana Honey and Propolis Collected in Two Locations: Similarities and Differences

by Dessislava Gerginova, Milena Popova, Ralitsa Chimshirova, Boryana Trusheva, Maggie Shanahan, Miguel Guzmán, Erik Solorzano-Gordillo, Estefhanía López-Roblero, Marla Spivak, Svetlana Simova and Vassya Bankova

Foods 2023, 12(17), 3317; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12173317 - 3 Sep 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2193

Abstract

The chemical composition of stingless bee honey and propolis depends on the plant sources they are derived from, and thus reflects the flora available in the vicinity of the hives, the preferences of the bee species, and the climate (altitude and temperature). To [...] Read more.

The chemical composition of stingless bee honey and propolis depends on the plant sources they are derived from, and thus reflects the flora available in the vicinity of the hives, the preferences of the bee species, and the climate (altitude and temperature). To understand the relative influence of these factors, we studied the composition of honey and propolis of the stingless bee Scaptotrigona mexicana. Samples from 24 colonies were analyzed: 12 each from two S. mexicana meliponaries located in the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico, approximately 8.5 km apart, Tuxtla Chico and Cacahoatán. The chemical composition of honey and propolis was studied using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The antioxidant activity of propolis was also studied. Chemometric analyses were applied. The Tuxtla Chico honey samples contained higher concentrations of glucose and fructose, while the Cacahoatán samples displayed a rich composition of di- and trisaccharides. These differences can be attributed to the distinct nectar sources utilized by the bees at each location. Propolis compositions in the two locations also demonstrated qualitative differences, indicating a specific choice of resins by the bees. The observed substantial variations in the chemical composition of propolis and honey of S. mexicana from two locations relatively close to each other supports the assumption that bee species cannot be considered the most important factor in determining their chemistry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 1867 KiB

Open AccessReview

Difficulties in Establishing the Adverse Effects of β-Casomorphin-7 Released from β-Casein Variants—A Review

by Marta Liliane de Vasconcelos, Luisa Maria F. S. Oliveira, Jeremy Paul Hill and Ana Maria Centola Vidal

Foods 2023, 12(17), 3151; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12173151 - 22 Aug 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6278

Abstract

β-Casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) is a peptide released through the proteolysis of β-casein (β-CN), which is considered a bioactive peptide displaying evidence of promoting the binding and activation of the μ-opioid receptor located in various body parts, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system [...] Read more.

β-Casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) is a peptide released through the proteolysis of β-casein (β-CN), which is considered a bioactive peptide displaying evidence of promoting the binding and activation of the μ-opioid receptor located in various body parts, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system and potentially the central nervous system. The possible effects of BCM-7 on health are a theme rising in popularity due to evidence found in several studies on the modulation of gastrointestinal proinflammatory responses that can trigger digestive symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort. With the advancement of studies, the hypothesis that there is a correlation of the possible effects of BCM-7 with the microbiota–gut–brain axis has been established. However, some studies have suggested the possibility that these adverse effects are restricted to a portion of the population, and the topic is controversial due to the small number of in vivo studies, which makes it difficult to obtain more conclusive results. In addition, a threshold of exposure to BCM-7 has not yet been established to clarify the potential of this peptide to trigger physiological responses at gastrointestinal and systemic levels. The proportion of the population that can be considered more susceptible to the effects of BCM-7 are evidenced in the literature review. The challenges of establishing the adverse effects of BCM-7 are discussed, including the importance of quantifying the BCM-7 release in the different β-CN genotypes. In summary, the reviewed literature provides plausible indications of the hypothesis of a relationship between β-CN A1/BCM-7 and adverse health effects; however, there is need for further, especially in vivo studies, to better understand and confirm the physiological effects of this peptide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Comparison of Honey Enriched with Laboratory Fermented Pollen vs. Natural Bee Bread in Terms of Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties, Protein In Vitro Bioaccessibility, and Its Genoprotective Effect in Yeast Cells

by Michał Miłek, Mateusz Mołoń, Patrycja Kielar, Ewelina Sidor, Aleksandra Bocian, Katarzyna Marciniak-Lukasiak, Anna Pasternakiewicz and Małgorzata Dżugan

Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5851; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155851 - 3 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2358

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the nutritional value and bioactivity of honey enriched with a 10% addition of natural bee bread and its substitutes obtained as a result of laboratory fermentation of bee pollen. Physicochemical parameters, antioxidant properties, as well [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to compare the nutritional value and bioactivity of honey enriched with a 10% addition of natural bee bread and its substitutes obtained as a result of laboratory fermentation of bee pollen. Physicochemical parameters, antioxidant properties, as well as the bioaccessibility of proteins using an in vitro static digestion model were analyzed. The bioactivity of the obtained enriched honeys was tested using the yeast model. The research indicates the similarity of honeys with the addition of “artificial bee bread” to honey with natural ones. During in vitro digestion, good bioaccessibility of the protein from the tested products was demonstrated. The ability of the products to protect yeast cells against hydrogen superoxide-induced oxidative stress was demonstrated using a qualitative spot test, which was stronger in the case of enriched honey than in pure rapeseed control honey. Significant inhibition of the growth of both strains of yeast exposed to bee pollen-enriched honeys was also demonstrated. Furthermore, all tested samples showed significant genoprotective activity against the genotoxic effect of zeocin and the reduction of the number of DNA double-strand breaks by a minimum of 70% was observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 3390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical and Bioactivity Studies on Hedera helix L. (Ivy) Flower Pollen and Ivy Bee Pollen

by Nisa Beril Sen, Etil Guzelmeric, Irena Vovk, Vesna Glavnik, Hasan Kırmızıbekmez and Erdem Yesilada

Antioxidants 2023, 12(7), 1394; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12071394 - 6 Jul 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3017

Abstract

Bee pollen, known as a ‘life-giving dust’, is a product of honeybees using flower pollen grains and combining them with their saliva secretions. Thus, flower pollen could be an indicator of the bee pollen botanical source. Identification of bee pollen sources is a [...] Read more.

Bee pollen, known as a ‘life-giving dust’, is a product of honeybees using flower pollen grains and combining them with their saliva secretions. Thus, flower pollen could be an indicator of the bee pollen botanical source. Identification of bee pollen sources is a highly crucial process for the evaluation of its health benefits, as chemical composition is directly related to its pharmacological activity. In this study, the chemical profiles, contents of phenolic marker compounds and pharmacological activities of Hedera helix L. (ivy) bee pollen samples from Türkiye and Slovenia, as well as ivy flower pollen grains, were compared. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analyses revealed that pollen samples, regardless of where they were collected, have similar chemical profiles due to the fact that they have the same botanical origins. Marker compounds afzelin, platanoside and quercetin-3-O-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-galactopyranoside, common to both bee pollen and flower pollen, were isolated from bee pollen, and their structures were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). These three compounds, as well as chlorogenic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (found in flower pollen), were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses. In vitro tests and effect-directed analyses were used to evaluate the xanthine oxidase inhibition and antioxidant activity of the marker compounds and extracts from flower pollen and bee pollen. This is the first report comparing chemical profiles and related bioactivities of the flower pollen and bee pollen of the same botanical origin, as well as the first report of the chemical profile and related bioactivities of ivy flower pollen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis of Active Compounds in Tualang Honey against Atherosclerosis

by Ain Nabila Syahira Shamsol Azman, Jun Jie Tan, Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah, Hasnah Bahari, Vuanghao Lim and Yoke Keong Yong

Foods 2023, 12(9), 1779; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091779 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4759

Abstract

Atherosclerosis, a pathological condition marked by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous substances in the arterial walls, is a leading cause of heart failure and death. The present study aimed to utilize network pharmacology to assess the potential pharmacological effects of bioactive compounds [...] Read more.

Atherosclerosis, a pathological condition marked by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous substances in the arterial walls, is a leading cause of heart failure and death. The present study aimed to utilize network pharmacology to assess the potential pharmacological effects of bioactive compounds in Tualang honey on atherosclerosis. This is significant as previous studies have indicated the cardioprotective effects of Tualang honey, yet a comprehensive evaluation using network pharmacology has yet to be conducted. The bioactive compounds in Tualang honey were screened and the potential gene targets for these compounds were predicted through Swiss Target Prediction and SuperPred databases. Atherosclerosis genes were retrieved from the OMIM, DisGeNet, and GeneCards databases. The interaction between these compounds and atherosclerosis genes was established through protein–protein interaction, gene ontology, and KEGG pathway analysis. The results of these analyses were then further confirmed through molecular docking studies using the AutoDock Tools software. The results revealed that 6 out of 103 compounds in Tualang honey met the screening criteria, with a total of 336 potential gene targets, 238 of which were shared with atherosclerosis. Further analysis showed that these active compounds had a good affinity with key targets and were associated with biological processes related to protein phosphorylation and inflammation as well as pathways related to lipid and atherosclerosis and other signaling pathways. In conclusion, the study provides insight into the potential pharmacological effects of Tualang honey bioactive compounds on atherosclerosis, supporting its use as a promising treatment for the disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 5875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Propolis Ethanolic Extract Attenuates D-gal-induced C2C12 Cell Injury by Modulating Nrf2/HO-1 and p38/p53 Signaling Pathways

by Songhao Tian, Huiting Zhao, Hongru Guo, Wei Feng, Conglin Jiang and Yusuo Jiang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(7), 6408; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24076408 - 29 Mar 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3552

Abstract

Previous study has shown that propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) has a protective effect on aging skeletal muscle atrophy. However, the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PEE on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced damage in mouse C2C12 cells. The [...] Read more.

Previous study has shown that propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) has a protective effect on aging skeletal muscle atrophy. However, the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PEE on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced damage in mouse C2C12 cells. The results revealed that PEE increased the viability of senescent C2C12 cells, decreased the number of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal)-positive cells and promoted the differentiation of C2C12 cells. PEE resisted oxidative stress caused by D-gal by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and maintained the differentiation ability of C2C12 cells. PEE inhibited apoptosis by suppressing p38 phosphorylation and reducing p53 expression. In summary, our findings reveal the molecular mechanism by which PEE protects D-gal-induced C2C12 cells, providing a theoretical basis for the development of PEE for the alleviation of muscle atrophy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 8667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Histological, Immunohistochemical and Antioxidant Analysis of Skin Wound Healing Influenced by the Topical Application of Brazilian Red Propolis

by Mariana Conceição, Lucas Fernando Sérgio Gushiken, Jennyfer Andrea Aldana-Mejía, Matheus Hikaru Tanimoto, Marcos Vital de Sá Ferreira, Andreia Cristina Miranda Alves, Marina Naomi Miyashita, Jairo Kenupp Bastos, Fernando Pereira Beserra and Cláudia Helena Pellizzon

Antioxidants 2022, 11(11), 2188; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11112188 - 4 Nov 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4455

Abstract

Skin wound healing is a complex process that requires the mutual work of cellular and molecular agents to promote tissue restoration. In order to improve such a process, especially in cases of impaired healing (e.g., diabetic ulcer, chronic wounds), there is a search [...] Read more.

Skin wound healing is a complex process that requires the mutual work of cellular and molecular agents to promote tissue restoration. In order to improve such a process, especially in cases of impaired healing (e.g., diabetic ulcer, chronic wounds), there is a search for substances with healing properties and low toxicity: two features that some natural products—such as the bee product named propolis—exhibit. Propolis is a resinous substance obtained from plant resins and exudates with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral activities, among other biological ones. Based on the previously reported healing actions of different types of propolis, the Brazilian red propolis (BRP) was tested for this matter. A skin wound excision model in male Wistar rats was performed using two topical formulations with 1% red propolis as treatments: hydroalcoholic extract and Paste. Macroscopical, histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed, revealing that red propolis enhanced wound contraction, epithelialization, reduced crust formation, and modulated the distribution of healing associated factors, mainly collagen I, collagen III, MMP-9, TGF-β3 and VEGF. Biochemical analysis with the antioxidants SOD, MPO, GSH and GR showed that propolis acts similarly to the positive control, collagenase, increasing these molecules’ activity. These results suggest that BRP promotes enhanced wound healing by modulating growth factors and antioxidant molecules related to cutaneous wound healing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Topic Menu

Topic Editors

Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives

Topic Information

Keywords

Participating Journals

Published Papers (15 papers)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI