Chemical characterization and pharmacological action of Brazilian red propolis

Abstract

Among natural products, Brazilian propolis stands out for being considered a source for the discovery of new bioactive compounds. In the last decade, a new Brazilian propolis has been described, known as red propolis due to its reddish pigment. Since then, numerous studies revealing its major components and pharmacological activity have been carried out. Thus, this research had the aim of performing an integrative review of literature on the biological activity of Brazilian red propolis. Scientific studies in the PubMed, SciELO and LILACS databases were reviewed and analyzed using an inductive approach and indirect documentation technique. A total of 418 publications were found, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were subsequently applied, selecting a total of 18 articles. Brazilian red propolis presents numerous pharmacological properties, especially antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, the chemical composition of this substance is different from other types of propolis already reported in literature, presenting flavonoids never before described. In this way, its chemical characteristics suggest probable therapeutic use for human consumption Keywords: Flavonoids, Apis millifera, bee. Caracterização química e ação farmacológica da própolis vermelha brasileira ResumoDentre os produtos naturais, a própolis brasileira destaca-se por ser considerada uma fonte para a descoberta de novos compostos bioativos. Na última década, foi descrita uma nova própolis brasileira, conhecida como própolis vermelha devido ao seu pigmento avermelhado. Desde então, inúmeras pesquisas revelando seus componentes majoritários e sua atividade farmacológica têm sido descritas. Dessa forma, esta pesquisa teve o objetivo de realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura sobre a atividade biológica da própolis vermelha brasileira. Estudos científicos nos bancos de dados PubMed, SciELO e LILACS foram revisados e analisados utilizando-se uma abordagem indutiva e técnica de documentação indireta. Foram encontradas 418 publicações, sendo posteriormente aplicados critérios de inclusão e exclusão, selecionando ao todo 18 artigos. A própolis vermelha brasileira apresenta inúmeras propriedades farmacológicas, destacando-se os efeitos antibacteriano, antifúngico, antioxidante e anti-inflamatório. Além disso, a composição química desta substância é diferente dos demais tipos de própolis já relatados na literatura, apresentando flavonóides que ainda não tinham sido descritos. Dessa forma, suas características químicas sugerem provável uso terapêutico para o organismo humano.

Baccharis dracunculifolia and Dalbergia ecastophyllum, Main Plant Sources for Bioactive Properties in Green and Red Brazilian Propolis

“…Compared to green or brown propolis, the red Brazilian propolis is rich in polyphenols, more than 30 different phenolic compounds have been identified so far [ 9 , 46 , 53 ] and more than 300 components from different chemical classes have been identified [ 55 ]. Unlike other types of propolis, red propolis has a specific chemical composition presenting some compounds never before reported in other propolis types, such as vestitol and neovestitol, biochamine A, as well as liquiritigenin, formononetine, and medicarpine [ 2 ].…”

“…One of the characteristics of this lipophilic material is that it is hard and brittle when cold, and soft, pliable, and very sticky when warm; for this reason, sometimes it is named “bee glue” [ 2 ]. It has an aromatic smell, and different colors, depending on its source, period of harvesting, and time of storage in the hive.…”

Photoprotective activity of geopropolis produced by Melipona subnitida (Apidae, Meliponinae) in the semiarid of the Brazilian Northeast

“…Propolis and geopropolis has aroused a growing interest among researchers and many studies have been conducted on its chemical composition and pharmacological activities. Thus, research has confirmed several biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antitumor and healing activities, and the effectiveness in the treatment of burns, wounds and ulcers, among others, have been reported in scientific article (Afrouzan et al, 2018;Cardinault et al, 2012;Castro & Salgueiro, 2016;Pontes et al, 2018;Kunrath et al, 2017).…”

Red Propolis as a Source of Antimicrobial Phytochemicals: Extraction Using High-Performance Alternative Solvents

“…This result demonstrates the variety in propolis chemical composition, although some authors have found these compounds in samples of red propolis. It is known that propolis chemical composition varies according to original geographic region, and propolis phytochemical profile can vary due to several factors such as local flora, season, and extraction methods, resulting in different extracts ( Alencar et al, 2007 ; Cavalcanti de Pontes et al, 2018 ; do Nascimento et al, 2019 ). da Silva Frozza et al (2017) identified some compounds of biological interest, such as isoflavones formononetin, and biochanin A besides isoliquiritigenin in samples of red propolis from Alagoas.…”

“…such as local flora, season, and extraction methods, resulting in different extracts (Alencar et al, 2007;Cavalcanti de Pontes et al, 2018;do Nascimento et al, 2019). da Silva Frozza et al (2017) identified some compounds of biological interest, such as isoflavones formononetin, and biochanin A besides isoliquiritigenin in samples of red propolis from Alagoas.…”