Development and Characterization of New Green Propolis Extract Formulations as Promising Candidates to Substitute for Green Propolis Hydroalcoholic Extract

Abstract

The technologies used to produce the different dosage forms of propolis can selectively affect the original propolis compounds and their biological activities. The most common type of propolis extract is hydroethanolic. However, there is considerable demand for ethanol-free propolis presentations, including stable powder forms. Three propolis extract formulations were developed and investigated for chemical composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity: polar propolis fraction (PPF), soluble propolis dry extract (PSDE), and microencapsulated propolis extract (MPE). The different technologies used to produce the extracts affected their physical appearance, chemical profile, and biological activity. PPF was found to contain mainly caffeic and p-Coumaric acid, while PSDE and MPE showed a chemical fingerprint closer to the original green propolis hydroalcoholic extract used. MPE, a fine powder (40% propolis in gum Arabic), was readily dispersible in water, and had less intense flavor, taste, and color than PSDE. PSDE, a fine powder (80% propolis) in maltodextrin as a carrier, was perfectly water-soluble and could be used in liquid formulations; it is transparent and has a strong bitter taste. PPF, a purified solid with large amounts of caffeic and p-Coumaric acids, had the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and therefore merits further study. PSDE and MPE had antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and could be used in products tailored to specific needs.

Development and Characterization of High-Absorption Microencapsulated Organic Propolis EPP-AF® Extract (i-CAPs)

“…Propolis EPP-AF ® microcapsules were obtained by dispersion of an alcoholic extract of propolis in aqueous solution containing gum arabic (40:60, propolis and gum arabic). The emulsion preparation conditions, including the proportions of the dry mass of propolis and gum arabic, were previously published by Berretta et al [7]. The ratio of propolis: gum arabic (40:60) resulted in approximately 40% propolis w/w in microcapsules (EPP-AF ® i-CAPs).…”

“…The process included dispersing gum arabic in purified water and then, with agitation, dispersing the hydroethanolic extract, resulting in an emulsion. The emulsion was dried with a spray-drying system (Labmaq MSD 1.0, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil), using the equipment conditions defined by Berretta et al [7]. Detailed composition and process are available in Berretta et al [7].…”

“…This affects its qualitative and quantitative chemical characteristics, resulting in many distinct propolis types, as is common with phytomedicines [4]. To circumvent this variability, a green propolis standardized extract (EPP-AF ® ) with reproducible batch-to-batch chemical profile and antimicrobial, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities has been developed [5][6][7].…”

Evaluation of the Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Green, Brown, and Dark Propolis

“…Recent studies have shown the promising antioxidant activity of propolis through the mechanisms of elimination, neutralization, and the removal of reactive species after the induction of oxidative stress, and by preventing lipid peroxidation [ 22 , 23 ].…”

Nano Propolis, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, and Their Composites: A Novel Green Synthesis with Synergistic Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties

“…Propolis serves essential functions within the hive and has garnered attention for its potential health benefits in human use. Its rich and varied chemical composition makes it a subject of ongoing scientific inquiry and a valuable resource in traditional and modern medicine [9][10][11][12]. Due to its possible therapeutic characteristics, propolis has been exploited for various objectives, including immunity-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiulcer, and antitumor activities [13][14][15].…”