Multi Dynamic Extraction: An Innovative Method to Obtain a Standardized Chemically and Biologically Reproducible Polyphenol Extract from Poplar-Type Propolis to Be Used for Its Anti-Infective Properties

Abstract

Antimicrobial activity is a well-known property of propolis, making it a candidate for antimicrobial surfaces in biomedical devices. Nevertheless, large-scale use of propolis as an anti-infective agent is limited by the heterogeneity of its chemical composition and consequent variation in antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the multi dynamic extraction (M.E.D.) method produces standardized polyphenolic mixtures from poplar-type propolis, with reproducible chemical composition and anti-microbial activity, independently from the chemical composition of the starting raw propolis. Three raw propolis samples, from Europe, America, and Asia, were analyzed for their polyphenol chemical composition by means of HPLC–UV and then combined to obtain three mixtures of propolis, which werme submitted to the M.E.D. extraction method. The chemical composition and the antimicrobial activity of M.E.D. propolis against bacteria and fungi were determined. The three M.E.D. propolis showed similar chemical compositions and antimicrobial activities, exhibiting no relevant differences against antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant strains. The batch-to-batch reproducibility of propolis extracts obtained with the M.E.D. method encourages the design of drugs alternative to traditional antibiotics and the development of anti-infective surface-modified biomaterials.

Propolis and its potential against SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms and COVID-19 disease

“…The composition of propolis varies according to the plant species available in each region [ 42 , 48 , 49 ]. As this variability can affect their medicinal properties, standardized propolis products have been developed to help meet the need for a product that does not vary in the main bioactive components and is safe, with minimal interaction with pharmaceutical drugs and proven efficacy in clinical trials [ [50] , [51] , [52] , [53] ]. In recent decades, it has been shown to have antimicrobial (including antiviral), anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties [ 54 ].…”

“…In part, this is because propolis varies with the species of plants available in each region, from which the bees collect resins to produce it [ 42 , 48 , 49 ]. However, standardized propolis products have recently become available to help fill the need for a product that does not vary in the main bioactive components and effectiveness [ 50 , 52 ]. One such option, a standardized Brazilian propolis extract blend [ 54 ], has been tested for safety and effectiveness in clinical trials for treating kidney disease and diabetes [ 51 ], denture stomatitis [ 73 ], and burn patients [ 74 ].…”

Plant Sources Responsible for the Chemical Composition and Main Bioactive Properties of Poplar-Type Propolis

“…This depends on the specificity of the local flora at the site of collection [ 5 ]. The opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been that a cause-and-effect relationship could not be established between the consumption of propolis and the claimed effects [ 6 ], because “type and content of flavonoids in propolis may vary depending on the specific propolis raw material as well as the extraction and preparation methods”.…”

New Insights Into Potential Benefits of Bioactive Compounds of Bee Products on COVID-19: A Review and Assessment of Recent Research

“…However, found many restrictions were found for the approval and acceptance of these substances as a health-promoting supplement in various countries since these compounds e.g., propolis products are not standardized and vary in their components and biological activity among countries and even at a regional level, and therefore, faced many relevant criticism ( Bankova, 2005 ; Toreti et al, 2013 ; Miguel et al, 2014 ). However, it should be stressed that standardized propolis products e.g., standardized Brazilian propolis extract blend have recently become available to overcome this major drawback and showed higher safety profile and major effectiveness for treatment of many pathological conditions ( Berretta, 2007 ; Berretta et al, 2012 ; Berretta et al, 2017 ; Silveira et al, 2019 ; Zaccaria et al, 2019 ). Therefore, standardized propolis is considered an example for natural products that can be used a nutraceutical or functional food resource that might provide a promising safe and easy to administer therapeutic for fighting COVID-19 pandemic ( Fielding et al, 2020 ).…”