New Insights for Red Propolis of Alagoas—Chemical Constituents, Topical Membrane Formulations and Their Physicochemical and Biological Properties

Abstract

The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the chemical constitution and allergenic potential of red propolis extract (RPE). They were evaluated, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the release of β-hexosaminidase, respectively. A plethora of biologically active polyphenols and the absence of allergic responses were evinced. RPE inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase, suggesting that the extract does not stimulate allergic responses. Additionally, the physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity of hydrogel membranes loaded with RPE were analyzed. Bio-polymeric hydrogel membranes (M) were obtained using 5% carboxymethylcellulose (M1 and M2), 1.0% of citric acid (M3) and 10% RPE (for all). Their characterization was performed using thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), total phenolic content, phenol release test and, antioxidant activity through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). The latter appointed to the similar antioxidant capacity of the M1, M2 and M3. The degradation profiles showed higher thermostability to M3, followed by M2 and M1. The incorporation of RPE into the matrices and the crosslinking of M3 were evinced by FTIR. There were differences in the release of phenolic compounds, with a higher release related to M1 and lower in the strongly crosslinked M3. The degradation profiles showed higher thermostability to M3, followed by M2 and M1. The antibacterial activity of the membranes was determined using the disc diffusion assay, in comparison with controls, obtained in the same way, without RPE. The membranes elicited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with superior performance over M3. The hydrogel membranes loaded with RPE promote a physical barrier against bacterial skin infections and may be applied in the wound healing process.

Development of a Polymeric Membrane Impregnated with Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) Nanoparticles Loaded with Red Propolis (RP)

“…In a comparative study carried out by Bi et al [ 39 ] using PLA and PLA/PVA/SA electrospun fiber membranes for wound healing in vitro and in vivo, the authors observed that isolated PLA fibers allowed for the acceleration of wound healing in rats. The developed membrane system will be able to act synergistically between the hydrophilic membrane (promoting exudate absorption) [ 32 ], PLA (protein deposition) [ 39 ], and RPE (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing activity) [ 4 ]. The analyses described in this work reveal that the developed membrane has characteristics suitable for its use in in vitro and in vivo biological assays.…”

“…Its main feature is its high liquid absorption capacity. This characteristic is important for the manufacture of biomaterials to accelerate the wound healing process [ 3 , 4 ]. Biodegradable and bioabsorbable synthetic polymeric materials have been extensively investigated, and they are promising in the development of biomedical devices for application at the heart of tissue recovery [ 5 ].…”

“…The resinous fraction is rich in phenolic substances, such as phenolic acids, and there is a predominance of flavonoids [ 9 ]. Red propolis is classified as the 13th subtype of Brazilian propolis; it was found in hives located along the coast and mangroves in the states of Sergipe, Alagoas, Paraíba, and Bahia [ 4 ]. Its botanical origin is mainly due to the plant Dalbergia ecastophyllum (L.) Taub.…”

“…Propolis is a natural product with high medicinal potential in both human and veterinary medicine. Over the last 100 years, the scientific literature has revealed its pharmacological properties, such as antibacterial [ 4 ], anti-inflammatory [ 11 ], antifungal, antioxidant [ 12 ], and antitumor activity, with its uses for wound healing and tissue repair [ 13 ].…”

Nanomaterials in Skin Regeneration and Rejuvenation

“…Such molecules are usually polyphenols and their derivatives, but also other compounds, from both natural and synthetic sources, have been employed with remarkable results. Ceria [79], curcumin [80], hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, such as p-coumaric and ferulic acids [81], tannic acid [82], propolis [83], natural plant extracts [84][85][86], anthocyanins [87] and many other phytochemicals within nanocomposites have been tested for their ROS scavenging activities with relevant effects, especially in the case of diabetic chronic wounds, where over-production of ROS can impair angiogenesis and results in continuous inflammation [88][89][90].…”