Antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and immunomodulatory effects and toxicity of geopropolis produced by the stingless bee Melipona fasciculata Smith

Abstract

BackgroundNative bees of the tribe Meliponini produce a distinct kind of propolis called geopropolis. Although many pharmacological activities of propolis have already been demonstrated, little is known about geopropolis, particularly regarding its antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. The present study aimed at investigating the antimicrobial activity of M. fasciculata geopropolis against oral pathogens, its effects on S. mutans biofilms, and the chemical contents of the extracts. A gel prepared with a geopropolis extract was also analyzed for its activity on S. mutans and its immunotoxicological potential.MethodsAntimicrobial activities of three hydroalcoholic extracts (HAEs) of geopropolis, and hexane and chloroform fractions of one extract, were evaluated using the agar diffusion method and the broth dilution technique. Ethanol (70%, v/v) and chlorhexidine (0.12%, w/w) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were assayed by spectrophotometry. Immunotoxicity was evaluated in mice by topical application in the oral cavity followed by quantification of biochemical and immunological parameters, and macro-microscopic analysis of animal organs.ResultsTwo extracts, HAE-2 and HAE-3, showed inhibition zones ranging from 9 to 13 mm in diameter for S. mutans and C. albicans, but presented no activity against L. acidophilus. The MBCs for HAE-2 and HAE-3 against S. mutans were 6.25 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. HAE-2 was fractionated, and its chloroform fraction had an MBC of 14.57 mg/mL. HAE-2 also exhibited bactericidal effects on S. mutans biofilms after 3 h of treatment. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were observed among the samples. Signs toxic effects were not observed after application of the geopropolis-based gel, but an increase in the production of IL-4 and IL-10, anti-inflammatory cytokines, was detected.ConclusionsIn summary, geopropolis produced by M. fasciculata can exert antimicrobial action against S. mutans and C. albicans, with significant inhibitory activity against S. mutans biofilms. The extract with the highest flavonoid concentration, HAE-2, presented the highest antimicrobial activity. In addition, a geopropolis-based gel is not toxic in an animal model and displays anti-inflammatory effect.

Melipona mondury produces a geopropolis with antioxidant, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities

“…Geopropolis has also been proposed as an alternative for prevention and/or treatment of infectious diseases because it has broad antimicrobial activities. In fact, several types of geopropolis have antibacterial properties (Liberio et al 2011, Campos et al 2014.…”

“…The biological activities and chemical compositions of geopropolis have been reported for many different stingless bee species (Liberio et al 2011, Campos et al 2014. However, there have been no previous pharmacological and chemical analyses of geopropolis from M. mondury.…”

“…Studies of different types of geopropolis have demonstrated their significant antinociceptive , anti-inflammatory , Campos et al 2015, antioxidant , Campos et al 2014, immunomodulatory (Liberio et al 2011), antibacterial (Liberio et al 2011, Campos et al 2014, and antiproliferative , Campos et al 2014 activities. Their chemical compositions are extremely complex and their diversity depends on the flora visited and the season (Marcucci 1995, Bankova et al 2000, Sforcin and Bankova 2011.…”

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of geopropolis produced by Melipona fasciculata (Meliponinae) in flooded fields and cerrado areas of Maranhão State, northeastern Brazil

“…Several studies have demonstrated the biological properties of geopropolis, such as antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antitumor, antioxidant, antinociceptive, antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and gastroprotective (Libério et al 2011;Souza et al 2014;Araújo et al 2015).…”

Current Developments in Transport Media for Avulsed Teeth: An Update

“…Propolis has a complex chemical composition and is mainly composed of resin (50%), wax (30%), essential oils (10%), pollen (5%), and other organic compounds (5%). The application of propolis as a storage media has been studied by many authors [29][30][31]. Propolis has synergistic effect with Dulbecco's modified eagle's medium (DMEM) for the maintenance of cell viability and preservative potential.…”