The aim of this study was to characterize tinctures and microcapsules loaded with an ethanol extract of red propolis through chemical, physicochemical and microbiological assays in order to establish quality control tools for nutraceutical preparations of red propolis. The markers (isoflavonoids, chalcones, pterocarpans, flavones, phenolic acids, terpenes and guttiferones) present in the tinctures A and B were identified and confirmed using LC/ESI/FTMS/Orbitrap. Four compositions (A, B, C and D) were prepared to contain B tincture of the red propolis with some pharmaceutical excipients and submitted to two drying processes, i. e. spray-drying and freeze-drying to obtain microcapsules loaded with the red propolis extract. The tinctures and microcapsules of the red propolis were submitted to the total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity tests. The antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were tested using Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25293 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strains. The tinctures and microcapsules presented high flavonoid quantities from 20.50 to 40.79 mg/100 mg of the microcapsules. The antioxidant activity and IC50 were determined for the tinctures A and B (IC50: 6.95 µg/mL and 7.48 µg/mL), the spray-dried microcapsules (IC50: 8.89-15.63 µg/mL) and the freeze-dried microcapsules (IC50: 11.83-23.36 µg/mL). The tinctures and microcapsules were proved to be bioactive against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with inhibition halos superior to 10 mm at concentration of 200 µg/mL and MIC values of 135.87-271.74 µg/mL using gram-positive strain and 271.74-543.48 µg/mL using gram-negative strain. The tinctures and microcapsules of the red propolis have a potential application for nutraceutical products.

This study investigated the chemical composition, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity of commercial propolis extracts produced in the Sergipe and Alagoas States of Brazil as potential bioproducts for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Four samples were analyzed, three brown propolis extracts and one red propolis extract, and were characterized through phytochemical screening, chemical, chromatographic profile and antibacterial activity. Phytochemical analysis detected the presence of triterpenoids and phenolic compound in propolis extracts. Propolis extracts showed total phenolic content between 9 and 15% and total flavonoids >2%. Propolis extracts showed excellent antioxidant activity with inhibition of the Free radical DPPH˙ between 97 and 60%, which confirm the results obtained in total phenolics, total flavonoids content and antibacterial activity. The chromatographic profile showed differences for brown propolis samples and quite different from the red propolis extract, which present flavonoids as isoflavonoids, pterocarpans, chalcones and guttiferones. Commercial propolis extract (propolis extract C and propolis extract D) showed excellent activity for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and moderate activity for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. The chemical characterization of propolis extracts is fundamental in the process of standardization and monitoring of the chemical composition susceptible to geographic and seasonal variation. These results point to new possibilities of use as bio-preservative of processed foods as well as in the development of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals products from propolis extract C and D in its formulation actuate on the inhibition of some pathogenic microorganisms strains.

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.

Avaliação dos compostos bioativos e ação antioxidante do iogurte de beterraba com limão / Evaluation of bioactive compounds and antioxidant action of beet yoghurt with lemon