Effect of alveolex on the bone defects repair stimulated by rhBMP-2: Histomorphometric study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate histomorphometrically the effect of alveolex (Propolis 10%) on the repair of bone cavities in the calvaria of rats. MATERIALS and METHODS: A 5 mm diameter bone defect was made in the calvaria of male Wistar rats using the drill-type trephine. The defects were filled with rhBMP-21Alveolex, rhBMP-2, Alveolex, or coagulum. Twenty-eight animals with seven subjects on each were sacrificed 30 days after surgery and samples were fixed and embedded in paraffin. Histological sections stained by HE (hematoxylin and eosin) were obtained from the calvaria bone defect and analyzed by a differential point-counting method. RESULTS: Group I and II, rhBMP-21Alveolex and rhBMP-2, respectively, presented higher levels of newly formed bone than other groups (P < 0.001). There were not significant differences between groups I and II (P > 0.05). In addition, there was not significant difference between groups III and IV, Control-Coagulum and Alveolex, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Alveolex has increased the bone repair in calvaria defects of rats when associated to rhBMP-2, however without significant differences for rhBMP-2 isolated group; Alveolex isolated group showed the lowest levels of newly formed bone with no significant differences to coagulum group (control). Microsc. Res. Tech. 75: 36-41, 2012. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Determination of the maximum inhibitory dilution of cetylpyridinium chloride-based mouthwashes against Staphylococcus aureus: an in vitro study

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the maximum inhibitory dilution (MID) of four cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)based mouthwashes: CPC+Propolis, CPC+Malva, CPC+Eucaliptol+Jua+Roma+Propolis (Natural Honey (R)) and CPC (Cepacol (R)), against 28 Staphylococcus aureus field strains, using the agar dilution method. Decimal dilutions ranging from 1/10 to 1/655,360 were prepared and added to Mueller Hinton Agar. Strains were inoculated using Steers multipoint inoculator. The inocula were seeded onto the surface of the culture medium in Petri dishes containing different dilutions of the mouthwashes. The dishes were incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 h. For readings, the MID was considered as the maximum dilution of mouthwash still capable of inhibiting microbial growth. The obtained data showed that CPC+Propolis had antimicrobial activity against 27 strains at 1/320 dilution and against all 28 strains at 1/160 dilution, CPC+Malva inhibited the growth of all 28 strains at 1/320 dilution, CPC+Eucaliptol+Jua+Roma+Propolis inhibited the growth of 2 strains at 1/640 dilution and all 28 strains at 1/320 dilution, and Cepacol (R) showed antimicrobial activity against 3 strains at 1/320 dilution and against all 28 strains at 1/160 dilution. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis test, showing that the MID of Cepacol (R) was lower than that determined for the other products (p<0.05). In conclusion, CPC-mouthwashes showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and the addition of other substances to CPC improved its antimicrobial effect.

Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Baccharis dracunculifolia in the Trinitrobenzenesulphonic Acid Model of Rat Colitis

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effect of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraeeae) extracts and its isolated compounds on macrophage activation

Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. (Asteraceae), a shrub which grows wild in Brazil, is the main botanical source of Brazilian green propolis. Since Brazilian propolis shows an immunomodulatory activity, the goal of this work was to evaluate the action of B. dracunculifolia extracts and some of its isolated compounds on reactive oxygen intermediate (H2O2) production by macrophages obtained from male BALB/c mice. The results showed that the leaf (Bd-L) (25, 50, and 100 mu g mL(-1)), leaf rinse (Bd-LR) (25 mu g mL(-1)), and the root (Bd-R) (25 mu g mL(-1)) extracts enhanced H2O2 release by macrophages. A phytochemical study of the root and leaves of B. dracunculifolia was carried out. The chromatographic fractionation of Bd-R, using several techniques, afforded the isolation of baccharis oxide (1), friedelanol (2), viscidone (11), 11-hydroxy-10,11-dihydro-euparin (12), and 6-hydroxy-tremetona (13), while Bd-LR gave the following isolated compounds: baccharis oxide (1), friedelanol (2), isosakuranetin (3), aromadendrin-4'-methyl ether (4), dihydrocumaric acid (5), baccharin (6), hautriwaic acid lactone (7), hautriwaic acid acetate (8), drupanin (9), and cumaric acid (10). Among the isolated compounds, baccharis oxide (1) and friedelanol (2) increased H2O2 production at a concentration of 1001,M. This is the first time that the presence of compounds 7, 8, 12, and 13 in B. dracunculifolia has been reported. Based on these results it is suggested that the crude extracts and some isolated compounds from B. dracunculifolia display an immunomodulatory action.

Atividade antimicrobiana de própolis de Apis mellifera obtidas em três regiões do Brasil

As propriedades biológicas da própolis de Apis mellifera são amplamente relatadas sendo comuns variações nas mesmas em função da região onde foram produzidas. A ação antimicrobiana de própolis obtidas em três regiões do Brasil (Botucatu-SP, Mossoró-RN e Urubici-SC) foi investigada sobre linhagens isoladas de infecções clínicas humanas (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Candida albicans). Foram preparados extratos alcoólicos de própolis (EAP) e determinada a Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) seguida do cálculo da CIM90%. A própolis de Botucatu foi a mais eficiente sobre S. aureus (0,3%v/v), Enterococcus sp (1,1%v/v) e C. albicans (2,1% v/v). Para E. coli, a própolis eficiente foi de Urubici (7,0%v/v) e para P. aeruginosa a de Mossoró (5,3%v/v). Os resultados mostram maior sensibilidade das bactérias Gram positivas e levedura em relação às Gram negativas. É possível concluir que, para os microrganismos testados e amostras de própolis testadas, há diferenças na atividade antimicrobiana em função do local de produção e que isso se explica pela diferença de composição química da própolis.

Avaliação farmacognóstica da própolis da região de Maringá

Os autores propõem procedimentos para estabelecer o controle de qualidade da própolis. Para tanto, foram adaptadas e executadas técnicas farmacopéicas e/ou desenvolvidas técnicas novas. Foram estabelecidos perfis dos teores de flavonóides, de ceras, de substâncias voláteis totais (através da perda por dessecação) e de cinzas totais. Os valores obtidos para as amostras de própolis estudadas, coletadas em um apiário-escola, foram comparados com os de própolis adquiridas no mercado. Foi estabelecido, ainda, o perfil destes parâmetros para amostras de própolis coletadas nos diferentes locais da colméla, no periodo de três anos, com coletas de inverno e verão. Os teores de flavonóides variaram entre 2,05 - 5,52%.

Qualidade de rosas de corte tratadas com produtos naturais

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Características de carcaça, componentes corporais e rendimento de cortes de cordeiros confinados recebendo dieta com própolis ou monensina sódica

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos dos aditivos própolis verde, própolis marrom e monensina sódica sobre as características de carcaça, avaliadas por ultra-som e pós-abate, os componentes corporais e o rendimento de cortes de cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros machos, com oito animais por tratamento, mantidos em confinamento por 64 dias. Os animais receberam dieta com relação volumoso:concentrado de 50:50, à base de feno de capim-tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) e concentrado comercial. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com oito animais por dieta, distribuídos aleatoriamente de acordo com o peso: controle, dieta sem aditivo, própolis verde, própolis marrom e monensina sódica. Os rendimentos de carcaça (verdadeiro, quente e comercial) não diferiram entre os aditivos, com médias de 54,97; 44,89 e 41,81%, respectivamente. Os componentes corporais e rendimento de cortes comerciais não foram influenciados pelos aditivos utilizados nas dietas. A metodologia utilizada na determinação teve efeito nas medidas de área de olho-de-lombo (AOL) e espessura de gordura subcutânea (EGS), de modo que, pelo método tradicional, com medidas na carcaça, foram obtidas as maiores médias para AOL (12,14 vs. 9,08 cm²) e as menores para EGS (2,42 vs. 2,69 mm). A correlação entre as medidas de área de olho-de-lombo (AOL) da carcaça e aquelas obtidas por ultra-sonografia foi de 0,8597. Os aditivos não influenciaram as características de carcaça, os componentes corporais e o rendimento de cortes de ovinos terminados em confinamento. A realização de medidas ultra-sonográficas de AOL e marmoreio pode ser utilizada na avaliação de carcaça in vivo em ovinos.

Use of Natural Products for Post-Harvest Preservation of 'Vega' Cut Roses

Use of natural products as floral preservatives has helped to reduce the indiscriminate use of chemical products in flower preservation. In this study, we tested the ability of certain natural products to maintain the quality and to increase the commercial durability of 'Vega' cut roses. We employed a randomized factorial design with six post-harvest treatments and four evaluation dates. The following treatments were tested: 1) distilled water; 2) methyl jasmonate (350 mu M) applied in a four-hour pulse; 3) methyl jasmonate (500 mu M) spraying; 4) mint oil (100 ppm); 5) ginger oil (100 ppm); and 6) propolis (0.05%) as a maintenance solution. Flowers were kept at 20+/-2 degrees C and 67+/-3% RH. Physiological and qualitative evaluations were conducted. Natural products had a beneficial effect on the shelf life of the flowers. However, for all evaluated parameters, the methyl jasmonate spray was the most efficient treatment to maintain floral quality, resulting in less fresh-mass loss and a lower flower respiratory rate. Methyl jasmonate spray also improved the maintenance of coloration, relative water content and concentration of reducing sugars, thus extending the shelf life of roses.

Avaliação do colesterol plasmático em coelhos com hipercolesterolemia induzida e tratados com extrato etanólico de própolis

The propolis (bee glue) is a product rich in flavonoids, which are known for antioxidant activities, a protective action to the lipoproteins LDL-cholesterol against lipid peroxidation. Because they have antioxidant properties, we investigated the effect of the ethanolic extract propolis on the plasma level of cholesterol in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) submitted to hypercholesterolaemia. The animals were divided into 4 groups. G 1=received commercial feed and water, G 2=received enriched feed and water, G 3=received enriched feed and ethanol, G 4=received enriched feed and ethanolic extract of propolis. The hypercholesterolaemia was induced with commercial feed enriched with egg yolk. The animals received the ethanolic extract propolis at the concentration of 100 mg/kg daily. Weekly, after fast of 14 hours, the samples of blood were collected from the marginal vein of the ear. The plasma was used for the estimation total cholesterol. From the results obtained, we verified that the ethanolic extract propolis significantly reduced the plasma level cholesterol (109,59 mg/dL, p<0,05), compared to the animals treated with ethanol (331,38 mg/dL), and also to those receiving the commercial feed only, with cholesterol at 269,74 mg/dL.

Avaliação bioquímica do extrato etanólico de própolis em ratos

Propolis is a natural product collected by honey bees containing, among other biochemical constituents, a variety of flavonoids. Propolis is a folk medicinal employed for treating various diseases. It is alleged to exhibit a broad spectrum of bioactivities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) of species Plebeia droryana and Scaptotrigonea bipunctata through biochemical parameters. Rats were divided into 4 groups: (G1) untreated; (G2) ethanol treated; (G3) treated EEP of Plebeia droryana; (G4) treated of Scaptotrigonea bipunctata. The EEP (100 mg/kg b. w., daily) was administered orally to the animals, for 30 days. Treatment with EEP for two species showed reduction (p<0,05) in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartato aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity, compared to control ethanol values. The administration of EEP lowered significantly the serum levels of cholesterol (G3= 48,83±5,7 mg/dL; G4=56,91±6,5 mg/dL) and triacylglycerol (G3=45,17±4,16 mg/dL; G4=46,74± 3,90 mg/dL). The serum concentration of albumin (G3=4,16±0,6 g/dL; G4= 3,61±0,36 g/dL) increased (p<0,05) after the administration of EEP, however, it did not affect total protein and glucose concentration. The data suggest that EEP of two species caused alterations of the biochemical parameters.

Contribuição ao protocolo de controle de qualidade da própolis e de seus extratos

A quality control protocol for the analysis of propolis and its extracts is proposed in the present work. Propolis of Apis mellifera L. bees collected in beehives of an apiary located in the northwest of the Paraná State was triturated and submitted to the following analysis: particles medium size determination, loss of dry, ashes drift, waxes drift, drift of extractive (in water and in ethanol) and total flavonoids drift determination. Propolis ethanolic extracts (96 °GL) at 10% (w/w) and at 30% (w/w) were prepared and submitted to the determination of the pH, relative density, dry residue, alcoholic drift and total flavonoids drift determination. Propolis was analyzed, through High Performance Liquid Cromatography (HPLC). Comparing the obtained results with other works, it was observed that is possible to establish the intervals of values for parameters in order to evaluate the quality of a propolis sample and its extracts.

Cysts reabsorption in the testis of the bee wax pest Achroia grisella (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) during spermatogenesis

The present paper reports the occurrence of testicular cysts degeneration during spermatogenesis of Achroia grisella, a Lepidoptera with dimorphic spermatogenesis, through ultrastrucutural studies. Signs of cysts degeneration can be detected in the last larval instar but it increases during pupation and early adulthood. The degeneration affects the eupyrene, as well apyrene cysts but it is not always possible to recognize which cysts are degenerating. Some morphological features of cysts degeneration resemble apoptosis.

Atividade anti Staphylococcus aureus de extratos de própolis (EP) de Apis mellifera preparados com diferentes concentrações de etanol

Propolis has been used in folk medicine and possesses a broad spectrum of biological activities, specially antibacterial activity. Studies have demonstrated that the composition of propolis extract may have influence in such activity. The goal of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of eleven propolis extracts (PE) against sixty one Staphylococcus aureus strains, isolated from newborn clinical specimens. The PE from Apis mellifera were prepared by using pure water and mixtures of water with ethanol at different concentrations (from 0 to 100%), 25g of propolis in 100 mL of solvent, and three days of maceration followed by filtration. Determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) by agar dilution method was performed and serial concentrations from each PE were achieved (%v/v) in plates containing Mueller Hinton agar. It was possible to verify that the anti S. aureus activity was directly proportional to ethanol concentration and no significant differences were observed among PE with ethanol concentration from 70 to 100%. The MIC 90% values ranged from 0.4 to 0.6% (v/v) and the 70% ethanolic extract were the most efficient to inhibit bacterial growth (MIC 90%=0.42%, v/v). In conclusion, our results suggest that the EP composition and, consequently, the concentration of ethanol used as solvent may influence the antibacterial activity of propolis from A. mellifera.

Histologia do rim, fígado e intestino de girinos de rã-touro (Rana catesbeiana) alimentados com dietas contendo própolis

This research was aimed at verifying the occurrence of possible alterations in liver, kidney and intestine of bullfrog tadpoles in stage 42 fed with diets containing different concentrations (0.0; 0.2; 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5%) of propolis hydroalcoholic extract. The experiment was carried out in laboratory of Aquatic Organisms Nutrition from Aquaculture Center of UNESP, where 1,400 tadpoles in stage 26 were used and distributed in twenty experimental aquariums. In the end of experiment (60 days) three tadpoles from each repetition were sacrificed and kidney, liver and intestine samples were collected to processing of histological slices in Histology's Laboratory pertaining to Department of Morphology and Physiology from FCAV - UNESP. Samples were fixed, dehydrated, stained in HE, analysed, photomicrographed and thickness of intestinal epithelium was measured. Histological disturbances in tadpoles's intestine, kidneys and liver were not observed. Thickness of intestinal epithelium from the same ones was not influenced (P>0.05) by propolis concentrations.