RESUMO

Variations in the physicochemical parameters and mineral content of honey may occur according to the region where the honey is produced. The region of Polo Cuesta comprises a number of towns in the state of São Paulo and plays an important role in the national honey industry. Knowledge of the quality of the honey produced in this region can make it a product with its own specific characteristics related to soil type, climate and environmental, social and cultural factors, adding value to the product. The aim of this study was to assay the physicochemical parameters (ashes, pH, acidity, insoluble solids, color, presence of commercial glucose, Fiehes test, Lunds reaction, and Lugols reaction) of honey samples obtained from Eucalyptus, Citrus and wild honey, and to quantify mineral content (calcium, copper, sulfur, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. All samples were within the limits of physicochemical parameters established by the legislation, except for moisture. In this study, 14.3% of the Eucalyptus samples, 75% of the Citrus samples and all wild honey samples had a moisture content above 20%. The mineral content of the samples varied according to botanical origin. The honey produced by Apis mellifera L. bees in the region of Polo Cuesta shows satisfactory physicochemical parameters. This study may provide recommendations for beekeepers to enhance good practices in honey harvesting, processing and storage in order to improve its quality.(AU)

A região do Pólo Cuesta, considerada um pólo de turismo rural, é formada por diversas cidades no interior do estado de São Paulo, e possui expressividade considerável na produção de mel. Entretanto, o mel produzido pelas abelhas sofre influência direta das fontes vegetais, resultando em variações de sua qualidade. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar um levantamento da qualidade do mel produzido na Região do Pólo Cuesta, proveniente de diferentes floradas (eucalipto, laranjeira e silvestre), por meio de análises físico-químicas (cinzas, pH, acidez, sólidos insolúveis, cor, presença de glicose comercial, teste de Fiehe, reação de Lund e Lugol) e teor de minerais (cálcio, cobre, enxofre, ferro, fósforo, magnésio, potássio, sódio e zinco) por meio da espectrofotometria de absorção atômica. De acordo com os resultados, o mel da região mostrou-se dentro dos parâmetros físico-químicos estabelecidos pela legislação vigente. O teor de minerais das amostras sofreu variações significativas de acordo com a origem botânica. Pode-se considerar que o mel produzido por abelhas Apis mellifera L. na região do Pólo Cuesta possui boa qualidade e pode tornar-se um produto com denominação de origem.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Variations in the physicochemical parameters and mineral content of honey may occur according to the region where the honey is produced. The region of Polo Cuesta comprises a number of towns in the state of São Paulo and plays an important role in the national honey industry. Knowledge of the quality of the honey produced in this region can make it a product with its own specific characteristics related to soil type, climate and environmental, social and cultural factors, adding value to the product. The aim of this study was to assay the physicochemical parameters (ashes, pH, acidity, insoluble solids, color, presence of commercial glucose, Fiehe’s test, Lund’s reaction, and Lugol’s reaction) of honey samples obtained from Eucalyptus, Citrus and wild honey, and to quantify mineral content (calcium, copper, sulfur, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. All samples were within the limits of physicochemical parameters established by the legislation, except for moisture. In this study, 14.3% of the Eucalyptus samples, 75% of the Citrus samples and all wild honey samples had a moisture content above 20%. The mineral content of the samples varied according to botanical origin. The honey produced by Apis mellifera L. bees in the region of Polo Cuesta shows satisfactory physicochemical parameters. This study may provide recommendations for beekeepers to enhance good practices in honey harvesting, processing and storage in order to improve its quality.

A região do Pólo Cuesta, considerada um pólo de turismo rural, é formada por diversas cidades no interior do estado de São Paulo, e possui expressividade considerável na produção de mel. Entretanto, o mel produzido pelas abelhas sofre influência direta das fontes vegetais, resultando em variações de sua qualidade. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar um levantamento da qualidade do mel produzido na Região do Pólo Cuesta, proveniente de diferentes floradas (eucalipto, laranjeira e silvestre), por meio de análises físico-químicas (cinzas, pH, acidez, sólidos insolúveis, cor, presença de glicose comercial, teste de Fiehe, reação de Lund e Lugol) e teor de minerais (cálcio, cobre, enxofre, ferro, fósforo, magnésio, potássio, sódio e zinco) por meio da espectrofotometria de absorção atômica. De acordo com os resultados, o mel da região mostrou-se dentro dos parâmetros físico-químicos estabelecidos pela legislação vigente. O teor de minerais das amostras sofreu variações significativas de acordo com a origem botânica. Pode-se considerar que o mel produzido por abelhas Apis mellifera L. na região do Pólo Cuesta possui boa qualidade e pode tornar-se um produto com denominação de origem.

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Abstract The effects of seasonal variations and the methods of collection of propolis produced by Africanized honey bees Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, on the composition of constituent minerals such as magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and potassium (K) were evaluated. Propolis was harvested from 25 beehives by scraping or by means of propolis collectors (screen, “intelligent” collector propolis [ICP], lateral opening of the super [LOS], and underlay method). During the one-year study, the propolis produced was harvested each month, ground, homogenized, and stored in a freezer at -10 ºC. Seasonal analyses of the mineral composition were carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the results were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey-Kramer’s test to compare the mean values (p<0.05). The results showed that seasonal variations influence the contents of 5 minerals (Mg, Fe, Na, Ca, and Cu), and the propolis harvesting method affects the contents of 4 minerals (Mg, Zn, Fe, and Ca).

Resumo A influência da sazonalidade e de métodos de produção de própolis por abelhas africanizadas Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, sobre a concentração de magnésio (Mg), zinco (Zn), ferro (Fe), sódio (Na), cálcio (Ca), cobre (Cu) e potássio (K) foram avaliados. 25 colmeias foram utilizadas, e a colheita de propolis ocorreu por raspagem ou a partir de coletores (tela, coletor de própolis “inteligente” – CPI, abertura lateral da melgueira – ALM e calço). Durante um ano a própolis foi colhida mensalmente, homogeneizada e armazenada em freezer a -10 ºC. A análise sazonal de minerais foi realizada por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica e os resultados avaliados por análise de variância (ANOVA) seguida do teste de Tukey-Kramer para comparação de médias (p<0,05). Os resultados demostraram que a sazonalidade afetou o conteúdo de cinco minerais (Mg, Fe, Na, Ca e Cu) e os métodos de coleta afetaram o conteúdo de quatro minerais (Mg, Zn, Fe e Ca).

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RESUMO

Abstract The effects of seasonal variations and the methods of collection of propolis produced by Africanized honey bees Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, on the composition of constituent minerals such as magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and potassium (K) were evaluated. Propolis was harvested from 25 beehives by scraping or by means of propolis collectors (screen, intelligent collector propolis [ICP], lateral opening of the super [LOS], and underlay method). During the one-year study, the propolis produced was harvested each month, ground, homogenized, and stored in a freezer at -10 ºC. Seasonal analyses of the mineral composition were carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the results were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey-Kramers test to compare the mean values (p 0.05). The results showed that seasonal variations influence the contents of 5 minerals (Mg, Fe, Na, Ca, and Cu), and the propolis harvesting method affects the contents of 4 minerals (Mg, Zn, Fe, and Ca).(AU)

Resumo A influência da sazonalidade e de métodos de produção de própolis por abelhas africanizadas Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, sobre a concentração de magnésio (Mg), zinco (Zn), ferro (Fe), sódio (Na), cálcio (Ca), cobre (Cu) e potássio (K) foram avaliados. 25 colmeias foram utilizadas, e a colheita de propolis ocorreu por raspagem ou a partir de coletores (tela, coletor de própolis inteligente CPI, abertura lateral da melgueira ALM e calço). Durante um ano a própolis foi colhida mensalmente, homogeneizada e armazenada em freezer a -10 ºC. A análise sazonal de minerais foi realizada por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica e os resultados avaliados por análise de variância (ANOVA) seguida do teste de Tukey-Kramer para comparação de médias (p 0,05). Os resultados demostraram que a sazonalidade afetou o conteúdo de cinco minerais (Mg, Fe, Na, Ca e Cu) e os métodos de coleta afetaram o conteúdo de quatro minerais (Mg, Zn, Fe e Ca).(AU)

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RESUMO

The effects of seasonal variations and the methods of collection of propolis produced by Africanized honey bees Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, on the composition of constituent minerals such as magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and potassium (K) were evaluated. Propolis was harvested from 25 beehives by scraping or by means of propolis collectors (screen, "intelligent" collector propolis [ICP], lateral opening of the super [LOS], and underlay method). During the one-year study, the propolis produced was harvested each month, ground, homogenized, and stored in a freezer at -10 ºC. Seasonal analyses of the mineral composition were carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the results were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey-Kramer's test to compare the mean values (p<0.05). The results showed that seasonal variations influence the contents of 5 minerals (Mg, Fe, Na, Ca, and Cu), and the propolis harvesting method affects the contents of 4 minerals (Mg, Zn, Fe, and Ca).

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RESUMO

Abstract The effects of seasonal variations and the methods of collection of propolis produced by Africanized honey bees Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, on the composition of constituent minerals such as magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and potassium (K) were evaluated. Propolis was harvested from 25 beehives by scraping or by means of propolis collectors (screen, intelligent collector propolis [ICP], lateral opening of the super [LOS], and underlay method). During the one-year study, the propolis produced was harvested each month, ground, homogenized, and stored in a freezer at -10 ºC. Seasonal analyses of the mineral composition were carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the results were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey-Kramers test to compare the mean values (p 0.05). The results showed that seasonal variations influence the contents of 5 minerals (Mg, Fe, Na, Ca, and Cu), and the propolis harvesting method affects the contents of 4 minerals (Mg, Zn, Fe, and Ca).

Resumo A influência da sazonalidade e de métodos de produção de própolis por abelhas africanizadas Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, sobre a concentração de magnésio (Mg), zinco (Zn), ferro (Fe), sódio (Na), cálcio (Ca), cobre (Cu) e potássio (K) foram avaliados. 25 colmeias foram utilizadas, e a colheita de propolis ocorreu por raspagem ou a partir de coletores (tela, coletor de própolis inteligente CPI, abertura lateral da melgueira ALM e calço). Durante um ano a própolis foi colhida mensalmente, homogeneizada e armazenada em freezer a -10 ºC. A análise sazonal de minerais foi realizada por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica e os resultados avaliados por análise de variância (ANOVA) seguida do teste de Tukey-Kramer para comparação de médias (p 0,05). Os resultados demostraram que a sazonalidade afetou o conteúdo de cinco minerais (Mg, Fe, Na, Ca e Cu) e os métodos de coleta afetaram o conteúdo de quatro minerais (Mg, Zn, Fe e Ca).

RESUMO

Propolis is a honeybee product that has been used since ancient times because of its therapeutic effects. It can be used in the development of alternative therapies for the treatment of many diseases, and because propolis shows antibacterial action, this work was carried out in order to investigate a possible synergism between propolis and antibiotics acting on DNA (ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin) and on the metabolism (cotrimoxazole) against Salmonella typhi. Propolis samples collected in Brazil and Bulgaria were compared in these assays, and the synergism was investigated by using ½ and » of the minimal inhibitory concentration for propolis and antibiotics, evaluating the number of viable cells according to the incubation time. Brazilian and Bulgarian propolis showed antibacterial activity, but no synergistic effects with the three tested antibiotics were seen. Previous works by our laboratory have revealed that propolis has synergistic effects with antibiotics, acting on the bacterial wall and ribosome, but it does not seem to interact with antibiotics acting on DNA or folic acid, and only a bacteriostatic action was seen in these assay conditions.

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Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is the causative agent of typhoid fever in humans, and the use of antibiotics is essential for controlling this infection; however, the excessive use of antibiotics may select resistant strains. Propolis is a honeybee product and its antimicrobial activity has been intensively investigated. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate a possible synergism between propolis (collected in Brazil and Bulgaria) and antibiotics acting on the ribosome (chloramphenicol, tetracycline and neomycin) against Salmonella Typhi in vitro. The synergism was investigated by using ½ and » of the minimum inhibitory concentration for propolis and these antimicrobial agents, evaluating the number of viable cells according to the incubation time. Brazilian propolis showed a bacteriostatic action against S. Typhi, while Bulgarian propolis showed a bactericidal activity and a synergistic effect with the three antibiotics. Variations in the biological assays might be due to the differences in their chemical compositions. Based on the results, one may conclude that Bulgarian propolis showed an important antibacterial action, as well as a synergistic effect with antibiotics acting on the ribosome, which points out a possible therapeutic strategy evaluating the use of propolis preparations for the treatment of Salmonella Typhi infection.

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Propolis shows biological properties such as antibacterial action. This bee product has a complex chemical composition, which depends on the local flora where it is produced. Salmonella serovars are responsible for human diseases that range from localized gastroenteritis to systemic infections. The aim of the present study was to investigate the susceptibility of Salmonella strains, isolated from food and infectious processes, to the antibacterial action of Brazilian and Bulgarian propolis, as well as to determine the behavior of these bacteria, according to the incubation period, in medium plus propolis. Dilution of ethanolic extract of propolis in agar was the used method. Brazilian and Bulgarian propolis showed an antibacterial action against all Salmonella serovars. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of propolis were similar, although they were collected in different geographic regions. Salmonella typhimurium, isolated from human infection, was more resistant to propolis than Salmonella enteritidis.

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The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of propolis samples from Goiás, Paraná and São Paulo States, Brazil, and their flavonoids content. Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared (30g of propolis in 70% ethanol), and the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were tested. The methodology employed was agar diffusion using filter paper discs. Ampicillin and tetracycline were used as controls. Antibacterial activity was determined by the reading of inhibition zone diameters (mm) after 24 hours incubation at 37°C. Results demonstrated that EEP inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus but not that of Escherichia coli. Tetracycline and ampicillin showed an efficient action against both bacteria. Flavonoids content was variable, depending on the propolis sample. According to the results, it may be concluded that EEP showed effective action against Gram-positive bacteria, independently on their geographic origin, and a positive correlation between antibacterial activity and flavonoids content

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Propolis antibiotic action has been widely investigated. This assay was carried out in order to observe the in vitro antibacterial activity of propolis against Salmonella enteritidis isolated from food and Salmonella typhimurium isolated from human infections. Propolis was collected by Apis mellifera in two regions of Brazil (Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte State; and Urubici, Santa Catarina State). Both strains survival percentage decreased with time of incubation in Ethanolic Extracts of Propolis (EEP), demonstrating bactericidal effect after 24 hours. It was also observed that EEP from Mossoró was more effective than that from Urubici. The control of the propolis solvent - 70 percent ethanol - was less effective than EEP, showing only a bacteriostatic effect. We can conclude that propolis shows an activity against Gram-negative bacteria that varies according to the geographical region where it was collected by bees.(AU)

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Propolis is a beehive product with a very complex chemical composition, widely used in folk medicine because of its several therapeutic activities. Its biological properties and chemical composition may vary according to the geographic location and to the different plant sources. The possible mechanism of action of propolis as well as of its active compounds has been the subject of researchers in recent years. In this work, first we reported the results of our study on the seasonal effect of the immunomodulatory action of propolis on antibody production in bovine serum albumin (BSA)-immunized rats. Then, we compared the effect of Brazilian and Bulgarian propolis, some isolated compounds and Baccharis extract on anti-BSA antibody levels. Based on the results, we conclude that propolis stimulates antibody production, independently of the season and geographic origin. Caffeic acid, quercetin and Baccharis extract had no effect on antibody production, although the importance of isolated compounds is well reported in other biological assays. Propolis action is a consequence of plant-derived products with synergic effects, while isolated compounds or extracts from its plant sources had no effect in this assay.

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The direct effect of ethanolic extract of propolis on guinea pig lung cell suspension containing mast cells, as well as its influence on the histamine release induced by antigen (ovoalbumin 10 mug/ml) and ionophore A 23187 (3 muM) were investigated. Propolis ethanolic extract (300 mug/ml) increased the histamine release in guinea pig lung suspension containing mast cells by a cytotoxic effect. Lower concentrations of propolis had no effect on histamine release. Our results demonstrated that propolis (3, 10, 30, and 100 mug/ml) shows no significant effect on the histamine release induced by ionophore and antigen. Based on these results, we suggest that propolis could directly activate mast cells, promoting inflammatory mediators release by cytotoxic mechanisms, what could be related to allergic processes in propolis sensitive people.(AU)

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Propolis has been the subject of several recent studies, with the aim of elucidating its biological and pharmacological properties. Propolis has a well-known antimicrobial activity as well as antioxidant, antitumoral, antiinflammatory, and regenerative properties, but literature about its effects on the immunes response in scarce. The goal of this work was to evaluate the propolis effect on macrophage activation by oxygen (H2O2) and nitrogen (NO) metabolite determination. Propolis was produced by africanized honeybees and hydroalcoholic solutions were prepared at different concentrations. Peritoneal macrophages were obtained from male BALB/c mice and culture cells were stimulated in vitro with propolis or interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). In the in vivo assay, the animals were sacrificed after propolis treatment and cells were stimulated with IFN-gamma. We also investigated the co-stimulant action of propolis associated with IFN-gamma on macrophages. The results show that propolis induces a discreet elevation in H2O2 release and a mild inhibition of NO generation, depending on concentration. Propolis had no co-stimulant activity, diminishing IFN-gamma action on H2O2 and NO production. Data suggest that propolis acts on host non-specific immunity by macrophage activation.

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