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15 pages, 4562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rapid and Accurate Approach for Honeybee Pollen Analysis Using ED-XRF and FTIR Spectroscopy

by Agata Swiatly-Blaszkiewicz, Dagmara Pietkiewicz, Jan Matysiak, Barbara Czech-Szczapa, Katarzyna Cichocka and Bogumiła Kupcewicz

Molecules 2021, 26(19), 6024; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26196024 - 04 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1913

Abstract

Since honeybee pollen is considered a “perfectly complete food” and is characterized by many beneficial properties (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, etc.), it has begun to be used for therapeutic purposes. Consequently, there is a high need to develop methods for controlling its composition. A [...] Read more.

Since honeybee pollen is considered a “perfectly complete food” and is characterized by many beneficial properties (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, etc.), it has begun to be used for therapeutic purposes. Consequently, there is a high need to develop methods for controlling its composition. A thorough bee pollen analysis can be very informative regarding its safety for consumption, the variability of its composition, its biogeographical origin, or harvest date. Therefore, in this study, two reliable and non-destructive spectroscopy methods, i.e., ED-XRF and ATR–FTIR, are proposed as a fast approach to characterize bee pollen. The collected samples were derived from apiaries located in west-central Poland. Additionally, some commercially available samples were analyzed. The applied methodology was optimized and combined with sophisticated chemometric tools. Data derived from IR analyses were also subjected to two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy. The developed ED-XRF method allowed the reliable quantification of eight macro- and micro-nutrients, while organic components were characterized by IR spectroscopy. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and obtained synchronous and asynchronous maps allowed the study of component changes occurring dependently on the date and location of harvest. The proposed approach proved to be an excellent tool to monitor the variability of the inorganic and organic content of bee pollen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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19 pages, 989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Volatile Profile of Portuguese Monofloral Honeys: Significance in Botanical Origin Determination

by Alexandra M. Machado, Marília Antunes, Maria Graça Miguel, Miguel Vilas-Boas and Ana Cristina Figueiredo

Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4970; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164970 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2502

Abstract

The volatile profiles of 51 samples from 12 monofloral-labelled Portuguese honey types were assessed. Honeys of bell heather, carob tree, chestnut, eucalyptus, incense, lavender, orange, rape, raspberry, rosemary, sunflower and strawberry tree were collected from several regions from mainland Portugal and from the [...] Read more.

The volatile profiles of 51 samples from 12 monofloral-labelled Portuguese honey types were assessed. Honeys of bell heather, carob tree, chestnut, eucalyptus, incense, lavender, orange, rape, raspberry, rosemary, sunflower and strawberry tree were collected from several regions from mainland Portugal and from the Azores Islands. When available, the corresponding flower volatiles were comparatively evaluated. Honey volatiles were isolated using two different extraction methods, solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and hydrodistillation (HD), with HD proving to be more effective in the number of volatiles extracted. Agglomerative cluster analysis of honey HD volatiles evidenced two main clusters, one of which had nine sub-clusters. Components grouped by biosynthetic pathway defined alkanes and fatty acids as dominant, namely n-nonadecane, n-heneicosane, n-tricosane and n-pentacosane and palmitic, linoleic and oleic acids. Oxygen-containing monoterpenes, such as cis- and trans-linalool oxide (furanoid), hotrienol and the apocarotenoid α-isophorone, were also present in lower amounts. Aromatic amino acid derivatives were also identified, namely benzene acetaldehyde and 3,4,5-trimethylphenol. Fully grown classification tree analysis allowed the identification of the most relevant volatiles for discriminating the different honey types. Twelve volatile compounds were enough to fully discriminate eleven honey types (92%) according to the botanical origin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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19 pages, 1857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Botanical Origin of Polish Honeys Based on Physicochemical Properties and Bioactive Components with Chemometric Analysis

by Maria Tarapatskyy, Patrycja Sowa, Grzegorz Zaguła, Małgorzata Dżugan and Czesław Puchalski

Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4801; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164801 - 08 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3158

Abstract

Is it possible to characterize the types of honey based on their chemical composition, their content of bioactive substances, and their physicochemical properties? The objective of this study was a comparative analysis of four types of honey from the Carpathian Foothills area, located [...] Read more.

Is it possible to characterize the types of honey based on their chemical composition, their content of bioactive substances, and their physicochemical properties? The objective of this study was a comparative analysis of four types of honey from the Carpathian Foothills area, located in south-east Poland, based on the content of the main phenolic acids and proline, the mineral composition, and selected physicochemical properties. Most analyses, such as those of phenolic acids, sugars, and proline content, in honey samples were performed using chromatographic methods. These experiments demonstrated that honeydew honeys were the richest in phenolic acids, minerals, as well as oligosaccharides, compared to other honeys. Dark-colored honeys were characterized by the highest proline content. The dominant elements in all types of honey were potassium and calcium. The results of the present study show that analyses of specific phenolic acids, minerals, proline, and sugar content, in combination with chemometrics analysis, may successfully differentiate between the biological origins of honey samples and allow the preliminary verification of the samples before performing time-consuming pollen analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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20 pages, 1069 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Molecules for Discriminating Robinia and Helianthus Honey: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Electron Spray Ionization–Mass Spectrometry Polyphenolic Profile and Physicochemical Determinations

by Otilia Bobiş, Victoriţa Bonta, Mihaiela Cornea-Cipcigan, Gulzar Ahmad Nayik and Daniel Severus Dezmirean

Molecules 2021, 26(15), 4433; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154433 - 22 Jul 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2479

Abstract

Bioactive molecules from the class of polyphenols are secondary metabolites from plants. They are present in honey from nectar and pollen of flowers from where honeybees collect the “raw material” to produce honey. Robinia pseudoacacia and Helianthus annuus are important sources of nectar [...] Read more.

Bioactive molecules from the class of polyphenols are secondary metabolites from plants. They are present in honey from nectar and pollen of flowers from where honeybees collect the “raw material” to produce honey. Robinia pseudoacacia and Helianthus annuus are important sources of nectar for production of two monofloral honeys with specific characteristics and important biological activity. A high-performance liquid chromatography–electro spray ionization–mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI–MS) separation method was used to determine polyphenolic profile from the two types of Romanian unifloral honeys. Robinia and Helianthus honey showed a common flavonoid profile, where pinobanksin (1.61 and 1.94 mg/kg), pinocembrin (0.97 and 1.78 mg/kg) and chrysin (0.96 and 1.08 mg/kg) were identified in both honey types; a characteristic flavonoid profile in which acacetin (1.20 mg/kg), specific only for Robinia honey, was shown; and quercetin (1.85 mg/kg), luteolin (21.03 mg/kg), kaempferol (0.96 mg/kg) and galangin (1.89 mg/kg), specific for Helianthus honey, were shown. In addition, different phenolic acids were found in Robinia and Helianthus honey, while abscisic acid was found only in Robinia honey. Abscisic acid was correlated with geographical location; the samples collected from the south part of Romania had higher amounts, due to climatic conditions. Acacetin was proposed as a biochemical marker for Romanian Robinia honey and quercetin for Helianthus honey. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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12 pages, 1354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships between the Content of Phenolic Compounds and the Antioxidant Activity of Polish Honey Varieties as a Tool for Botanical Discrimination

by Monika Kędzierska-Matysek, Małgorzata Stryjecka, Anna Teter, Piotr Skałecki, Piotr Domaradzki and Mariusz Florek

Molecules 2021, 26(6), 1810; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26061810 - 23 Mar 2021

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 2918

Abstract

The study compared the content of eight phenolic acids and four flavonoids and the antioxidant activity of six Polish varietal honeys. An attempt was also made to determine the correlations between the antioxidant parameters of the honeys and their polyphenol profile using principal [...] Read more.

The study compared the content of eight phenolic acids and four flavonoids and the antioxidant activity of six Polish varietal honeys. An attempt was also made to determine the correlations between the antioxidant parameters of the honeys and their polyphenol profile using principal component analysis. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (ABTS) and reduction capacity (FRAP) were determined spectrophotometrically, and the phenolic compounds were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The buckwheat honeys showed the strongest antioxidant activity, most likely because they had the highest concentrations of total phenols, total flavonoids, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid and chrysin. The principal component analysis (PCA) of the data showed significant relationships between the botanic origin of the honey, the total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids and the antioxidant activity of the six Polish varietal honeys. The strongest, significant correlations were shown for parameters of antioxidant activity and TPC, TFC, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid. Analysis of four principal components (explaining 86.9% of the total variance), as a classification tool, confirmed the distinctiveness of the Polish honeys in terms of their antioxidant activity and content of phenolic compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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17 pages, 1200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Isorhamnetin-Containing Fraction of Philippine Honey Produced by the Stingless Bee Tetragonula biroi Is an Antibiotic against Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

by Angelica Faith L. Suarez, April Dawn G. Tirador, Zenith M. Villorente, Cathrina F. Bagarinao, Jan Vincent N. Sollesta, Gerard G. Dumancas, Zhe Sun, Zhao Qi Zhan, Jonel P. Saludes and Doralyn S. Dalisay

Molecules 2021, 26(6), 1688; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26061688 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6601

Abstract

Honey exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant activities that are ascribed to its diverse secondary metabolites. In the Philippines, the antibacterial and antioxidant activities, as well as the bioactive metabolite contents of the honey, have not been thoroughly described. In this report, we investigated the [...] Read more.

Honey exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant activities that are ascribed to its diverse secondary metabolites. In the Philippines, the antibacterial and antioxidant activities, as well as the bioactive metabolite contents of the honey, have not been thoroughly described. In this report, we investigated the in vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities of honey from Apis mellifera and Tetragonula biroi, identified the compound responsible for the antibacterial activity, and compared the observed bioactivities and metabolite profiles to that of Manuka honey, which is recognized for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The secondary metabolite contents of honey were extracted using a nonionic polymeric resin followed by antibacterial and antioxidant assays, and then spectroscopic analyses of the phenolic and flavonoid contents. Results showed that honey extracts produced by T. biroi exhibits antibiotic activity against Staphylococcal pathogens as well as high antioxidant activity, which are correlated to its high flavonoid and phenolic content as compared to honey produced by A. mellifera. The bioassay-guided fractionation paired with Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) and tandem MS analyses found the presence of the flavonoid isorhamnetin (3-methylquercetin) in T. biroi honey extract, which was demonstrated as one of the compounds with inhibitory activity against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC BAA-44. Our findings suggest that Philippine honey produced by T. biroi is a potential nutraceutical that possesses antibiotic and antioxidant activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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12 pages, 2427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Neonicotinoid Pesticides in Propolis with Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry

by Rok Tomšič, David Heath, Ester Heath, Jernej Markelj, Andreja Kandolf Borovšak and Helena Prosen

Molecules 2020, 25(24), 5870; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245870 - 11 Dec 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2762

Abstract

In this study, a method was developed for the determination of five neonicotinoid pesticides (acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam) in propolis. Two sample preparation methods were tested: solid-phase extraction and the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method. The identities [...] Read more.

In this study, a method was developed for the determination of five neonicotinoid pesticides (acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam) in propolis. Two sample preparation methods were tested: solid-phase extraction and the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method. The identities of analytes were confirmed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the selected reaction monitoring mode. Solid-phase extraction resulted in cleaner extracts; therefore, the SPE-LC-MS/MS method was validated according to the SANTE protocol in triplicate at two spiking levels (10 ng/g and 50 ng/g). The average recoveries of analytes ranged from 61% to 101%, except for clothianidin (10–20%). The LOD ranged from 0.2 ng/g to 4.4 ng/g, whereas the LOQ was in the range of 0.8 ng/g–14.7 ng/g. In order to compensate for the matrix effect, matrix-matched calibration was used. Good accuracy (relative error: 1.9–10.4%) and good linearity (R² > 0.991) were obtained for all compounds. The optimised method was applied to 30 samples: 18 raw propolis and 12 ethanol tinctures. Acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and thiacloprid were detectable in seven samples but were still below the LOQ. This study is the first to report the determination of several neonicotinoid residues in propolis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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19 pages, 10723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Neonicotinoids in Honey Samples Originated from Poland and Other World Countries

by Magdalena Ligor, Małgorzata Bukowska, Ileana-Andreea Ratiu, Renata Gadzała-Kopciuch and Bogusław Buszewski

Molecules 2020, 25(24), 5817; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245817 - 09 Dec 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2542

Abstract

A method development for determination of neonicotinoid residues in honey samples was developed. The proposed methodology consisted in QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe). That was used for sample preparation and UHPLC/UV (ultra-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection) utilized for chromatographic [...] Read more.

A method development for determination of neonicotinoid residues in honey samples was developed. The proposed methodology consisted in QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe). That was used for sample preparation and UHPLC/UV (ultra-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection) utilized for chromatographic analysis. The developed method proved to be sensitive, with LOD (Limit of detection) value in the range of 60.80 to 80.98 ng/g hence LOQ (Limit of quantification) value was in the range of 184.26 to 245.40 ng/g. The method has tested on Polish honey and applied to honey from various countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Russia, USA and Turkey). Several honey types were tested, while physicochemical properties of all honeys and were investigated. The methodology for general characterization of pollen grains originated from selected plants, to confirm the type of honey was also presented. There was a total lack of the mentioned neonicotinoids in sunflower honey. Except of this, only two samples of rapeseed and two samples of acacia honey (from Poland and Romania) were neonicotinoids free. In 19 samples the targeted pesticides were detected above LOQ. In all other investigated samples, the neonicotinoids were found at least at the LOD or LOQ level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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23 pages, 3280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

by Valdemir C. Silva, Abiane M. G. S. Silva, Jacqueline A. D. Basílio, Jadriane A. Xavier, Ticiano G. do Nascimento, Rose M. Z. G. Naal, Maria Perpetua del Lama, Laila A. D. Leonelo, Naianny L. O. N. Mergulhão, Fernanda C. A. Maranhão, Denise M. W. Silva, Robert Owen, Ilza F. B. Duarte, Laisa C. G. Bulhões, Irinaldo D. Basílio, Jr. and Marília O. F. Goulart

Molecules 2020, 25(24), 5811; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245811 - 09 Dec 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4471

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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14 pages, 2636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sugar Profiling of Honeys for Authentication and Detection of Adulterants Using High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography

by Md Khairul Islam, Tomislav Sostaric, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer and Cornelia Locher

Molecules 2020, 25(22), 5289; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25225289 - 13 Nov 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4894

Abstract

Honey adulteration, where a range of sugar syrups is used to increase bulk volume, is a common problem that has significant negative impacts on the honey industry, both economically and from a consumer confidence perspective. This paper investigates High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) [...] Read more.

Honey adulteration, where a range of sugar syrups is used to increase bulk volume, is a common problem that has significant negative impacts on the honey industry, both economically and from a consumer confidence perspective. This paper investigates High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) for the authentication and detection of sugar adulterants in honey. The sugar composition of various Australian honeys (Manuka, Jarrah, Marri, Karri, Peppermint and White Gum) was first determined to illustrate the variance depending on the floral origin. Two of the honeys (Manuka and Jarrah) were then artificially adulterated with six different sugar syrups (rice, corn, golden, treacle, glucose and maple syrup). The findings demonstrate that HPTLC sugar profiles, in combination with organic extract profiles, can easily detect the sugar adulterants. As major sugars found in honey, the quantification of fructose and glucose, and their concentration ratio can be used to authenticate the honeys. Quantifications of sucrose and maltose can be used to identify the type of syrup adulterant, in particular when used in combination with HPTLC fingerprinting of the organic honey extracts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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20 pages, 2357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Chinese Honey from Amorpha fruticosa L.: Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Capacity In Vitro

by Min Zhu, Haoan Zhao, Qian Wang, Fanhua Wu and Wei Cao

Molecules 2020, 25(21), 5211; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25215211 - 09 Nov 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3437

Abstract

False indigo (Amorpha fruticosa L., A. fruticosa) is the preferred tree indigenous for windbreak and sand control in Northwest China, while information on nutritional and bioactive characteristics of its honey is rare. Herein, 12 honey of Amorpha fruticosa L. (AFH) were [...] Read more.

False indigo (Amorpha fruticosa L., A. fruticosa) is the preferred tree indigenous for windbreak and sand control in Northwest China, while information on nutritional and bioactive characteristics of its honey is rare. Herein, 12 honey of Amorpha fruticosa L. (AFH) were sampled in Northwest China and the nutritional composition was determined. Sixteen mineral element and ten dominant polyphenols content were identified and quantified by ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) and HPLC-QTOF-MS (High performance liquid chromatography-Quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry), respectively. Moreover, AFH demonstrated high levels of DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (IC50 100.41 ± 15.35 mg/mL), ferric reducing antioxidant power (2.04 ± 0.29 µmol FeSO₄·7H₂O/g), and ferrous ion-chelating activity (82.56 ± 16.01 mg Na₂EDTA/kg), which were significantly associated with total phenolic contents (270.07 ± 27.15 mg GA/kg) and ascorbic acid contents (213.69 ± 27.87 mg/kg). The cell model verified that AFH exhibited dose-dependent preventive effects on pBR322 plasmid DNA and mouse lymphocyte DNA damage in response to oxidative stress. Taken together, our findings provide evidence for the future application of AFH as a potential antioxidant dietary in food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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10 pages, 3293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NMR Profiling of North Macedonian and Bulgarian Honeys for Detection of Botanical and Geographical Origin

by Dessislava Gerginova, Svetlana Simova, Milena Popova, Marina Stefova, Jasmina Petreska Stanoeva and Vassya Bankova

Molecules 2020, 25(20), 4687; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25204687 - 14 Oct 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3191

Abstract

Bulgaria and North Macedonia have a long history of the production and use of honey; however, there is an obvious lack of systematic and in-depth research on honey from both countries. The oak honeydew honey is of particular interest, as it is highly [...] Read more.

Bulgaria and North Macedonia have a long history of the production and use of honey; however, there is an obvious lack of systematic and in-depth research on honey from both countries. The oak honeydew honey is of particular interest, as it is highly valued by consumers because of its health benefits. The aim of this study was to characterize honeydew and floral honeys from Bulgaria and North Macedonia based on their NMR profiles. The 1D and 2D ¹H and ¹³C-NMR spectra were measured of 16 North Macedonian and 22 Bulgarian honey samples. A total of 25 individual substances were identified, including quinovose, which was found for the first time in honey. Chemometric methods (PCA—principal component analysis, PLS-DA—partial least squares discriminant analysis, ANOVA—analysis of variance) were used to detect similarities and differences between samples, as well as to determine their botanical and geographical origin. Semiquantitative data on individual sugars and some other constituents were obtained, which allowed for the reliable classification of honey samples by botanical and geographical origin, based on chemometric approaches. The results enabled us to distinguish oak honeydew honey from other honey types, and to determine the country of origin. NMR was a rapid and convenient method, avoiding the need for other more time-consuming analytical techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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12 pages, 1765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Chemical Composition of Brazilian Green Propolis and Its Protective Effects on Mouse Aortic Endothelial Cells against Inflammatory Injury

by Xiaolan Xu, Bo Yang, Danfeng Wang, Yuxuan Zhu, Xiaoqing Miao and Wenchao Yang

Molecules 2020, 25(20), 4612; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25204612 - 10 Oct 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3252

Abstract

Propolis has a very complex composition, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and other properties. To determine the composition of ethanol extracts of Brazilian green propolis (EEP-B) and their protective effect on mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs), the chemical composition of EEP-B was analysed by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS, [...] Read more.

Propolis has a very complex composition, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and other properties. To determine the composition of ethanol extracts of Brazilian green propolis (EEP-B) and their protective effect on mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs), the chemical composition of EEP-B was analysed by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS, and the protective effect of EEP-B on the proliferation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced MAECs was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. The protein levels of inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin- 6 (IL-6) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and MCP-1 expressions were analysed by western blotting. The results showed that a total of 24 compounds belonging to cinnamic acids and flavonoids, including 3,5-diisopentenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (artepillin C), kaempferide, 3-isoprenyl p-coumaric acid, pinocembrin and 4′-methoxy pinobanksin, were identified in EEP-B. Among them, a new component, suggested to be 5-isoprenyl caffeic acid p-coumaric acid ester, was reported for the first time. The LPS-induced levels of TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and MCP-1 were downregulated in response to 5, 10 and 20 μg/mL EEP-B. This study revealed that EEP-B could reduce LPS-induced inflammatory reactions, improve cell survival, and protect MAECs by regulating ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and MCP-1 expression. These findings could provide a theoretical basis for MAEC treatment using EEP-B. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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29 pages, 16052 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Strong Anti-Kinetoplastid Properties of Bee Propolis: Composition and Identification of the Active Agents and Their Biochemical Targets

by Godwin U. Ebiloma, Nahandoo Ichoron, Weam Siheri, David G. Watson, John O. Igoli and Harry P. De Koning

Molecules 2020, 25(21), 5155; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25215155 - 05 Nov 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3012

Abstract

The kinetoplastids are protozoa characterized by the presence of a distinctive organelle, called the kinetoplast, which contains a large amount of DNA (kinetoplast DNA (kDNA)) inside their single mitochondrion. Kinetoplastids of medical and veterinary importance include Trypanosoma spp. (the causative agents of human [...] Read more.

The kinetoplastids are protozoa characterized by the presence of a distinctive organelle, called the kinetoplast, which contains a large amount of DNA (kinetoplast DNA (kDNA)) inside their single mitochondrion. Kinetoplastids of medical and veterinary importance include Trypanosoma spp. (the causative agents of human and animal African Trypanosomiasis and of Chagas disease) and Leishmania spp. (the causative agents of the various forms of leishmaniasis). These neglected diseases affect millions of people across the globe, but drug treatment is hampered by the challenges of toxicity and drug resistance, among others. Propolis (a natural product made by bees) and compounds isolated from it are now being investigated as novel treatments of kinetoplastid infections. The anti-kinetoplastid efficacy of propolis is probably a consequence of its reported activity against kinetoplastid parasites of bees. This article presents a review of the reported anti-kinetoplastid potential of propolis, highlighting its anti-kinetoplastid activity in vitro and in vivo regardless of geographical origin. The mode of action of propolis depends on the organism it is acting on and includes growth inhibition, immunomodulation, macrophage activation, perturbation of the cell membrane architecture, phospholipid disturbances, and mitochondrial targets. This gives ample scope for further investigations toward the rational development of sustainable anti-kinetoplastid drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products Chemistry: Identification and Characterization of Natural Compound)

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