Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	5.6	7.8	2000	16.3 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.6	6.7	1996	14.6 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Antioxidants antioxidants	7.0	8.8	2012	13.9 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Current Issues in Molecular Biology cimb	3.1	2.4	1999	13.5 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
BioChem biochem	-	-	2021	54 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Foods foods	5.2	5.8	2012	13.1 Days	CHF 2900	Submit

15 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition of Volatile and Extractive Components of Canary (Tenerife) Propolis

by Valery A. Isidorov, Andrea M. Dallagnol and Adam Zalewski

Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1863; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081863 - 19 Apr 2024

Viewed by 257

The vegetation of the Canary Islands is characterized by a large number of endemic species confined to different altitudinal levels. It can be assumed that these circumstances determine the characteristic features of the chemical composition of local beekeeping products, including propolis. We report, [...] Read more.

The vegetation of the Canary Islands is characterized by a large number of endemic species confined to different altitudinal levels. It can be assumed that these circumstances determine the characteristic features of the chemical composition of local beekeeping products, including propolis. We report, for the first time, the chemical composition of propolis from Tenerife (Canary Islands). The volatile emissions of three propolis samples collected from different apiaries are represented by 162 C₁–C₂₀ compounds, of which 144 were identified using the HS-SPME/GC-MS technique. The main group of volatiles, consisting of 72 compounds, is formed by terpenoids, which account for 42–68% of the total ion current (TIC) of the chromatograms. The next most numerous groups are formed by C₆–C₁₇ alkanes and alkenes (6–32% TIC) and aliphatic C₃–C₁₁ carbonyl compounds (7–20% TIC). The volatile emissions also contain C₁–C₆ aliphatic acids and C₂–C₈ alcohols, as well as their esters. Peaks of 138 organic C₃–C₃₄ compounds were recorded in the chromatograms of the ether extracts of the studied propolis. Terpene compounds form the most numerous group, but their number and content in different samples is within very wide limits (9–63% TIC), which is probably due to the origin of the samples from apiaries located at different altitudes. A peculiarity of the chemical composition of the extractive substances is the almost complete absence of phenylcarboxylic acids and flavonoids, characteristic of Apis mellifera propolis from different regions of Eurasia and North America. Aromatic compounds of propolis from Tenerife are represented by a group of nine isomeric furofuranoid lignans, as well as alkyl- and alkenyl-substituted derivatives of salicylic acid and resorcinol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

12 pages, 3408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Application of Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Principal Component Analysis in Characterisation of Selected Herbhoneys

by Joanna Banaś and Marian Banaś

Molecules 2024, 29(4), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29040749 - 06 Feb 2024

Viewed by 627

Abstract

This study reports the use of front-face fluorescence spectroscopy with principal component analysis (PCA) as a tool for the characterisation of selected Polish herbhoneys (raspberry, lemon balm, rose, mint, black current, instant coffee, pine, hawthorn, and nettle). Fluorimetric spectra registered in the ranges [...] Read more.

This study reports the use of front-face fluorescence spectroscopy with principal component analysis (PCA) as a tool for the characterisation of selected Polish herbhoneys (raspberry, lemon balm, rose, mint, black current, instant coffee, pine, hawthorn, and nettle). Fluorimetric spectra registered in the ranges ascribed to fluorescence of amino acids, polyphenols, vitamins, and products of Maillard’s reaction enabled the comparison of herbhoney compositions. Obtained synchronous spectra combined with PCA were used to investigate potential differences between analysed samples and interactions between compounds present in them. The most substantial influence on the total variance had the intensities of polyphenols fluorescence. These intensities were the main factor differentiated by the analysed products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

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14 pages, 3556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Chemical Composition of Scaptotrigona mexicana Honey and Propolis Collected in Two Locations: Similarities and Differences

by Dessislava Gerginova, Milena Popova, Ralitsa Chimshirova, Boryana Trusheva, Maggie Shanahan, Miguel Guzmán, Erik Solorzano-Gordillo, Estefhanía López-Roblero, Marla Spivak, Svetlana Simova and Vassya Bankova

Foods 2023, 12(17), 3317; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12173317 - 03 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1175

Abstract

The chemical composition of stingless bee honey and propolis depends on the plant sources they are derived from, and thus reflects the flora available in the vicinity of the hives, the preferences of the bee species, and the climate (altitude and temperature). To [...] Read more.

The chemical composition of stingless bee honey and propolis depends on the plant sources they are derived from, and thus reflects the flora available in the vicinity of the hives, the preferences of the bee species, and the climate (altitude and temperature). To understand the relative influence of these factors, we studied the composition of honey and propolis of the stingless bee Scaptotrigona mexicana. Samples from 24 colonies were analyzed: 12 each from two S. mexicana meliponaries located in the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico, approximately 8.5 km apart, Tuxtla Chico and Cacahoatán. The chemical composition of honey and propolis was studied using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The antioxidant activity of propolis was also studied. Chemometric analyses were applied. The Tuxtla Chico honey samples contained higher concentrations of glucose and fructose, while the Cacahoatán samples displayed a rich composition of di- and trisaccharides. These differences can be attributed to the distinct nectar sources utilized by the bees at each location. Propolis compositions in the two locations also demonstrated qualitative differences, indicating a specific choice of resins by the bees. The observed substantial variations in the chemical composition of propolis and honey of S. mexicana from two locations relatively close to each other supports the assumption that bee species cannot be considered the most important factor in determining their chemistry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

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20 pages, 1867 KiB

Open AccessReview

Difficulties in Establishing the Adverse Effects of β-Casomorphin-7 Released from β-Casein Variants—A Review

by Marta Liliane de Vasconcelos, Luisa Maria F. S. Oliveira, Jeremy Paul Hill and Ana Maria Centola Vidal

Foods 2023, 12(17), 3151; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12173151 - 22 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2762

Abstract

β-Casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) is a peptide released through the proteolysis of β-casein (β-CN), which is considered a bioactive peptide displaying evidence of promoting the binding and activation of the μ-opioid receptor located in various body parts, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system [...] Read more.

β-Casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) is a peptide released through the proteolysis of β-casein (β-CN), which is considered a bioactive peptide displaying evidence of promoting the binding and activation of the μ-opioid receptor located in various body parts, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system and potentially the central nervous system. The possible effects of BCM-7 on health are a theme rising in popularity due to evidence found in several studies on the modulation of gastrointestinal proinflammatory responses that can trigger digestive symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort. With the advancement of studies, the hypothesis that there is a correlation of the possible effects of BCM-7 with the microbiota–gut–brain axis has been established. However, some studies have suggested the possibility that these adverse effects are restricted to a portion of the population, and the topic is controversial due to the small number of in vivo studies, which makes it difficult to obtain more conclusive results. In addition, a threshold of exposure to BCM-7 has not yet been established to clarify the potential of this peptide to trigger physiological responses at gastrointestinal and systemic levels. The proportion of the population that can be considered more susceptible to the effects of BCM-7 are evidenced in the literature review. The challenges of establishing the adverse effects of BCM-7 are discussed, including the importance of quantifying the BCM-7 release in the different β-CN genotypes. In summary, the reviewed literature provides plausible indications of the hypothesis of a relationship between β-CN A1/BCM-7 and adverse health effects; however, there is need for further, especially in vivo studies, to better understand and confirm the physiological effects of this peptide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

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16 pages, 2362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Comparison of Honey Enriched with Laboratory Fermented Pollen vs. Natural Bee Bread in Terms of Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties, Protein In Vitro Bioaccessibility, and Its Genoprotective Effect in Yeast Cells

by Michał Miłek, Mateusz Mołoń, Patrycja Kielar, Ewelina Sidor, Aleksandra Bocian, Katarzyna Marciniak-Lukasiak, Anna Pasternakiewicz and Małgorzata Dżugan

Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5851; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155851 - 03 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1237

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the nutritional value and bioactivity of honey enriched with a 10% addition of natural bee bread and its substitutes obtained as a result of laboratory fermentation of bee pollen. Physicochemical parameters, antioxidant properties, as well [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to compare the nutritional value and bioactivity of honey enriched with a 10% addition of natural bee bread and its substitutes obtained as a result of laboratory fermentation of bee pollen. Physicochemical parameters, antioxidant properties, as well as the bioaccessibility of proteins using an in vitro static digestion model were analyzed. The bioactivity of the obtained enriched honeys was tested using the yeast model. The research indicates the similarity of honeys with the addition of “artificial bee bread” to honey with natural ones. During in vitro digestion, good bioaccessibility of the protein from the tested products was demonstrated. The ability of the products to protect yeast cells against hydrogen superoxide-induced oxidative stress was demonstrated using a qualitative spot test, which was stronger in the case of enriched honey than in pure rapeseed control honey. Significant inhibition of the growth of both strains of yeast exposed to bee pollen-enriched honeys was also demonstrated. Furthermore, all tested samples showed significant genoprotective activity against the genotoxic effect of zeocin and the reduction of the number of DNA double-strand breaks by a minimum of 70% was observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

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21 pages, 3390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical and Bioactivity Studies on Hedera helix L. (Ivy) Flower Pollen and Ivy Bee Pollen

by Nisa Beril Sen, Etil Guzelmeric, Irena Vovk, Vesna Glavnik, Hasan Kırmızıbekmez and Erdem Yesilada

Antioxidants 2023, 12(7), 1394; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12071394 - 06 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1451

Abstract

Bee pollen, known as a ‘life-giving dust’, is a product of honeybees using flower pollen grains and combining them with their saliva secretions. Thus, flower pollen could be an indicator of the bee pollen botanical source. Identification of bee pollen sources is a [...] Read more.

Bee pollen, known as a ‘life-giving dust’, is a product of honeybees using flower pollen grains and combining them with their saliva secretions. Thus, flower pollen could be an indicator of the bee pollen botanical source. Identification of bee pollen sources is a highly crucial process for the evaluation of its health benefits, as chemical composition is directly related to its pharmacological activity. In this study, the chemical profiles, contents of phenolic marker compounds and pharmacological activities of Hedera helix L. (ivy) bee pollen samples from Türkiye and Slovenia, as well as ivy flower pollen grains, were compared. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analyses revealed that pollen samples, regardless of where they were collected, have similar chemical profiles due to the fact that they have the same botanical origins. Marker compounds afzelin, platanoside and quercetin-3-O-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-galactopyranoside, common to both bee pollen and flower pollen, were isolated from bee pollen, and their structures were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). These three compounds, as well as chlorogenic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (found in flower pollen), were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses. In vitro tests and effect-directed analyses were used to evaluate the xanthine oxidase inhibition and antioxidant activity of the marker compounds and extracts from flower pollen and bee pollen. This is the first report comparing chemical profiles and related bioactivities of the flower pollen and bee pollen of the same botanical origin, as well as the first report of the chemical profile and related bioactivities of ivy flower pollen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

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17 pages, 6181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis of Active Compounds in Tualang Honey against Atherosclerosis

by Ain Nabila Syahira Shamsol Azman, Jun Jie Tan, Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah, Hasnah Bahari, Vuanghao Lim and Yoke Keong Yong

Foods 2023, 12(9), 1779; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12091779 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2459

Abstract

Atherosclerosis, a pathological condition marked by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous substances in the arterial walls, is a leading cause of heart failure and death. The present study aimed to utilize network pharmacology to assess the potential pharmacological effects of bioactive compounds [...] Read more.

Atherosclerosis, a pathological condition marked by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous substances in the arterial walls, is a leading cause of heart failure and death. The present study aimed to utilize network pharmacology to assess the potential pharmacological effects of bioactive compounds in Tualang honey on atherosclerosis. This is significant as previous studies have indicated the cardioprotective effects of Tualang honey, yet a comprehensive evaluation using network pharmacology has yet to be conducted. The bioactive compounds in Tualang honey were screened and the potential gene targets for these compounds were predicted through Swiss Target Prediction and SuperPred databases. Atherosclerosis genes were retrieved from the OMIM, DisGeNet, and GeneCards databases. The interaction between these compounds and atherosclerosis genes was established through protein–protein interaction, gene ontology, and KEGG pathway analysis. The results of these analyses were then further confirmed through molecular docking studies using the AutoDock Tools software. The results revealed that 6 out of 103 compounds in Tualang honey met the screening criteria, with a total of 336 potential gene targets, 238 of which were shared with atherosclerosis. Further analysis showed that these active compounds had a good affinity with key targets and were associated with biological processes related to protein phosphorylation and inflammation as well as pathways related to lipid and atherosclerosis and other signaling pathways. In conclusion, the study provides insight into the potential pharmacological effects of Tualang honey bioactive compounds on atherosclerosis, supporting its use as a promising treatment for the disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

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13 pages, 5875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Propolis Ethanolic Extract Attenuates D-gal-induced C2C12 Cell Injury by Modulating Nrf2/HO-1 and p38/p53 Signaling Pathways

by Songhao Tian, Huiting Zhao, Hongru Guo, Wei Feng, Conglin Jiang and Yusuo Jiang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(7), 6408; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24076408 - 29 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1964

Abstract

Previous study has shown that propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) has a protective effect on aging skeletal muscle atrophy. However, the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PEE on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced damage in mouse C2C12 cells. The [...] Read more.

Previous study has shown that propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) has a protective effect on aging skeletal muscle atrophy. However, the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PEE on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced damage in mouse C2C12 cells. The results revealed that PEE increased the viability of senescent C2C12 cells, decreased the number of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal)-positive cells and promoted the differentiation of C2C12 cells. PEE resisted oxidative stress caused by D-gal by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and maintained the differentiation ability of C2C12 cells. PEE inhibited apoptosis by suppressing p38 phosphorylation and reducing p53 expression. In summary, our findings reveal the molecular mechanism by which PEE protects D-gal-induced C2C12 cells, providing a theoretical basis for the development of PEE for the alleviation of muscle atrophy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

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20 pages, 8667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Histological, Immunohistochemical and Antioxidant Analysis of Skin Wound Healing Influenced by the Topical Application of Brazilian Red Propolis

by Mariana Conceição, Lucas Fernando Sérgio Gushiken, Jennyfer Andrea Aldana-Mejía, Matheus Hikaru Tanimoto, Marcos Vital de Sá Ferreira, Andreia Cristina Miranda Alves, Marina Naomi Miyashita, Jairo Kenupp Bastos, Fernando Pereira Beserra and Cláudia Helena Pellizzon

Antioxidants 2022, 11(11), 2188; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11112188 - 04 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2679

Abstract

Skin wound healing is a complex process that requires the mutual work of cellular and molecular agents to promote tissue restoration. In order to improve such a process, especially in cases of impaired healing (e.g., diabetic ulcer, chronic wounds), there is a search [...] Read more.

Skin wound healing is a complex process that requires the mutual work of cellular and molecular agents to promote tissue restoration. In order to improve such a process, especially in cases of impaired healing (e.g., diabetic ulcer, chronic wounds), there is a search for substances with healing properties and low toxicity: two features that some natural products—such as the bee product named propolis—exhibit. Propolis is a resinous substance obtained from plant resins and exudates with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral activities, among other biological ones. Based on the previously reported healing actions of different types of propolis, the Brazilian red propolis (BRP) was tested for this matter. A skin wound excision model in male Wistar rats was performed using two topical formulations with 1% red propolis as treatments: hydroalcoholic extract and Paste. Macroscopical, histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed, revealing that red propolis enhanced wound contraction, epithelialization, reduced crust formation, and modulated the distribution of healing associated factors, mainly collagen I, collagen III, MMP-9, TGF-β3 and VEGF. Biochemical analysis with the antioxidants SOD, MPO, GSH and GR showed that propolis acts similarly to the positive control, collagenase, increasing these molecules’ activity. These results suggest that BRP promotes enhanced wound healing by modulating growth factors and antioxidant molecules related to cutaneous wound healing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Bee Products and Derivatives)

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