Toxicological evaluation of brown propolis in in vitro and in vivo test systems

• Grant number: 21/11658-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2022
• End date: June 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Toxicological Analysis
• Principal Investigator: Denise Crispim Tavares Barbosa
• Grantee: Letícia Teixeira Marcos de Souza
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria Adjunta de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade de Franca (UNIFRAN). Franca , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/04138-8 - Attainment of chemical, analytical, biological, pharmacological and technological studies to fill the gaps on the development of Brazilian propolis sector, AP.TEM

Abstract

The use of natural products in folk medicine for the prevention and treatment of various practical physiological disorders has been practiced for a long time. Among these, propolis stands out, which shows a wide spectrum of biological activities. In recent years, its use has gained popularity as a dietary supplement in order to improve health and prevent inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Propolis has remarkable diversity in its chemical composition, as it depends on edaphoclimatic conditions, place of collection, and geographic characteristics. Brown propolis is characteristic of different localities and has different biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic, according to the literature. Studies on this type of propolis are still scarce when compared to green and red propolis, although its chemical compounds and some biological activities have already been identified. Given the above, this study aims to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of brown propolis, as well as the toxic effects on zebrafish in acute exposure. The results obtained will allow greater knowledge of the biological activities of brown propolis, contributing to the implementation of actions to promote health, safely. (AU)