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. 2013:2013:541018.
doi: 10.1155/2013/541018. Epub 2012 Dec 27.

Brazilian propolis: a natural product that improved the fungicidal activity by blood phagocytes

Muryllo Mendes Possamai  1 , Adenilda Cristina Honorio-França, Ana Paula Barcelos Reinaque, Eduardo Luzia França, Paula Cristina de Souza Souto
Affiliations

Brazilian propolis: a natural product that improved the fungicidal activity by blood phagocytes

Muryllo Mendes Possamai et al. Biomed Res Int. 2013.

Abstract

Natural product incorporation into microcarriers increases the bioavailability of these compounds, consequently improving their therapeutic properties. Natural products, particularly those from bees such as propolis, are widely used in popular medicine. Propolis is a powerful treatment for several diseases. In this context, the present study evaluated the effect of propolis Scaptotrigona sp. and its fractions, alone or adsorbed to polyethylene glycol (PEG) microspheres, on the activity of human phagocytes against Candida albicans. The results show that propolis exerts a stimulatory effect on these cells to assist in combating the fungus, especially as the crude extract is compared with the fractions. However, when incorporated into microspheres, these properties were significantly potentiated. These results suggest that propolis adsorbed onto PEG microspheres has immunostimulatory effects on phagocytes in human blood. Therefore, propolis may potentially be an additional natural product that can be used for a variety of therapies.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Polyethylene glycol microspheres with a homogeneous surface. (b) Polyethylene glycol microsphere with adsorbed propolis. Heterogeneous adsorption on the microsphere surface.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Dose-response curve determined by the superoxide anion release assay for the following dosages of propolis and its fractions: 0 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Phagocytic index of phagocytes stimulated with propolis and its fractions, alone or adsorbed to PEG microspheres. (*P < 0.05).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Fungicidal index of phagocytes stimulated with propolis and its fractions, alone or adsorbed to PEG microspheres. (*P < 0.05).
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