No clinical toxicology studies of red propolis and its botanical source Dalbergia ecastophyllum (L.) Taub.

Abstract

Propolis is a natural resinous product, comprising a mixture of compounds collected by bees from plants and mixed with wax of their glands. Propolis performs important biological functions within the hive, for which its protection effect against pathogens and parasites stands out. Propolis has broad traditional use, and many biological activities makes Brazilian propolis highly valued in Asian countries. One of the most prominent types of propolis is the red one, which botanical source is Dalbergia ecastophyllum (L) Taub. (Fabaceae). Chemically it is characterized by the presence of flavonones, flavonols, xanthones, triterpenes, catechins, chalcones, aurones and guttiferones. Extracts and some isolated compounds are considered free radical scavengers, antimicrobials, toxic against tumor cell lines and anti-inflammatory, which makes red propolis a product with high potential for the development of pharmaceutical products. However, there are few studies for guaranteeing the chemical characterization and safety for the use of red propolis. The main goal of this proposal is to carry out in vivo and in vitro evaluations of the possible toxic effects of both the crude extract of the red propolis and its vegetal source. In order to achieve this aim, the in vitro cytotoxic activities of the crude extracts of D. ecastophyllum and of propolis will be evaluated by the XTT assay using normal V79 cells; the in vitro genotoxic activity of the extracts will be evaluated by performing the micronucleus assay and in vivo assay using mouse erythrocytes. Acute toxicity tests for single dose (14 days) and subchronic toxicity in repeated doses for 90 days of the oral red propolis extract will be carried out, by monitoring the behavioral changes, and at 90th day hematological, biochemical, macro and microscopical morphological analyses will be performed. Considering the need of chemical characterization of the extract, we are also proposing to carry out the isolation, by chromatographic means, of the major compounds of the red propolis, as a contribution of standards for the development of analytical methods by other members of the research team.