Aqueous Extract of Brazilian Green Propolis : Primary Components, Evaluation of Inflammation and Wound Healing by Using Subcutaneous Implanted Sponges

Abstract EN

Propolis is a chemically complex resinous bee product which has gained worldwide popularity as a means to improve health condition and prevent diseases.

The main constituents of an aqueous extract of a sample of green propolis from Southeast Brazil were shown by high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy to be mono- and di-O-caffeoylquinic acids; phenylpropanoids known as important constituents of alcohol extracts of green propolis, such as artepillin C and drupanin were also detected in low amounts in the aqueous extract.

The anti-inflammatory activity of this extract was evaluated by determination of wound healing parameters.

Female Swiss mice were implanted subcutaneously with polyesther-polyurethane sponge discs to induce wound healing responses, and administered orally with green propolis (500 mg kg−1).

At 4, 7 and 14 days post-implantation, the fibrovascular stroma and deposition of extracellular matrix were evaluated by histopathologic and morphometric analyses.

In the propolis-treated group at Days 4 and 7 the inflammatory process in the sponge was reduced in comparison with control.

A progressive increase in cell influx and collagen deposition was observed in control and propolis-treated groups during the whole period.

However, these effects were attenuated in the propolis-treated group at Days 4 and 7, indicating that key factors of the wound healing process are modulated by propolis constituents.