Própolis vermelha e suas atividades biológicas: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract

The usage of natural products as a therapeutic alternative for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of various diseases has increased significantly all over the world. Propolis is one of these natural products. It is a resin-like material, produced by bees, and its main function in the hive is to keep the ambience organized and free from microorganisms. And it shows many biological activities due to its complex chemical composition. Among them, we can mention the Brazilian Red Propolis (BRP), which is classified as the 13th type of propolis, has a reddish color and is found in the coast of Brazilian Northeast. BRP has aroused interests due to its biological activities and various composes yet not found in other types of propolis. Therefore, the goal of this revision study is to know the chemical components and the biological qualities induced by BRP. This research was made through consultation of national and international scientific papers, dissertations, monographies and thesis, from databases such as: Pub Med, Scielo and Google Scholar, and selecting papers that approach the subject following certain inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data and conclusion. BRP is distinguished for being rich in flavonoids, phenolic components, terpenes and its derivatives. The three main biomarkers of BRP are: formonentine, vestitol and neovestitol. Other chemical components that can also be found: medicarpine, liquiritigenin, glutiferone E and 7-O-metilvestitol. The main biological activities related to BRP are: anti-bacterial with bactericidal and bacteriostatic action, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antiparasitic, antifungic, cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory and other activities such as gastroprotective, anti-allergic, healing and anticariogenic. In conclusion, BRP presents various biological activities, although some of them still lack clarification in the literature.