Avaliação da atividade biológica de frações obtidas da própolis vermelha em cultivo celular

Abstract

Red propolis is a natural resin produced by bees of the genus Apis from plant exudates and has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide due to its potent activity in several biological models. This natural resin is rich in polyphenols and volatile compounds and more than 300 chemical compounds have been identified in samples from different regions. High precision chemical identification techniques are essential for the correct elucidation of the chemical compounds present in the samples and for the understanding of the biological effects. In this study, we sought to use fractionation techniques as a methodology able to be explored in studies involving samples of red propolis, seeking the identification and characterization of active fractions, as well as the use of cellular models of colon cancer for screening of bioactive molecules. The active fractions were identified by techniques of HPLC-MS and ESI-MS/MS, evidencing a complex chemical composition based on phenolic compounds an flavonoids. Among the obtained results, we highlight the fractions 05 and 06, which are able to produce significant inhibition on the HT-29 and HCT-116 tumor lines.The fractions obtained in this study showed lower chemical diversity than that found in the total extract of propolis, favoring its bioactivity, and as a result, this technique may favor the discovery and development of new drugs using propolis as a potential source of molecules against cancer.