Pharmacognostic and acute toxicological evaluation of Scaptotrigona aff. postica propolis extract in pre-clinical assays

• Published in: Natural product research Vol. 25; no. 11; pp. 1037 - 1046
• Main Authors: Araújo, M.J.A.M., Mattar, N.S., Reis, A.S., Serra, I.C.P.B., Fialho, E.M.S., Assunção, A.K.M., Dutra, R.P., Nogueira, A.M.C., Libério, S.A., Guerra, R.N.M., Lopes, A.S., Ribeiro, M.N.S., Nascimento, F.R.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis Group 01.07.2011; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Acute toxicity; Alanine; Alanine transaminase; Alanine Transaminase - blood; Alanine Transaminase - metabolism; Alkaline phosphatase; Alkaline Phosphatase - blood; Alkaline Phosphatase - metabolism; Animals; Bees - chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemical composition; Enzyme Activation - drug effects; Evaluation; Female; Hematology; Illnesses; Male; Mice; Organic chemistry; Pharmacognosy; Pharmacology; Phenolic compounds; Phenols; Propolis; Propolis - chemistry; Respiratory diseases; Scaptotrigona; Scaptotrigona aff. postica; Steroid hormones; Steroids; stingless bees; Toxicity; Toxicity Tests, Acute - methods
• ISSN: 1478-6419; 1478-6427
• DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2010.482059

The propolis of Scaptotrigona aff. postica is popularly used in Maranhão State, Brazil, for treating wounds and respiratory illnesses. Nevertheless, little is known about the chemical composition of this propolis and the adverse effects of its use. Hence, this study is a pharmacognostic characterisation of the propolis hydroalcoholic extract (PHE) from S. aff. postica. The methodology consisted of an evaluation of the sensory and chemical parameters. Chemical analysis of PHE indicated high concentrations of phenolic and triterpens substances, and the absence of steroids. Additionally, we evaluated the acute toxicity of propolis using 48 Swiss male and female mice. The animals received single doses of PHE (1000, 2000 or 4000 mg kg −1 ) orally and were observed for 14 days. After this period, the mice were sacrificed and the blood was used for biochemical and haematological evaluation. PHE did not induce any death, and the acute treatment significantly reduced serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. The resultant data indicate that PHE from S. aff. postica has low toxicity when used orally, even in high doses.