Fecal metabolomics reveals the positive effect of ethanol extract of propolis on T2DM mice

A large number of studies have shown that propolis has positive effects in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,there are have only been a few reports that are based on an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS)analysis of the fecal metabolomics of ethanol extract of propolis(EEP)in the treatment of T2DM.The present investigation was designed to screen potential biomarkers of T2DM by the metabonomic method and to explain the possible anti-diabetes mechanism of EEP according to the changes in the biomarkers.The results showed that EEP improved the body weight(BW)of T2DM mice,lowered blood sugar levels,and significantly restored blood biochemical indicators related to T2DM,such as fasting insulin(FINS),homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),aspartate transaminase(AST),and alanine aminotransferase(ALT).Liver pathology showed that EEP reversed liver damage caused by T2DM.Metabolomics data identified 27 potential biomarkers in fecal samples.EEP effectively regulated the dysfunction in the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipids,sphingolipids,riboflavins,and sterol lipids caused by T2DM.In summary,our research results revealed positive effects of EEP in the treatment of T2DM and provided potential candidate markers for further research and in the clinical treatment of T2DM.

Inhibitory Effects of Propolis Water Extract on the Proliferation of Cervical Cancer Cells

[Objectives]To investigate the effects of propolis extract on HeLa cells to provide theoretical guidance for facilitating clinical treatment.[Methods]The effects of propolis on inflammation,and proliferation were analyzed based on the levels of DNA transcriptional regulation and mRNA and protein expression levels.[Results]Propolis water extract(PWE)could inhibit the cell proliferation and production of DNA damage in a dosedependent manner.Moreover,the propolis water extract could significantly downregulate the expression of iNOS-Luc,PTGS-2-Luc,and IL-8-Luc,and that it was related to the expression of the NF-κB family protein.After the induction of HeLa cells by propolis,the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor gene p21 was increased,while that of the cell proliferation gene Ki67 was decreased.[Conclusions]Propolis water extract could significantly inhibit the cell proliferation and production of DNA damage,suggesting propolis as a potential candidate for the development of adjunctive therapy against cervical cancer.

Comparative Effect of Propolis of Honey Bee and Some Herbal Extracts on Candida Albicans

Objective： To determine the effect of propolis on Candida albicans and to compare it with the effects of some other herbal extracts and antibiotics on this pathogenic fungi. Methods： The extracts of propolis, Thymus vulgaris, Caryophillium aromaticus, Echinophora platyloba, Allium cepa and Cinnamomum zeylanicumwere prepared and the antifungi effects of the extracts were examined on Candida albicans ATCC10231 using disc-diffusion assay and micro-broth dilution. The minimum fungicidal concentration（MFC） and minimum inhibitory concentrations（MIC） as well as inhibition zone were evaluated and the anti fungi effects of herbal extracts were compared with amphotricin B and nystatin at the times of 24, 48 and 72 h. Data analysis was performed using t test. Results： Obtained results showed that propolis extract with MIC90 and MFC equal to 39 and 65 μg/mL, respectively, possess the highest antifungal activity when compared with other studied extracts. The extracts of Allium cepa and Thymus vulgaris, with MFC of 169 and 137 μg/mL, respectively, showed the lowest effects on the fungi. Also nystatin and amphotricin B yielded better effects on the tested fungi compared with the effects of all studied extracts on Candida albicans. Conclusions： Propolis extract is effective in controlling Candida albicans. However, the issue requires further investigation on samples in animals and performing toxicological examinations.