Phenolic compounds from Brazilian propolis with pharmacological activities

J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Feb;74(2):105-12. doi: 10.1016/s0378-8741(00)00326-3.

Abstract

Four compounds were isolated from Brazilian propolis. They are identified as: (1) 3-prenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (PHCA), (2) 2,2-dimethyl-6-carboxyethenyl-2H-1-benzopyrane (DCBEN), (3) 3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (DHCA), and (4) 2,2-dimethyl-6-carboxyethenyl-8-prenyl-2H-1-benzopyran (DPB). The structures of the compounds were determined by MS and NMR techniques. All compounds were assayed against Trypanosoma cruzi and the bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis. Compounds (1) to (4) were active against T. cruzi. Except (1), all compounds presented activity against the bacteria tested. When compounds (1)-(3) were tested in the guinea pig isolated trachea, all induced a relaxant effect similar to propolis extract.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / isolation & purification
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Brazil
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Female
  • Guinea Pigs
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Male
  • Muscle Relaxation / drug effects
  • Muscle, Smooth / drug effects
  • Phenols / isolation & purification
  • Phenols / pharmacology*
  • Propolis / chemistry*
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Trypanocidal Agents / isolation & purification
  • Trypanocidal Agents / pharmacology
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / drug effects

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Phenols
  • Trypanocidal Agents
  • Propolis