Metabolomics Approach Expands the Classification of Propolis Samples from Midwest Brazil

Area of Science:

• Natural Products Chemistry
• Phytochemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

• Propolis, a resinous mixture collected by honeybees, exhibits diverse biological activities.
• Geographical origin significantly influences propolis chemical composition and properties.
• Investigating propolis from Brazil's Cerrado, Pantanal, and Atlantic Forest ecosystems is crucial for understanding its potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the metabolomic profiles of propolis from Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
• To evaluate the antioxidant and antitumor potential of these propolis samples.
• To identify potential chemical markers for propolis classification based on phytogeographical origin.

Main Methods:

• High-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection and tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) for chemical profiling.
• Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for compound identification.
• Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) for pattern recognition.
• In vitro assays to assess antioxidant (DPPH scavenging) and antitumor activity against carcinoma cell lines.

Main Results:

• Five distinct propolis groups were identified based on phytogeographical origin and chemical composition.
• 47 compounds were identified, including prenylated phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and terpenoids.
• Isoflavonoids were reported for the first time in Midwest Brazilian propolis.
• A novel prenylated aromatic compound was isolated and characterized.
• Propolis samples from the Atlantic Forest/South (group II) showed antitumor potential against prostate and breast cancer cells.
• Samples from transition zones (groups III and IV) also demonstrated antitumor activity against breast cancer cells.
• Propolis from the Cerrado/Central region (group I) had high phenolic content and DPPH scavenging activity but lower cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• Propolis chemical composition varies significantly across different ecosystems in Mato Grosso do Sul.
• Specific propolis groups exhibit promising antitumor activities, particularly against breast and prostate cancer.
• The study identified novel compounds and expanded the understanding of isoflavonoid presence in Brazilian propolis.
• Phytogeographical origin is a key determinant of propolis chemical profile and biological activity.