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Therapeutic Potential of Propolis and Royal Jelly in Encephalitozoon Intestinalis Infection: An in Vitro Study
Derya Gül Gülpinar1, Zübeyda Akın Polat2, Ülfet Çetinkaya3,4
1Departments of Medical Parasitology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Türkiye. deryagulsagci@gmail.com.
Purpose:
Encephalitozoon intestinalis is an obligate intracellular microsporidian fungus that causes severe gastrointestinal infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Propolis (PROP), a resinous substance derived from bees, has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while royal jelly (RJ) has immunomodulatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of PROP and RJ against E. intestinalis.
Methods:
The phenolic composition of PROP was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection, and the chemical components of RJ were evaluated according to ISO12824 standards. The cytotoxicity of PROP and RJ on HEK-293 cells was evaluated using the XTT assay. The three highest non-cytotoxic concentrations of each sample were tested for their effects on E. intestinalis spores by qRT-PCR. Trichrome-stained photomicrographs were used to assess spore density in HEK-293 cells treated with PROP and RJ.
Results:
PROP analysis revealed flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, pinocembrin and galangin, as well as phenolic acids such as caffeic and cinnamic acids, known for their bioactive properties. RJ contained mainly proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and sugars, reflecting its role as a nutritionally and biologically active substance. According to the results of this first study evaluating the effect of PROP and RJ on E. intestinalis, all concentrations evaluated in the study showed a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of E. intestinalis spores compared to the control group.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we believe that PROP and RJ should be considered as an alternative option in the development of antimicrosporidial drugs due to their potential medicinal and pharmaceutical properties.
Insights
Propolis (PROP) and royal jelly (RJ) show significant potential as natural treatments against Encephalitozoon intestinalis infections. Both PROP and RJ demonstrated an inhibitory effect on E. intestinalis spore growth in this study.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Encephalitozoon intestinalis causes severe gastrointestinal issues, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Propolis (PROP) and royal jelly (RJ) possess known antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of PROP and RJ against Encephalitozoon intestinalis.
- To explore natural product-based interventions for microsporidian infections.
Main Methods:
- Phenolic composition of PROP analyzed via HPLC-DAD; RJ components assessed by ISO12824.
- Cytotoxicity of PROP and RJ evaluated on HEK-293 cells using XTT assay.
- Effects on E. intestinalis spores assessed by qRT-PCR and spore density in treated cells.
Main Results:
- PROP contains bioactive flavonoids and phenolic acids; RJ is rich in proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.
- All tested concentrations of PROP and RJ significantly inhibited E. intestinalis spore growth compared to controls.
- This is the first study to demonstrate the anti-E. intestinalis effects of PROP and RJ.
Conclusions:
- PROP and RJ exhibit significant antimicrosporidial activity.
- These natural products represent promising candidates for developing novel anti-microsporidial drugs.
- Further research into PROP and RJ for pharmaceutical applications is warranted.
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