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Meliponini Geopropolis Extracts Induce ROS Production and Death in Leishmania amazonensis Promastigotes and Axenic
Kamila M Sette1, Andreza R Garcia1, Luzineide W Tinoco2
1Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil.
Biology
|February 26, 2025
Summary
Geopropolis extracts from stingless bees show potent anti-Leishmania amazonensis activity by inducing oxidative stress. These natural compounds offer a promising alternative for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania amazonensis, is a neglected tropical disease with limited treatment options.
- Parasite survival relies on managing oxidative stress, making redox-regulating enzymes attractive therapeutic targets.
- Geopropolis, a bee product, exhibits promising antiparasitic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-Leishmania amazonensis activity of geopropolis from four Melipona bee species.
- To investigate the impact of geopropolis extracts on parasite redox balance and key enzymes.
Main Methods:
- Ethanol extracts of geopropolis were analyzed for phenolic and flavonoid content.
- Parasite viability (promastigotes and axenic amastigotes) was assessed using the resazurin reduction method.
- Cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, ROS production, arginase inhibition, and autophagic activity were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Geopropolis from Melipona marginara (MRGT) had the highest phenolic and flavonoid content.
- Geopropolis from Melipona mondury (MNDY) showed potent activity against both parasite forms (IC50 = 168 and 19.7 µg/mL).
- Extracts induced oxidative stress and autophagic activity, inhibited arginase, and reduced dehydrogenase activity in parasites.
Conclusions:
- Geopropolis extracts possess significant anti-Leishmania amazonensis activity.
- The extracts act by inducing oxidative stress and interfering with parasite redox balance.
- These findings suggest geopropolis as a potential source for novel anti-leishmanial agents.
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