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Antiviral Activity of Brazilian Propolis from Stingless Bees Against Rotavirus

Guadalupe González-Ochoa1, Ana Paola Balderrama-Carmona1, Jesús Antonio Erro-Carvajal1

  • 1Laboratorio de Microbiología e Inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Facultad Interdisciplinaria de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad de Sonora, Navojoa 85880, Mexico.

Microorganisms
|June 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Stingless bee propolis effectively reduced Group A rotavirus (RV) infectivity by over 99%. This natural compound shows promise as a safe antiviral agent for gastrointestinal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • Group A rotavirus (RV) is a major cause of infant gastroenteritis globally.
  • No specific antiviral treatment currently exists for rotavirus infections.
  • Propolis, a natural resin, possesses known antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antiviral activity of stingless bee propolis against Group A rotavirus.
  • To determine the safety and efficacy of propolis extracts in combating RV infection.

Main Methods:

  • Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay on colon adenocarcinoma cells.
  • Viral infectivity reduction was quantified via focus-forming assays.
  • Propolis extracts from specific stingless bee species were tested.

Main Results:

  • Stingless bee propolis demonstrated no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 200 µg/mL.
  • Propolis from *Plebeia droryana* and *Melipona quadrifasciata* reduced RV infectivity by over 99%.
  • Brazilian stingless bee propolis exhibited significant antiviral effects against RV.

Conclusions:

  • Brazilian stingless bee propolis possesses potent antiviral activity against Group A rotavirus.
  • Propolis is a promising candidate for developing novel antiviral therapies for rotavirus infections.
  • Further research supports propolis's potential application as a natural antiviral agent.

Keywords:
gastroenteritisphenolic compoundspropolisrotavirus

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