Caracterização da atividade antimicrobiana e antioxidante da própolis das abelhas nativas Plebeia catamarcensis, Tetragonisca angustula fiebrigi e Melipona orbignyi (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

Abstract

The species of stingless bees Plebeia catamarcensis, Tetragonisca angustula fiebrigi and Melipona orbignyi are known popularly by the use of its natural products, aiming especially its medicinal properties. However, the number of scientific studies that prove its therapeutic action is still scarce in literature. Thus, this study sought to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of the three cited bee species that can be found in Mato Grosso do Sul. In this study propolis samples were collected and extracts were prepared. The profile antimicrobial was determined using techniques of agar diffusion and microdilution against fungus Candida albicans and bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. For determination of antioxidant activity, were performed the DPPH radicals free scavenging and protection against AAPHinduced erythrocyte hemolisys methods. The results obtained showed that propolis of all bees inhibited the growth of fungus C. albicans and gramnegative bacteria S. aureus, however, it did not inhibit the growth of gramnegative bacteria E. coli. The antioxidant capacity of M. orbignyi propolis showed to be relevant when compared to control. Propolis from P. catamarcensis and T. a. fiebrigi showed lower antioxidant activity compared to its controls. The protective capacity of hemolysis of M. orbignyi propolis was observed after 60 and 120 minutes incubation with AAPH hemolysis inductor and it was not observed signs of damage in erythrocyte membrane in absence of oxidant. Together the results showed therapeutic and biotechnological potential of propolis of the stingless bees studied. Future analyzes will be performed to identify and isolate the responsible substances for the observed effects, as well as to investigate other biological properties of propolis produced by those bee species.