Publicação
In vitro investigation of the antimicrobial properties of Gerês propolis in bacteria isolated from companion animals and safety profile characterization using the Galleria mellonella model
| Resumo: | Propolis, also known as bee glue, is a natural resinous mixture produced by Western honeybees and has long been recognized for its potential therapeutic properties. Recent research has focused on its diverse bioactivities, particularly its antimicrobial effects against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including human but also animal pathogens. However, further investigation is required to fully elucidate the pharmacological properties and potential toxicity of propolis to support its broader application. This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy and safety of an ethanol extract of Portuguese propolis collected from the Gerês region (G23.EE). The antimicrobial activity was assessed in vitro against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria associated with infections in companion animals, using the agar dilution method. To evaluate potential toxicity, the extract was administered via injection and topical application in an in vivo Galleria mellonella larval model, with health parameters monitored over a 96 hours period. The in vitro results showed that G23.EE was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus spp. (e.g., S. felis, S. hominis, S. simulans, and S. pseudintermedius; MIC = 0.5 mg/mL) and Enterococcus faecium (MIC = 1.5 mg/mL), than against Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella oxytoca (MIC > 8.0 mg/mL). No significant adverse effects were observed in G. mellonella larvae following injection or brushing with propolis extract concentrations up to 8.0 mg/mL. Overall, these findings suggest that Portuguese propolis from Gêres is a promising, safe, and effective natural antimicrobial agent for targeting Gram-positive bacterial infections in companion animals. © 2025 by the authors. |
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| Autores principais: | Rodrigues, Rafael |
| Outros Autores: | Almeida, Rui; Rodrigues, Soraia C. V.; Castro, Joana Isabel Reis; Oliveira, Ricardo; Mendes, Nuno; Almeida, Carina; Silva, Sónia Carina; Araújo, Daniela; Almeida Aguiar, Cristina |
| Assunto: | antimicrobial activity companion animals Galleria mellonella Gerês propolis toxicity |
| Ano: | 2025 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | artigo |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade do Minho |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho |
| Resumo: | Propolis, also known as bee glue, is a natural resinous mixture produced by Western honeybees and has long been recognized for its potential therapeutic properties. Recent research has focused on its diverse bioactivities, particularly its antimicrobial effects against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including human but also animal pathogens. However, further investigation is required to fully elucidate the pharmacological properties and potential toxicity of propolis to support its broader application. This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy and safety of an ethanol extract of Portuguese propolis collected from the Gerês region (G23.EE). The antimicrobial activity was assessed in vitro against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria associated with infections in companion animals, using the agar dilution method. To evaluate potential toxicity, the extract was administered via injection and topical application in an in vivo Galleria mellonella larval model, with health parameters monitored over a 96 hours period. The in vitro results showed that G23.EE was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus spp. (e.g., S. felis, S. hominis, S. simulans, and S. pseudintermedius; MIC = 0.5 mg/mL) and Enterococcus faecium (MIC = 1.5 mg/mL), than against Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella oxytoca (MIC > 8.0 mg/mL). No significant adverse effects were observed in G. mellonella larvae following injection or brushing with propolis extract concentrations up to 8.0 mg/mL. Overall, these findings suggest that Portuguese propolis from Gêres is a promising, safe, and effective natural antimicrobial agent for targeting Gram-positive bacterial infections in companion animals. © 2025 by the authors. |
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