Propolis Component Shows Anti-Inflammatory Effect

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Bioavailable Compound, Artepillin C, in Brazilian Propolis
European Journal of Pharmacology, Article in Press

Abstract: Artepillin C is the major compound in the Brazilian green propolis from Baccharis dracunculifolia. Our aim in this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects, absorption, and bioavailability of Artepillin C in mice…

In vivo, Artepillin C produced a maximal inhibition of 38% after 360 min on paw oedema. Artepillin C also decreased the number of neutrophils during peritonitis (IC50: 0.9 (0.5–1.4) mg/kg). Treatment with Artepillin C decreased prostaglandin E2 by 29 ± 3% and 58 ± 5% at 1 and 10 mg/kg, respectively, with a mean ID50 of 8.5 (8.0–8.7)mg/kg).

Similarly, in in vitro models, Artepillin C (3, 10, or 100 μM) decreased nitric oxide production by RAW 264.7 cells with a mean IC50 of 8.5 (7.8–9.2) μM. In HEK 293 cells, Artepillin C reduced NF-κB activity with a mean IC50 of 26 (22–30) μg/ml), suggesting anti-inflammatory activity, particularly during acute inflammation. Lastly, Artepillin C was absorbed after an oral dose (10 mg/kg) with maximal peaks found at 1 h (22 μg/ml).

Collectively, Artepillin C showed anti-inflammatory effects mediated, at least in part, by prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide inhibition through NF-κB modulation, and exhibited bioavailability by oral administration.