Antibacterial Diterpenic Acids from Brazilian Propolis

V. Bankova3, M. C. Marcuccib, S. Simova3, N. Nikolova3, A. Kujumgievc and S. Popov3

a Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad G. Bonchev Str., Block 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria

b Biological Chemistry Laboratory, Chemical Institute of Universidade Estadual de Campinas, SP, Brazil

c Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria Z. Naturforsch. 51c, 277-280 (1996); received November 23, 1995/January 24, 1996 Propolis, Diterpenic Acids, Antibacterial Activity, Propolis Plant Sources

Abstract

Four labdane-type diterpenic acids and syringaldehyde were isolated and identified from Brazilian propolis. All the compounds exhibit antibacterial activity. The diterpenes, found for the first time in propolis, are typical for some Araucaria species and thus indicate a possible plant source of Brazilian propolis.

Introduction

Propolis (bee glue) is a resinous product that accumulates in bee hives. It possesses versatile bi­ ological activities: antibacterial, antiviral, fungici­ dal, antiulcer, immunostimulating, hypotensive, cytostatic, etc. (Ghisalberti, 1977). Now propolis is extensively used in foods and beverages intended to maintain and improve human health (Mat- suda, 1994)….

 

* THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.