Propolis is a plant-derived product of Apis mellifera L., the common honeybee, which they utilize for construction and protection purposes. Propolis decreases the occurrence of mold and bacteria within the beehive. Recent studies suggest that the phenolic fraction of propolis displays bioactivity, including antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, among others. Cinnamic acid is identified as a prominent constituent in American propolis, which is scarcely studied compared to propolis from other locations. The interaction of cinnamic acid with phospholipids was investigated with the Langmuir monolayer system to determine how it permeates them. Phospholipids are responsible for selective transport as the barrier of the cellular membrane. Changes in cellular membranes were investigated as cinnamic acid was introduced to phospholipid monolayers in several concentrations. The Langmuir model membrane system aided in determining that cinnamic acid contains the potential for permeating bacterial, fungal, and prevalent lipid membranes. These findings will hopefully enhance pharmacological applications and the importance of propolis. Future research will include testing the interactions of other principal propolis compounds, such as pinocembrin, with phospholipids as well using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry to determine the specific propolis compounds in American propolis.

Observing membrane interactions of American propolis constiuents with lipids utlizing Langmuir monolayers

ACS Spring 2022

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