Journal of Functional Foods (Oct 2016)
Anti-inflammatory and anti-biofilm properties of ent-nemorosone from Brazilian geopropolis
Abstract
ent-Nemorosone is a benzophenone isolated from geopropolis from Melipona scutellaris whose biological properties remain unexplored. Herein, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of ent-nemorosone by in vivo neutrophil migration and TNF-α quantification, as well as by in vitro TNF-α quantification, ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, NF-kB activation and nuclear translocation of p65 in stimulated macrophages. ent-Nemorosone was also tested for its antimicrobial effects against Streptococcus mutans biofilm adhesion, polysaccharide production, and viability. ent-Nemorosone reduced the influx of neutrophils and TNF-α release into the peritoneal cavity of mice, as well as the in vitro TNF-α levels, ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, NF-kB activation and nuclear p65 translocation. Furthermore, this compound inhibited biofilm adhesion and reduced the amount of extra- and intracellular polysaccharides synthesized by S. mutans. Thus, ent-nemorosone showed promising anti-inflammatory activity by acting on TNF-α release in macrophages, as well as anti-biofilm properties by reducing S. mutans polysaccharide production.