Red Propolis: Phenolics, Polyphenolics, and Applications to Microbiological Health and Disease
Abstract Red propolis is produced mainly in Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba, and Mexico. Phenolics compounds and flavonoids are the main compound groups found in red propolis, highlighting formononetin, biochanin A, pinocembrin, medicarpin, neovestitol, and vestitol. However, according to geographical location and season of collection, red propolis composition may vary a great deal. Brazilian red propolis is the most studied red propolis type. Antiinflammatory and antimicrobial activity against Streptococcos mutans, Staphylococcos aureus, Escherichia coli, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (among others) have been demonstrated. Among red propolis bioactive compounds, the fraction neovestitol vestitol is remarkable since it diminished dental caries lesions in the same levels as fluoride does in an animal study. Although several in vitro and in animal studies have been published, red propolis clinical trials are scarce. Future research regarding red propolis should focus on clinical trials, since basic research already provides a scientific basis for that. Therefore, this chapter describes the relevant antimicrobial and antiinflammatory information regarding red propolis and its bioactive compounds.