Própolis vermelha brasileira como alternativa anti-Helicobacter pylori

Abstract

The bacteria Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacillus. Due to its ability to colonize the gastric mucosa, it is commonly associated with various serious gastrointestinal diseases such as chronic gastritis and cancer. The standard treatment often results in strong side effects, leading to high failure rates. Additionally, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains necessitates the development of new therapeutic options capable of eliminating the bacteria. In this context, natural products represent promising sources of unique compounds with biological properties that can address various health issues, sparking growing interest in their study for the development of safe alternative therapies. The rich biodiversity of Brazil has been a focus of investigations to discover new sources of potential bioactive compounds. Brazilian red propolis, found in the country, contains unique compounds, increasing interest in evaluating its biological properties. The aim of the present study was to assess the anti-H. pylori activity of Brazilian red propolis extract through in vitro and in vivo assays. In the conducted assays, Brazilian red propolis showed promising results against H. pylori in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models, demonstrating its effectiveness against the bacterium in planktonic form and when aggregated in biofilms. Based on the obtained data, it is concluded that Brazilian red propolis exhibits promising anti-H. pylori activity, representing scientific interest and contributing to the development of new drugs and/or alternative therapies capable of combating H. pylori infection. This encourages further research to deepen the scientific knowledge of these valuable natural sources.