Geopropolis from Melipona orbignyi and Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides Enhances Oxidative Stress Resistance and Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Authors

Helder Freitas Dos Santos, Jaqueline Ferreira Campos, José Benedito Perrella Balestieri, Daniel Ferreira Leite, Alex Santos Oliveira, Wellington Henrique Botelho, Paola Dos Santos da Rocha, Debora da Silva Baldivia, Sikiru Olaitan Balogun, Kely de Picoli Souza, Edson Lucas Dos Santos

Published in

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland). Volume 19. Issue 3. Mar 06, 2026. Epub Mar 06, 2026.

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance in redox homeostasis, leading to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. This condition is associated with premature aging, as well as the progression of several chronic noncommunicable diseases. Among the natural products, geopropolis stands out as a source of molecules with different biological properties. Despite reports of its therapeutic potential, data on the effects on biomolecules and lifespan remains unexplored. Objectives: In this context, we investigated the effects of hydroethanolic geopropolis extracts of Melipona orbignyi and Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides on in vitro and in vivo protection against oxidative stress, as well as their toxicity and effects on lifespan. Methods: Firstly, we assessed the effect on protein integrity under AAPH-induced oxidative stress and on DNA stability following exposure to hydrogen peroxide and UV radiation. Furthermore, we evaluated the extracts toxicity, protection against juglone-induced oxidative stress and thermal stress, and effects on longevity in a Caenorhabditis elegans preclinical model. Results: In vitro, both extracts protected bovine serum albumin (BSA) from AAPH-induced oxidation, with maximum BSA integrity reaching 98.2 ± 1.8% (HGMO) and 91.7 ± 3.0% (HGMQ). In a UV/H₂O₂ plasmid assay, both extracts protected against oxidative DNA fragmentation across the tested range, achieving 100% protection (fully preserved DNA integrity) at the highest evaluated concentrations. In vivo, HGMO and HGMQ showed no acute toxicity (24-48 h), with survival comparable to controls, and increased survival under juglone-induced oxidative stress (80 µM, 24 h), with maximum viability gains of 37.3% (HGMO) and 23.9% (HGMQ). Both extracts extended lifespan, increasing maximum lifespan from 24 to 32 days (+33%). Conclusions: Overall, these findings support geopropolis extracts as promising candidates for biotechnological products targeting oxidative stress and healthy aging.

PMID:
41901279
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 16 Sep 2026.

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