Abstract
Some in vitro and in vivo evidence is consistent with the cardiovascular beneficial
activity of propolis. As the single actors responsible for this effect have never
been identified, an in-depth investigation of flavonoids isolated from the green propolis
of the Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora was performed and their mechanism of action was described. A comprehensive electrophysiology,
functional, and molecular docking approach was applied. Most flavanones and flavones
were effective CaV1.2 channel blockers with a potency order of (2S)-sakuranetin > eriodictyol-7,3′-methyl
ether > quercetin 3-methyl ether > 5,4′-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavanone > santin
> axillarin > penduletin > kumatakenin, ermanin and viscosine being weak or modest
stimulators. Except for eriodictyol 5-O-methyl ether, all the flavonoids were also
effective spasmolytic agents of vascular rings, kumatakenin and viscosine also showing
an endothelium-dependent activity.
(2S)-Sakuranetin also stimulated KCa1.1 channels both in single myocytes and vascular rings. In silico analysis provided
interesting insights into the mode of action of (2S)-sakuranetin within both CaV1.2 and KCa1.1 channels. The green propolis of the Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora is a valuable source
of multi-target vasoactive flavonoids: this evidence reinforces its nutraceutical
value in the cardiovascular disease prevention arena.
Keywords
Green propolis - (2S)-sakuranetin -
Mimosa tenuiflora
- Ca
V1.2 channels - K
Ca1.1 channels - Fabaceae