Optimized extraction based on the terpenoids ofHeterotrigona itamapropolis and their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities

Terpenoids are the main components of stingless bee propolis, their biological activities have not been fully quantified and investigated. In this study, the single-factor design and response surface methodology were applied to optimize the terpenoids extraction process inHeterotrigona itama(also calledH. itama) propolis. Furthermore, the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of terpenoid-rich extract were evaluated. The results showed with 95% ethanol/5% water, a material-liquid extraction yield of 1:30 g/ml, and extraction 72 hr for three extractions, the highest terpenoids content inH. itamapropolis of 46.44 +/- 0.07%. TheH. itamapropolis terpenoid-rich extract showed relative low antioxidant effect but inhibited inflammatory response by decreasing the inflammatory mediatorsiNOS,IL-1 beta,IL-10, and increasing the antioxidant mediatorsHO-1. This study provided experimental parameters for the terpenoids optimal extraction fromH. itamapropolis and revealed their strong anti-inflammatory activity. Practical applications H. itamastingless propolis is a newly founded stingless bee propolis type recently.H. itamastingless propolis has abundant terpenoids, however, scant information were provided regarding its extraction optimization. In this study, we investigated and obtained the optimal extract parameters of terpenoids inH. itamapropolis?and demonstrated their strong anti-inflammatory activities; however, their antioxidant activities are relatively low. This study provided theoretical basis for the usage ofH. itamastingless propolis in industry.