Evaluation of the mutagenic activity of red própolis samples from Sergipe State (Brazil) by Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees (Apis mellifera) with aseptic and constructive purpose in the colony. It consists of a complex mixture of substances of vegetable sources, being influenced by the local flora and season of collection. The red propolis receives this name due to its color, being found mostly in Brazilian northeast areas. It is used in folk medicine, and its biological properties are proven by scientific studies. The present study was performed to evaluate possible mutagenic/recombinogenic effects of red propolis samples from Sergipe State by Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART). Third-instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster derived from standard cross (ST) and high bio-activation cross (HB) were treated with different concentrations (0.125; 0.25; 0.50 mg/mL) of red propolis water extract (EAPV). Distilled water and urethane (URE) (0.891 mg/mL) were used as negative and positive control, respectively. The frequency of mutant wing hairs spots was observed on the wings of emerging adults and not been found mutagenic and recombinogenic effects of EAPV on the experimental conditions used in the offspring of both crosses. Considering the importance of propolis because of its therapeutic properties, further studies should be carried out in different experimental conditions to strengthen these results, as well as assess its possible antimutagenic/antirecombinogenic effects.