Phenolic compounds from Brazilian propolis with pharmacological activities

Four compounds were isolated from Brazilian propolis. They are identified a s: (1) 3-prenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (PHCA), (2) 2,2-dimethyl-6-carboxyet henyl-2H-1-benzopyrane (DCBEN), (3) 3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (DH CA), and (4) 2,2-dimethyl-6-carboxyethenyl-8-prenyl-2H-1-benzopyran (DPB). The structures of the compounds were determined by MS and NMR techniques. A ll compounds were assayed against Trypanosoma cruzi and the bacteria Escher ichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis. Compounds (1) to (4) were active against T. cruzi. Except (1), a ll compounds presented activity against the bacteria tested. When compounds (1)-(3) were tested in the guinea pig isolated trachea, all induced a rela xant effect similar to propolis extract. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.