Inhibitory activity of Brazilian green propolis components and their derivatives on the release of cys-leukotrienes.

The effects of Brazilian green propolis ethanol extract on Cry j1-induced cys-leukotrienes and histamine release from peripheral leukocytes of patients with allergic rhinitis were investigated. One of the key mechanisms for the anti-allergic properties of the extract was revealed to be the suppression of cys-LTs release. Furthermore, a series of propolis components and their phenethyl esters were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of cys-LTs release. Artepillin C, baccharin, and kaempferide were the major active components of the ethanol extract. The inhibitory activity of artepillin C phenethyl ester was comparable to that of existing LT synthesis inhibitors.