The protective effect of Artepillin C against lipid oxidation on simplified model membranes

Brazilian green propolis is a well-known therapeutic product, commonly used in folk medicine. Artepillin C is the major compound of propolis and has received considerable attention owing to its lipophilic affinity and antioxidant activity, enabling the use against lipid oxidation caused by free radicals, which is a first step before degenerative diseases. The protective effect of Artepillin C against lipid oxidation was evaluated here on simplified models of lipid membranes based on Langmuir monolayers and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) formed of DOPC under oxidative stress induced by the photoactivated erythrosin. Our findings show that Artepillin C donates a hydrogen atom of the phenolic hydroxyl group to the lipid radical, avoiding the formation of truncated aldehyde lipids, playing a role in the termination step of lipid peroxidation generating hydroperoxides. The affinity of Artepillin C for lipid structures, together with its antioxidant potential, preclude the lipid peroxidation caused by reactive species.