Abstract Essential oils (EOs) are a promising alternative for food preservation and can be used instead of synthetic antimicrobial compounds such as sanitizers, as long as they are efficient and safe. In view of this possibility of use, Lippia alba (Mill) (LAEO) and Cymbopogon citratus D.C. Stapf. (CCEO) essential oils were evaluated as natural antimicrobials and applied into coriander for its biocontrol. The EOs were extracted and their physical properties, total phenolics, cytotoxicity to Artemia salina L. and antimicrobial potential in vitro and on natural coriander microbiota were determined. The EOs had a LD50 (median lethal dose - checked), are considered biologically active. MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) varied from 1.25 to 5.00 μL/ mL and from 0.62 to 5.00 μL/ mL for LAEO and CCEO, respectively, on standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Thyphimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The lowest MIC values for LAEO and CCEO were selected for application in coriander. EOs reduced the pathogenic microbial load in the coriander revealing its potential as a natural sanitizer, and thus demonstrating superior or equivalent efficacy to commercial sanitizer. By correlating the cytotoxic and antimicrobial results obtained, we have shown that these EOs present potential for application in foods.

RESUMO: A apitoxina é o veneno produzido pelas abelhas, um composto químico complexo, rico em substâncias proteicas e com efeito farmacológico. Com objetivo de comparar a qualidade da apitoxina extraída em apiário em relação ao teor de umidade, análise das proteínas e ensaio de citotoxicidade frente Artemia salina L. este trabalho foi realizado. A apitoxina denominada neste estudo como tipo 1 foi coletada de placas de vidro na entrada da colmeia, enquanto que a denominada tipo 2, coletada a partir dos resíduos acumulados nas varetas coletoras e tratada com lavagem em água destilada. As apitoxinas apresentaram diferenças significativas (P>0,05) em relação ao perfil proteico, sendo a tipo 1 com maior teor (77,8%) que a tipo 2 (51,9%) e apresentou bandas de polipeptídios reveladas possuindo mais de 50% de seus componentes nitrogenados com peso molecular abaixo de 10KDa. Quanto aos ensaios de citotoxicidade, a apitoxina tipo 1 apresentou DL50 de 71,5µg mL-1 e a tipo 2 DL50 191,6µg mL-1. Assim, a região onde se acumula a apitoxina no coletor influencia na qualidade do produto, mas apresenta teores de umidade e proteína de acordo com padrões preconizados em legislação especifica, podendo ser comercializada pelo apicultor.

ABSTRACT: Apitoxin is the venom produced by bees. It is a complex chemical compound, rich in protein substances and with pharmacological effects. This study was carried out with the objective of comparing the quality of apitoxin extracted in an apiary in different parts of the collector in relation to moisture content, protein analysis and cytotoxicity assay with Artemia salina L. Type 1 apitoxin was collected from glass slabs at the entrance to the hive, while type 2 apitoxin was collected from the waste accumulated in the collection rods and treated by rinsing in distilled water. Both apitoxins presented significant differences (P>0.05) in relation to protein profile, with type 1 showing a higher content (77.8%) than type 2 (51.9%), and presented polypeptide bands with more than 50% of their nitrogenous components having molecular weight below 10KDa. Regarding cytotoxicity assays, type 1 apitoxin had LD50 of 71.5μg mL-1, while type 2 had LD50 of 191.6μg mL-1. Thus, the region where apitoxin accumulates in the collector does influence the product quality if moisture and protein contents are in accordance with the standards recommended in specific legislation, and so it can be commercialized by the beekeeper.