Tissue distribution and accumulation of cinnamic acid derivatives from Brazilian green propolis in mice

Cinnamic acid derivatives, particularly prenylated derivatives, are characteristic components of Brazilian green propolis (BGP) and have been attracting attention for their health benefits. However, few reports have investigated their tissue distribution. This study aimed to elucidate the tissue distribution of cinnamic acid derivatives and examine the effects of prenylation by administering BGP to mice. The distribution level of p -coumaric acid was higher in the kidneys than in the liver or intestine. Artepillin C was detected at higher levels in the liver and intestine than in the kidney, and was also distributed in the brain, muscle, spleen, pancreas, and adipose tissue. These results suggested that prenylation enhanced the tissue uptake of cinnamic acid derivatives, which may facilitate the understanding of their functional mechanisms and promote their use in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.