Croatian Propolis has Stronger Antimicrobial, Antioxidant Activity than Brazilian Propolis

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Propolis from Croatia and Brazil: a Comparative Study
Planta Medica, 2007; 73

The source of the plant material from which honeybees collect propolis has the influence on its chemical profile, and consequently on biological activity.

The aim of present study was to compare antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts of propolis collected from hives in Croatia (continental part) as typical poplar-type, and in Brazil (Minas Gerais region) as typical green or alecrim-type of propolis…

Higher content of flavanones was found in Croatian propolis (38.6%) than in Brazilian propolis (11.4%). The content of flavones/flavonols was also higher in the Croatian propolis sample (1.6% vs. 0.9%, respectively).

More potent antimicrobial activity exhibited Croatian propolis with MIC values below 10.38mg/mL against Escherichia coli ATCC 10535, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and yeast Candida albicans ATCC 10231, while Brazilian propolis had MIC values against the same microbes between 10.38 and 20.75mg/mL.

The antioxidant potential was significant using Croatian propolis sample against DPPH radicals. Comparison of rate of scavenging capacity between propolis extracts showed no radicals after 30min using Croatian propolis while Brazilian propolis after 60min left 10% of radicals.

In conclusion, origin of propolis has influence on the chemical composition of propolis as well as on its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

According to the presented study, Croatian propolis rich in flavonoid aglycones exerts stronger antimicrobial and antioxidant activity than Brazilian propolis which is rich in other types of polyphenols such as prenylated phenylpropanoids.