Hive Location Alters Concentration of Flavonoids, Phenolic Compounds in Propolis

Antifungal and Antibacterial Activity of Propolis
Current Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 3, Number 4, November 2007 , pp. 304-308(5)

Abstract: Propolis is a natural substance collected by bees from local flora. Propolis is increasingly used in health-food manufacturing practices since in addition to the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral characteristics, it also strengthens the immunity and has a strong antioxidative effect.

We investigated the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of 10 samples of propolis, which were collected in different regions of Lithuania. The highest concentrations of phenolic compounds, the main active substances of propolis, were found in the samples which were collected from the hives located in the proximity of forests of a mixed type. The highest amounts of flavonoids were detected in propolis samples that were obtained from the bee hives located in the meadows.

All samples of propolis ethanolic extract were active against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The antimicrobial activity was higher against gram-positive than against gram-negative bacteria.

One propolis sample showed relatively strong activity against Candida albicans - minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) - 0.009 g/100ml of phenolic compounds. The antimicrobial activity of propolis may be due to the synergistic effect of phenolic compounds, terpenoids, aromatic and aliphatic acids.