Iranian Propolis ‘Promising Source of Biologically Active Compounds’

Antibacterial Mono- and Sesquiterpene Esters of Benzoic Acids from Iranian Propolis
Chemistry Central Journal, 29 March 2010

Background: Propolis (bee glue) has been used as a remedy since ancient times. Propolis from unexplored regions attracts the attention of scientists in the search for new bioactive molecules.

Results: From Iranian propolis from the Isfahan province, five individual components were isolated: the prenylated coumarin suberosin 1, and four terpene esters: tschimgin (bornyl p-hydroxybenzoate) 2, tschimganin (bornyl vanillate) 3, ferutinin (ferutinol p-hydroxybenzoate) 4, and tefernin (ferutinol vanillate) 5. All of them were found for the first time in propolis. Compounds 2 - 5 demonstrated activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions: The results of the present study are consistent with the idea that propolis from unexplored regions is a promising source of biologically active compounds.