Evaluation of antibiotic and antioxidant properties of propolis

Abstract

Interest of scientist in means of natural antibiotics has been on a rise for the past years, and propolis has shown some promising results in this field [1]. Propolis is a resinous product of honey bees (Apis spp.) containing mixture of saliva, beeswax, and plants exudate. Originally, it is used for construction and maintenance of hives. Propolis, collected in different geographic regions and form different plants, varies by their chemical composition and biological activities [2-4]. The main objective of this study is to evaluate antibacterial and antioxidant activity of propolis different extracts. Three samples of propolis gathered in different geographic regions have been tested. Extracts had been prepared with methanol and water. Propolis residue from extraction were extracted using other, previously unused solvent. Antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts was determined against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus by agar disk diffusion and agar well diffusion methods. Phenolic compounds content, total flavonoid content and antiradical activity of the extracts were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods. Results of these tests will be presented during conference.