Extraction of Egyptian Propolis by Different Solvents and Their Antibacterial Activities

Abstract

Objectives: Propolis, a resinous product produced by honeybees, has been known for its pharmacological bioactivities particularly its antimicrobial potential. This study aimed to analyze chemical composition and antibacterial activity of four Egyptian propolis samples collected from different governorates.

Methods:  four propolis samples named Q, F, L and G, were extracted by three solvents; 70% ethanol, absolute methanol and chloroform. The resulting extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography– mass spectrometry (GC/ MS), which revealed a range of bioactive compounds. Antibacterial activities of each extract was evaluated against multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, including, E. coli, Serratia sp., Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.  

Results: The ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) yielded the highest number of compounds: 36, 57, 35, and 45 compounds for propolis samples Q, F, L, and G respectively, followed by the methanol extract of propolis (MEP). Sample F contained the highest number of compounds among the four samples. Major identified bioactive compounds included; Benzo-Pyran derivatives, α-amyrin; Hexanedioic acid, Octacosane, Palmitic acid, Pyrido[2,3-b] indole, Lup-20(29)-en-3-ol acetate (3α)-, Heptacosane; Methyl-3-Oxurs,12-en-23-oate, and Dotriacontane. Both MEP and EEP demonstrated the notable antibacterial activity against the tested MDR bacteria, while chloroform extract of propolis (CEP) was efficient against Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusion: The Egyptian propolis contains a diverse of bioactive compounds, and its antibacterial activity is influenced by the solvent used for extraction. The findings supported its potential as alternative agent against MDR bacteria.