Four propolis samples collected from four countries China, Egypt, Iran and Saudi Arabia were investigated for chemical compositions and in vitro for antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, MRSA, Micrococcus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus vulgaris. The result indicated that the number of fractions in the Propolis samples extracts were 33 with different percentages. The HPLC analysis indicated the presence of phenolic compound, cinnamic acid and its derivatives, flavonoids and esters. Result obtained indicated variable differences in percentages of the compounds in samples collected from the different countries. Propolis extract, which has antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, was investigated in vitro. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the strains tested was determined using the method of broth dilution with the propolis extract in serial concentrations. Results of MIC showed MRSA with (0.5-10) followed by Bacillus subtilis with (0.5-15) and Micrococcus with (4-10). The MIC of Gram-negative bacteria is shown in case of Proteus vulgaris with (5-15) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa with (10-21) and Escherichia coli with (15-21). Furthermore, the results obtained indicated that Iranian propolis was the most potent inhibitor for all types of tested bacteria. The results indicated that propolis is more efficient than some antibiotic discs.
Key words: Propolis, pathogenic bacteria, chemical composition, antimicrobial activity
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