Aktywność biologiczna ekstraktów z propolisu
Introduction. Propolis, also known as bee glue, is a resinous material collected by honeybees with numerous biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and anticancer effects. Due to its health-promoting properties, propolis is a component of many products, including dietary supplements, cosmetics and healthy food. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activity of propolis extracts, as well as to compare the biological activity of propolis extracts, depending on the solvent used – ethyl alcohol or propylene glycol. Material and methods. Two propolis extracts were used in the research – the first was prepared in ethyl alcohol, and the second in propylene glycol. The antimicrobial activity of the examined extracts was determined against S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans. The antioxidant activity was determined on the basis of the evaluation of their antiradical activity in the DPPH· test and Fe2+ chelating activity. Moreover, the total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the tested extracts was determined using the colorimetric method. Results. The tested propolis extracts, regardless of the solvent used (ethyl alcohol or propylene glycol), showed high antibacterial (against S. aureus), antifungal (against C. albicans) and antioxidant (antiradical activity in the DPPH· test and ferrous iron chelating potency in the ferrozine test) activity. Moreover, both tested extracts were characterized by a high and similar content of bioactive compounds – phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Conclusions. The results of the conducted tests showed that the solvent used did not affect determined biological activity and the content of bioactive substances in the tested propolis extracts.