Chemical composition and microbicidal activity of extracts from Brazilian and Bulgarian propolis

Lett Appl Microbiol. 2004;38(2):87-92. doi: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2003.01458.x.

Abstract

Aims: The chemical composition of ethanol extracts from a Brazilian (Et-Bra) and a Bulgarian (Et-Blg) propolis, and their activity against the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, several fungi and bacteria species were determined.

Methods and results: The chemical composition was determined by high temperature high resolution gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Microbiological activity was assayed in vitro against T. cruzi, Candida albicans, Sporothrix schenckii, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions: Et-Bra and Et-Blg, although with totally distinct compositions, were active against T. cruzi and the three species of fungi. Et-Blg was more effective than Et-Bra against bacteria, particularly N. meningitidis and Strep. pneumoniae.

Significance and impact of the study: Although with different classes of components, both propolis extracts showed microbicidal activity. For the bactericidal activity it was possible to establish a positive correlation with the high content of flavonoids of the Bulgarian extract.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Brazil
  • Bulgaria
  • Candida albicans / drug effects
  • Flavonoids / chemistry
  • Fungi / drug effects*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Neisseria meningitidis / drug effects
  • Paracoccidioides / drug effects
  • Parasitic Sensitivity Tests
  • Propolis / chemistry*
  • Propolis / pharmacology*
  • Sporothrix / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / drug effects
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Flavonoids
  • Propolis