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In vitro activity of propolis against Streptococcus pyogenes
K Bosio1, C Avanzini, A D'Avolio
1Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences and Di.VA.P.R.A., University of Torino, Italy.
Letters in Applied Microbiology
|September 6, 2000
Summary
Ethanolic propolis extracts show antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes. Higher flavonoid content, specifically pinocembrin and galangin, correlated with increased effectiveness, aiding natural product standardization.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Propolis, a resinous bee product, possesses known antimicrobial properties.
- Its therapeutic potential is explored for various microorganisms.
- Standardization of propolis for medicinal use requires quality assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic propolis extracts against Streptococcus pyogenes.
- To identify potential quality parameters for propolis standardization.
- To correlate chemical composition with antimicrobial efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Ethanolic extracts from two Italian propolis samples were prepared.
- Antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar dilution and agar diffusion methods.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify flavonoids (pinocembrin, galangin).
Main Results:
- Both propolis extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against 46 Streptococcus pyogenes strains.
- Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were ≤ 234 µg/mL.
- The more active extract was richer in pinocembrin and galangin, as determined by HPLC.
Conclusions:
- Ethanolic propolis extracts demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes.
- Flavonoid content, particularly pinocembrin and galangin, influences propolis efficacy.
- Microbiological assays like agar dilution can standardize propolis analysis for quality control.