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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Extraction and Analysis of Taiwanese Green Propolis
Published on: January 7, 2019
In vitro antimicrobial activity of a novel propolis formulation (Actichelated propolis)
L Drago1, E De Vecchi, L Nicola
1Dept of Preclinical Science LITA Vialba, University of Milan, Milano, Italy.
Aims:
This study compared in vitro activities of Actichelated propolis (a multicomposite material obtained with mechano-chemichal activation) and of a hydroalcoholic extract of propolis.
Methods And Results:
Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), determined by means of microdilution broth method, against five strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, showed a greater potency of Actichelated propolis (MIC range: 0.016-4 mg flavonoids ml(-1)) in respect to the hydroalcoholic extract (MIC range: 0.08-21.4 mg flavonoids ml(-1)). Concentrations of Actichelated propolis active against adenovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus and herpes virus type 1 were at least 10 times lower than those of the hydroalcoholic extract. Preincubation of Strep. pyogenes and H. influenzae with subinhibitory concentrations of Actichelated propolis (1/4 and 1/8 x MIC) significantly reduced the number of bacteria that adhered to human buccal cells.
Conclusions:
Actichelated propolis has proven to possess antibacterial and antiviral activity higher than a hydroalcoholic extract, being also able to interfere on bacterial adhesion to human oral cells.
Significance And Impact Of The Study:
This new formulation of propolis showing better antimicrobial and physical characteristics could improve the application of propolis in respiratory tract infections.
Insights
Actichelated propolis exhibits superior antibacterial and antiviral properties compared to traditional hydroalcoholic extracts. This enhanced propolis formulation also reduces bacterial adhesion, offering potential benefits for respiratory tract infections.
Area of Science:
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Virology
Background:
- Propolis is a natural resinous mixture with documented antimicrobial properties.
- Traditional propolis extracts often vary in efficacy due to extraction methods.
- Mechano-chemical activation offers a novel approach to propolis processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the in vitro antimicrobial and antiviral activities of Actichelated propolis with a standard hydroalcoholic propolis extract.
- To evaluate the effect of Actichelated propolis on bacterial adhesion to human buccal cells.
Main Methods:
- Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays were performed using the microdilution broth method.
- Antiviral activity was assessed against adenovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, and herpes virus type 1.
- Bacterial adhesion assays involved preincubation with subinhibitory concentrations of propolis.
Main Results:
- Actichelated propolis demonstrated significantly greater potency (lower MIC values) against tested bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) compared to the hydroalcoholic extract.
- Antiviral activity of Actichelated propolis was at least 10 times higher than the hydroalcoholic extract.
- Subinhibitory concentrations of Actichelated propolis reduced bacterial adhesion to human buccal cells for Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus influenzae.
Conclusions:
- Actichelated propolis possesses enhanced antibacterial and antiviral activity compared to hydroalcoholic extracts.
- The novel propolis formulation effectively interferes with bacterial adhesion.
- These findings suggest Actichelated propolis could be a valuable therapeutic agent for respiratory tract infections.
