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Evaluating Biological Properties of Stingless Bee Propolis
Jin Ru Lim1, Lee Suan Chua1,2, Dawood Ali Salim Dawood3
1Institute of Bioproduct Development, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor Bahru 81310, Johor, Malaysia.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Stingless bee propolis extracts rich in phenolics and flavonoids show potent antibacterial and antiradical activities. Aqueous extracts demonstrated higher anticancer properties against lung cancer cells without harming normal cells.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Food Science
Background:
- Propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees, is known for its diverse bioactive compounds.
- Stingless bees, particularly *Heterotrigona itama*, produce propolis with potentially unique chemical profiles and biological functions.
- Understanding the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of *H. itama* propolis is crucial for its application in functional foods and therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins in *Heterotrigona itama* propolis extracts.
- To evaluate the antiradical, antibacterial, and anticancer properties of these propolis extracts.
- To correlate the chemical composition with the observed biological activities.
Main Methods:
- Propolis extraction using maceration with ultrasonic pretreatment in water and 20% ethanol.
- Colorimetric assays for quantifying total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins.
- Antiradical activity assays (e.g., DPPH assay).
- Antibacterial assays against *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Escherichia coli*, and *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*.
- Anticancer assays using lung cancer cell lines and normal lung cells.
Main Results:
- Ethanolic propolis extract yielded approximately 1% higher than aqueous extract.
- Ethanolic extract exhibited significantly higher concentrations of phenolics (17.043 mg GAE/g), tannins (5.411 mg GAE/g), and flavonoids (0.83 mg QE/g).
- Ethanolic extract demonstrated enhanced antiradical and antibacterial capacities, particularly against Gram-positive *S. aureus* compared to Gram-negative bacteria.
- Aqueous extract showed superior anticancer activity against lung cancer cells, with no observed cytotoxicity on normal lung cells even at high concentrations (800 µg/mL).
Conclusions:
- The chemical composition of *H. itama* propolis extracts varies with the extraction solvent, influencing their bioactivities.
- Ethanolic extracts are rich in phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, conferring strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
- Aqueous extracts possess significant anticancer potential, suggesting differential bioactivity based on extraction method.
- Propolis extracts, especially those rich in phenolics, represent a valuable natural source for developing functional foods and bioactive ingredients.
