Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Extraction and Analysis of Taiwanese Green Propolis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Brown, green and red propolis extracts: characterisation and potential as preservatives of ripened cheeses
Sandra M Osés1, Lucia Cuervo1, Cecilia Hernández1
1Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Universidad de Burgos (University of Burgos), Plaza Misael Bañuelos s/n 09001, Burgos, Spain.
Abstract:
Propolis is a natural product with potential use as preservative. Polyphenols' composition and biological activities of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of poplar-brown propolis (BP), green propolis (GP) and red propolis (RP) were researched. Antimicrobial activity against different common spoilage and toxigenic cheese moulds (Penicillium commune and P. verrucosum), P. camemberti, P. roqueforti and three pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) were evaluated. BP and RP ethanol extracts at concentration of 5 mg/mL and aqueous BP extract at 100-150 mg/mL could be used as promising natural preservatives. The total phenolics' and flavonoids' contents, as well as characteristic phenolic compounds of each type of propolis were likely the main responsible for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Although ethanolic extracts showed the best results, aqueous extracts could be also interesting for the cheese industry because they demonstrated to be able to prevent spoilage and potential toxicity of cheeses.
Related Concept Videos
Microbes in the Production of Fermented Foods
Microbes in Food Production
Microbial Spoilage of Food
Microorganisms in Agriculture and Food industry

