Phytochemical Composition of Iraqi Propolis and its effect on some Microorganism

Abstract

The study was aimed at antibacterial activities of propolis against (gram+ve), (gram-ve) bacteria. Propolis extract was obtained by 70% ethanol and serial dilutions of 10.96, 5.48, 2.74, 1.37, 0.68, 0.34, 0.17, 0.085, 0.043, and 0.0215 mg/ml prepared using disc diffusion method and MIC (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) and MBC (Minimal Bactericidal Concentration). The chemical composition of the propolis was also investigated using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and Bioautography analysis of the TLC plates identified fractions with inhibitory activity. Ethanol extract of propolis showed more activity against Gram-positives (S. aureus , S. epidermidis , B. subtilis , B. cereus) than Gram-negatives (E.coli , S. enteritidis , K. pneumoniae, P.vulgaris). Thin layer chromatography screening revealed the presence of bactericidal flavonol galangin, kaempferol, naringenin, apigenin and caffeic acid in propolis. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents were 23.87% and 31.25 %, respectively, The findings suggest that propolis is a very effective antimicrobial agent may be due to high levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds.