Functional and Antimicrobial Properties of Propolis from Different Areas of Romania
Source abstract
Abstract
Propolis is a complex resinous substance produced by Apis mellifera L. through a process of mixing tree resins with saliva and beeswax. This substance plays a crucial role in the hive’s defence against a range of pathogenic agents, maintaining a consistent internal temperature and aseptic environment for the bee colony. The objective of the present study was to assess the chemical composition and antibacterial characteristics of five hydroalcoholic propolis extracts sourced from diverse geographic regions within Romania. This study shows that the biological and functional properties of propolis extracts are related to the plant resources in the vicinity of the hives, and this relates to greater or lesser bioactivity of the extracts; therefore, to standardise the extracts, it is essential to catalogue the plant essences in the proximity of the hives. The antimicrobial activity of propolis extract from each apiary was evaluated against five Gram-positive, five Gram-negative bacteria, and one fungal strain, using the difuzimetric method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results showed some variability, supporting the hypothesis that not only may the botanical origin influence the properties of propolis but also that a higher number of flavonoids influences the higher antimicrobial activity in the extracts.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Bee Products Chemical Analysis · Insect and Pesticide Research · Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Agriculture, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis snc, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
Department of Apiculture and Sericulture, Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Department of Agriculture, University of Naples Federico II, Via Reggia 100, Portici, 80146 Naples, Italy
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