Antimicrobial activity of Algerian propolis

Abstract

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from plant buds. It is used in the hive to strengthen the structure, seal entrances, and serve as an antiseptic agent. Due to its therapeutic properties, this study highlighted the antibacterial activity of two samples of Algerian propolis: one harvested from the mountains of Guelma (Maouna) in northeastern Algeria and the other purchased from a pharmacy (produced in Setif city). Two extraction methods were conducted; one using maceration at 70°C and the other at room temperature, to determine the optimal extraction method that preserves the antibacterial active substances in the ethanolic extract of propolis. Therefore, the propolis was dissolved in 70% ethanol at a ratio of 1:20 (m/v) to find the lowest concentration of ethanolic propolis extract with potential antibacterial activity. The samples were tested to determine their antimicrobial properties against three bacterial strains Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, using the agar diffusion method and the macrodilution method. As a result, the ethanolic extract of raw propolis extracted at room temperature (EEPR2) was more effective, especially against Staphylococcus aureus, where an inhibition zone of 14 mm was recorded and a MIC value of 25 mg/mL was measured. Further evaluation is required to confirm the efficacy of Algerian propolis as an antimicrobial agent for the development of new phytopharmaceutical products that can replace antibiotics.