Propolis Research Articles

Literature Review: Potensi Propolis Sebagai Imunomodulator

Human immune system function can be enhanced with immunomodulators. One of the natural ingredients that have these properties is propolis. The use of propolis as an immunomodulator has not been widely used. This article aims to examine the potential of propolis as an immunomodulator. The method used is a literature review of research articles according to the theme and comes from the PubMed database, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The article search strategy used the keywords flavonoid, immunomodulator, propolis, and the immune system. Propolis or bee glue is a resinous substance collected by honey bees from plant sources. The type of bee, the kind of plant habitat, the season, and geography will distinguish the chemical compounds of propolis. Propolis contains very high flavonoids as well as minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. Propolis from Indonesia has better flavonoid content than propolis from other countries. Flavonoids and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) are the main ingredients that have the potential as immunomodulators in propolis. Propolis can be an immunomodulator because it can stimulate the phagocytosis process by macrophages, reduce the production of TNF- cytokines and inhibit complement. Propolis also increases the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells and stimulates antibody production.

A Comparative Study on the Effect of Two Topical Formulations of Bee Propolis Cream in Ordinary and Nano Form on Wound Healing in Aged Rats (A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study)

A Comparative Study on the Effect of Two Topical Formulations of Bee Propolis Cream in Ordinary and Nano Form on Wound Healing in Aged Rats (A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study)

Bioactive Attributes and Analysis of Electronic Nose Feature Signals of Colombian Stingless Bees Propolis.

The volatile and non-volatile chemical composition and bioactivity of propolis from the species Apis mellifera has been widely studied, but there is very little knowledge regarding propolis of other bee species, which ultimately hinders their differentiation and potential use. In this work, 53 propolis samples of A. mellifera and four stingless bee species (Frieseomielitta sp., Melipona eburnea, Melipona sp., and Trigona sp.) were collected in Colombia. An electronic nose with 10 metal oxide semiconductor sensors (MOS) was used to generate a pattern of the representative volatile compounds of the samples. Ethanolic extracts were obtained to assess their antioxidant activity towards DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation, total phenolics, and color (CIELAB space). The results showed an overall similarity of the aromatic profiles between species. The antioxidant activity of Frieseomielitta sp. propolis was higher than that of A. mellifera and the other species, in correspondence with a higher phenolic content. CIELAB color parameter b* was the most differentiating variable among samples, indicating a variation of propolis colors between red and yellow. By combining the data from physico-chemical analysis and aromatic profile, it was possible to differentiate the propolis from each bee species, with the exception of those from Melipona sp. and Trigona sp., indicating their similarity. These results have practical significance since they are a starting point to recognizing and valuing native stingless bee propolis and their bioactive potential, which, in addition to geographical differentiation and further quality parameters evaluation, will enhance their commercial exploitation.

Bioactivity and Prospects of Using Ethanolic Extracts of Some Plants and Bee Glue (Propolis) to Control the Greater Wax Moth Galleria mellonella (L) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) is one of the most important pests of stored or unattended combs that cause severe damage to bee broods, threatening the development of apiculture in various countries, especially Sudan. A laboratory experiment was conducted in the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Shambat, Sudan, to explore the potency of ethanolic extract (EE) of different parts of three different plants and bee glue against the third larval instar of greater wax moth. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated five times. The percentage of mortality of GWM was recorded after 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post-treatment. Analysis of the variance of the obtained data revealed significant differences regarding insecticidal effect between the EEs of the four test products and the control. The EE of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Propolis, Nigella sativa, and Carum carvi have bioactivity action against the third instar larvae of GWM with an increased percentage of mortality according to the increase of concentration as well as elapse of time. Hence, the highest concentration (15%) caused 86.7%, 83.3%, 73.3 and 66.7% larval mortality after 96 hours for EE of leaves of E. camaldulensis, powder of bee glue (Propolis), seeds of N. sativa and seeds of C. carvi respectively. The results also clearly demonstrated that the EE of the powder of Propolis is significantly more toxic than E. camaldulensis, N. sativa, and C. carvi, where the LC50 values were 3.1% for Propolis, 5.0% for E. camaldulensis, 7.0 % for N. sativa and 7.7% for C. carvi. The products mentioned above at the mentioned concentration are environmental friendly, safe for honeybees, economically feasible, and affordable for small beekeepers.

Supplying Bee Pollen and Propolis to Growing Rabbits: Effects on Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Meat Quality.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with bee pollen (BP) and propolis (PRO) on productive performance, Eimeria oocyst counts in feces, blood metabolites, and the meat quality of growing rabbits. A total of 160 hybrid rabbits (California × New Zealand) of 30 days of age and 643 ± 8.0 g body weight (BW) were assigned to four treatments with 10 replicates each (four rabbits/replicate). The treatments were as follows: (1) CON: rabbits fed basal diet and not supplemented with BP or PRO; (2) BP500: CON + BP (500 mg/kg BW); (3) PRO50: CON + PRO (50 µL/kg BW); and (4) BP + PRO: CON + BP (500 mg/kg BW) + PRO (50 µL/kg BW). Higher daily weight gain (p = 0.04) and lower feed conversion rate (p = 0.03) were observed in rabbits supplemented with PRO50. In addition, supplementation with PRO50 and BP + PRO reduced the amount of Eimeria oocysts per gram of feces (p < 0.05). Most hematological and serum biochemical parameters were similar in rabbits of all treatments. Protein content, collagen, and meat color were similar between treatments. In conclusion, propolis supplementation (50 µL/kg BW) can prevent coccidiosis and act as a natural growth promoter in rabbits without affecting animal health and meat quality.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-acne activities of stingless bee (Tetragonula biroi) propolis

We collected stingless bee propolis Tetragonula biroi in order to find materials for medicine and cosmetics applications from tropical rainforest resources. Even though this bee has some biological functions including a cancer cell line, hair growth promotion, asthma remedy, α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition, and antiviral action, the investigation on anti-acne has not been reported yet. This study was to focus on propolis Tetragonula biroi extracts and leads us to isolate active compounds for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-acne. We used methanol to obtain the extract from this propolis and assayed it with antioxidants, anti-inflammation, and anti-acne. The extract showed strong activity in antioxidants by DPPH radical scavenging activity (82.31% in 6.25 μg/ml). Via a column chromatography and Reveleris PREP purification system, we isolated 3’–O–methyldiplacone, nymphaeol A, and 5,7,3′,4′–tetrahydroxy–6–geranyl flavonol. These compounds showed potential biological activity with IC50 for antioxidant 6.33, 15.49, 17.32 μM; and antiinflammatory 121.54, 121.20, 117.31 μM. The isolated compounds showed anti-acne properties with properties 0.00, 14.11, and 13.78 mm for the inhibition zone (at a concentration of 1 μg/well), respectively. The results indicated that the propolis extract of Tetragonula biroi has the potential to be developed as a cosmetic agent; however, further work needs to be done to clarify its application.

GC-MS Analysis, Phytochemical Screening, and Antibacterial Activity of Cerana indica Propolis from Kashmir Region

Propolis is a resinous compound produced by honey bees. It contains bioactive molecules that possess a wide range of biological functions. The chemical composition of propolis is affected by various variables, including the vegetation, the season, and the area from which the sample was collected. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and assess Cerana indica propoli’s antibacterial efficacy from the Kashmir region. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to determine the chemical composition of Kashmiri propolis. A range of bacterial strains was tested for antimicrobial activity using different extracts of propolis by agar well diffusion technique. Propolis was found to be rich in alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and resins. The chemical characterization revealed the presence of 68 distinct phytocompounds using GC-MS, and the most predominant compounds were alpha-D-mannopyranoside, methyl, cyclic 2,3:4,6-bis-ethyl boronate (21.17%), followed by hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (9.91%), and bacteriochlorophyll-c-stearyl (4.41%). The different extracts of propolis showed specific antibacterial efficacy against multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC1688), Escherichiacoli (MTCC443), Klebsiella pneumonia (MTCC19), Cutibacterium acnes (MTCC843), and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC96). The EEKP showed the highest zone of inhibition against S. aureus (17.33) at 400 µg mL−1. According to the findings of this study, bee propolis contains a variety of secondary metabolites with various pharmacological activities. Furthermore, because of its broad spectrum of positive pharmacological actions and the fact that it is a promising antibacterial agent, more research on propolis is warranted.

Phytochemical Profile, Plant Precursors and Some Properties of Georgian Propolis.

Propolis (bee glue) is a resinous substance produced by different species of bees i.a. from available plant resins, balsams, and exudates. It is characterized by significant biological activity (e.g., antimicrobial and antioxidant) and phytochemical diversity related to the available plant sources in specific geographical regions. The available scientific literature on propolis is quite extensive; however, there are only a few reports about propolis originating from Georgia. Therefore, our research was focused on the characterization of Georgian propolis in terms of phytochemical composition and antimicrobial/antioxidant activity. Performed research included UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS phytochemical profiling, determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content, antiradical and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays) as well as antibacterial activity of propolis extracts obtained using 70% ethanol (70EE). Georgian propolis extracts exhibited strong activity against Gram-positive bacteria (22 mm-disc assay/64 µg/mL-MIC for S. aureus, sample from Imereti) and weaker against Gram-negative strains as well as strong antioxidant properties (up to 117.71 ± 1.04 mgGAE/g in DPPH assay, up to 16.83 ± 1.02 mmol Fe2+/g in FRAP assay for samples from Orgora and Qvakhreli, respectively). The phytochemical profile of Georgian propolis was characterized by the presence of flavonoids, free phenolic acids, and their esters. In most of the samples, flavonoids were the main chemical group (52 compounds), represented mainly by 3-O-pinobanksin acetate, pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, and pinobanksin. The primary plant precursor of the Georgian bee glue is black poplar (Populus nigra L.) while the secondary is aspen poplar (P. tremula L.).

Antineoplastic and Antitrypanosomal Properties of Propolis from Tetragonula biroi Friese.

Propolis, popularly known as bee glue, is a resinous, sticky substance produced by different bee species across the globe. Studies on the biological properties of propolis from the Philippines are rare. Hence, the current study aims at the chemical characterization of propolis produced by the stingless bees Tetragonula biroi Friese from the Philippines and to investigate its antitrypanosomal and anticancer properties. The determination of the chemical composition and characterization of propolis samples was achieved using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), -high-performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Three major triterpenes were isolated and identified using HRESI-MS and 1H/13C NMR techniques. The spectral studies confirmed the presence of compounds such as isomangiferolic acid, 27-hydoxymangiferonic acid, and 27-hydroxyisomangiferolic acid. All crude propolis samples, isolated fractions, and pure compounds demonstrated moderate antitrypanosomal and anticancer properties compared to control drugs. Amongst the tested compounds, 27-hydoxymangiferonic acid exhibited the highest antitrypanosomal activity at a concentration of 11.6 µg/mL. The highest anticancer effect was demonstrated by the Ph-2 fraction, followed by 27-hydroxyisomangiferolic acid, with IC50 values of 129.6 and 153.3 µg/mL. Thus, it can be concluded that the observed biological activity of Philippine propolis is due to the combinatorial effect or synergistic action of the active compounds 27-hydoxymangiferonic acid and 27-hydroxyisomangiferolic acid.

SYNERGISTIC POTENTIAL OF HONEY BEE PRODUCTS WITH RIVASTIGMINE AS NOVEL NEUROPHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACH IN RODENT MODEL OF SCOPOLAMINE-INDUCED DEMENTIA

The appearance of cognitive decline as a major hallmark of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders make it an intriguing pathophysiological state for which there is an urgent need for the development of effective pharmacotherapy. Decades of research have uncovered a multitude of promising factors that can serve as the starting point for research and development in this domain of research. Depleted cholinergic neurotransmission and oxidative damage are two such causative factors for cognitive impairment associated with neurodegeneration. Approved treatments for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's Disease (AD) provide only symptomatic relief and are known to cause unwanted side effects. Honeybee products are made up of bioactive substances, which have long been known for their medicinal and health-promoting effects. The purpose of the present study was to explore the neuroprotective potential of bee venom and bee propolis separately and in combination with the standard drug rivastigmine as a novel treatment regimen against scopolamine-induced cognitive decits. Intraperitoneal administration of bee venom (0.5 mg/Kg), propolis (250 mg/Kg, oral) and rivastigmine (0.5 mg/Kg) or their combinations showed improved cognitive functions in scopolamine exposed mice as assessed by passive avoidance test. Administration of honeybee products (venom and propolis) alone and in combination signicantly decreased the activity of acetylcholinesterase in the brain of scopolamine treated animals. Bee products either alone or in combination further decreased the lipid peroxidation with a concomitant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPx, GR, and GST) in the brains of the animals treated with scopolamine. The data obtained suggests that the treatment with combination of bee venom and propolis could be developed into a novel and effective therapy against cognitive dementia associated with neurological and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

Antimicrobial activity of royal jelly, honey, and their mixture

As antimicrobial drugs destroy microorganisms or stop their growth, they are used to treat infections. Due to the increasing resistance of infectious agents to antimicrobial drugs, there is a need to find new natural products with antimicrobial properties. Natural products such as bee products honey, propolis, pollen, bee bread, and royal jelly are important products with numerous different active biological features, antimicrobial and antiviral among them. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of royal jelly, honey, and the mixture of honey and royal jelly on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, spore bacteria, and the fungus Candida albicans. Royal jelly and honey were collected in Lithuanian apiaries. The antimicrobial activity of royal jelly, honey, and honey-royal jelly mixture (9% solution) was determined using the ‘well’ method of diffusion into agar. Reference cultures of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, spore bacteria, and the fungus Candida albicans were used in the study. Royal jelly was found to be the most effective against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis. Royal jelly had the strongest antibacterial effect on Enterococcus faecalis, honey on Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, and the mixture of honey-royal jelly on S. epidermidis. Royal jelly, honey, and honey-royal jelly solutions were not antibacterial against Proteus vulgaris. Royal jelly, honey, and honey-royal jelly had a weak effect on Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Royal jelly had no effect on Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Candida albicans, and the antibacterial effect of honey and honey-royal jelly mixture was weak. Royal jelly, honey, honey-royal jelly mixture had the strongest effect on gram-positive bacteria. A weaker antimicrobial effect was observed against gram-negative bacteria, spore bacteria, and C. albicans. Royal jelly had no effect on P. vulgaris, and honey-royal jelly mixture had similar antimicrobial activity to honey.

Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Ethanol Extract Kelulut Bee Propolis (Trigona laeviceps)

Kelulut bees are widely bred in Kalimantan. These bees do not have a stinger and easily adapt to new environments. Another characteristic of the kelulut bee is that it produces more propolis than honey. Kelulut Bee propolis contains tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolics bioactive compounds with the potential to heal drugs. Following the concept of 'Back to Nature', namely increasing public interest in using natural ingredients to be used as medicine. Therefore, a test is needed to strengthen the utilization of this potential and quantitative phytochemical analysis is needed to determine the levels of each compound in kelulut bee propolis. The purpose of this research was to analyze the results of the quantitative phytochemical of ethanol extract of kelulut bee propolis (Trigona laeviceps). The research used non- experimental research with quantitative laboratory examination to analyze sample content. The results showed he quantitative phytochemical analysis of ethanol extract of kelulut bee propolis (Trigona laeviceps) showed a content of tannin compound 1.85 mg/ml, alkaloid 154.31 mg/ml, flavonoid 56.83 mg/ml and phenolic 120.37 mg/ml. Ethanol extract of bee propolis (Trigona laeviceps) showed a tannin compound content of 1.85 mg/ml, alkaloids 154.31 mg/ml, flavonoids 56.83 mg/ml and phenolic 120.37 mg/ml. Alkaloid had the highest concentration of 154.31 mg/ml, while tannin had the lowest concentration of 1.85 mg/ml.

Effects of Chrysin on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro.

Chrysin is a hydroxylated flavonoid derived from "propolis or bee glue," a natural product. Previous research on chrysin's biological functions, including anticancer activity, had been reported. However, chrysin's effect on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still scarce. This article aimed to test the cytotoxicity, antiproliferative, antimigration, anti-invasion, and apoptotic effects of purified chrysin in two OSCC cell lines, HSC4 and SCC25. The malignant phenotype was assessed using cell proliferation, wound healing, and transwell assays. Cell apoptosis was determined using flow cytometry. The positive control was OSCC cells treated with cisplatin, and the negative control was OSCC cells incubated with 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide. Chrysin at concentrations of 100 and 200 µM could inhibit OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as enhance cell apoptosis, particularly in the early stages of apoptosis. In OSCC cell lines, chrysin has been demonstrated to be an effective antioncogenic agent. Additional research is required to confirm the results. Chrysin should be suggested as a possible alternative therapeutic application for OSCC.

Effect of microwave and ultrasound‐assisted extraction methods on phytochemical extraction of bee propolis of Indian origin and its antibacterial activity

SummaryThe propolis is a natural resinous product of bee hive and its composition majorly depends on the flora and geographical region. This study evaluated the propolis extracts collected from two different phytogeographical regions of India: Jammu &amp; Kashmir (JKP) and Rajasthan (RP) obtained through maceration, ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE). Phytochemical composition and antibacterial effect of bee propolis against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria by the minimum inhibitory concentration assay were performed. The best results were obtained for JKP propolis and UAE was more efficient provided the highest extraction yield (46.76–62.44 g), phenols (137.17–355.58 GAE per g propolis), flavonoids (20.66–60.23 Q per g propolis) and antioxidant activity (76.04–64.24%) for both samples. The JKP and RP samples exhibited maximum inhibitory effect on gram – positive bacteria S. aureus with MIC value of 5 mg mL−1 compared to gram – negative bacteria E. coli.

Correction: Eco-friendly technology for preparation, characterization and promotion of honey bee propolis extract loaded cellulose acetate nanofibers in medical domains

Correction: Eco-friendly technology for preparation, characterization and promotion of honey bee propolis extract loaded cellulose acetate nanofibers in medical domains

Bioactivity of Heterotrigona itama Propolis as Anti-Inflammatory: A Review

Chronic inflammation is common in infectious diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and autoimmune diseases. Several pharmaceutical therapies are readily available. However, using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is accompanied by dangerous side effects. Therefore, searching for safer alternative therapies with no side effects is very important. Currently, natural sources of kelulut bee (Heterotrigona itama) propolis have not been fully utilized for treatment, especially for inflammation. This study aims to study the bioactivity of kelulut bee propolis H. itama as an anti-inflammatory. The literature review was used as a method by searching related journals using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Garuda. Based on the study's results, it was found that H. itama propolis has the potential to suppress inflammation through the inhibition of free radicals and decrease COX-2. The compounds that have the potential to have this activity are influenced by the resin source collected by the kelulut bees. This information can be used as a reference for developing natural ingredients from propolis for anti-inflammatory properties.

Determination of mycotoxins by HPLC, LC-MS/MS and health risk assessment of the mycotoxins in bee products of Turkey

The aim of this study is to determine the levels of deoxynivalenol (DON), HT-2 toxin (HT2), T-2 toxin (T2), and ochratoxin A (OTA) in bee products (bee pollen, propolis, honey and royal jelly) available in Turkey. In addition, exposure and health risk assessments were performed to identify the potential health risk of these mycotoxins. The mycotoxins were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a UV detector and positive samples were confirmed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The most common mycotoxins in all bee products were DON and T-2 toxin, with mean concentrations of 1.601 and 0.704 µg/per kg dry sample, respectively, followed by OTA and HT-2 toxin. It was determined that the mycotoxins taken as a result of consuming bee products in specified amounts do not pose a risk to health.

In-vitro Comparison of Antibacterial Activities on Stingless Bee Propolis using Selected Extraction Methods

This study aimed to compare the different selected extraction methods of propolis extracts against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). Extraction of Malaysian Propolis (MP) from Heterotrigona itama, was carried out using 70% ethanol. For the selected extraction processes, such as, centrifugation-assisted extraction (CAE), vacuum-assisted extraction (VAE), and shaking-assisted extraction (SAE) methods were used. Antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis was assessed using the antibacterial susceptibility test (AST). The results showed that SAE, followed by CAE, had better antimicrobial properties as compared to those obtained by VAE. The inhibition zones for SAE, CAE, and VAE were 5.3mm, 4.67mm, and 4.16mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for extracted MP by SAE were 12.5 and 25 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, non-setting calcium hydroxide’s [Ca(OH)2] MIC and MBC were determined to be 50 and 100 mg/mL, respectively. As a result, we believe that extraction of raw MP from Heterotrigona itama using the SAE method was more effective than Ca(OH)2 against E. faecalis.

An integrated strategy for chemical, biological and palynological standardization of bee propolis

An integrated method for standardization of propolis using chromatographic, spectroscopic, palynological and biological analyses was implemented in this study. Digitally-enhanced HPTLC images using dual visualization approach with four image analysis software packages adopting different digitalization algorithms were comparatively evaluated i.e.; Sorbfil TLC View®, ImageJ®, JustTLC® and Gel Analyzer®. ImageJ® and Gel Analyzer® showed superior figures of merits in case of flavonoids and phenolic acids quantitation, respectively. Unsupervised and supervised multivariable pattern recognition models were constructed for comprehensive discrimination between the three propolis types (blue, orange and green) collected from various geographical locations worldwide. HPTLC-ESI-MS was utilized for precise identification of the discriminatory phytoconstituents. Fingerprint-efficacy relationship analysis was conducted via an Orthogonal Projection to Latent Structure multivariate model to unravel the bio-efficient markers in terms of α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition as main targets. 3,4-Dimethoxycinnamic acid, caffeic acid, isoferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, and quercetin were found to be the main health-relevant markers. A complementary fast, simple and readily available UV spectroscopic method using aluminium chloride as bathochromic shift reagent was used as an independent method for prediction of aforementioned biomarkers using a validated Partial Least Squares Regression model. In addition, palynological analysis was implemented to determine the botanical origin of Egyptian propolis for the first time. Twenty-eight pollen types assigned to 13 families were identified, with Asteraceae being the highest representative one. The investigated samples lacked dominant pollen types, which reflected the multifloral origin of Egyptian propolis. Identification of plant sources of propolis, which directly affect its chemical composition and subsequently its biological efficacy represents an integral part of its standardization.

Chemical Profiling, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activity of Saudi Propolis Collected by Arabian Honey Bee (Apis mellifera jemenitica) Colonies.

Propolis (bee glue) is a complex, phyto-based resinous material obtained from beehives. Its chemical and biological properties vary with respect to bee species, type of plants, geographical location, and climate of a particular area. This study was planned with the aim of determining the chemical composition and to investigate various properties (against oxidants and microbes) of different extracts of Saudi propolis collected from Arabian honey bee (Apis mellifera jemenitica) colonies headed by young queens. Chemical analysis of propolis extracts with different solvents, i.e., ethyl acetate (Eac), methanol (Met), butanol (BuT), and hexane (Hex) was done through colorimetry for the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) evaluation. For separation and extensive characterization of the Met extract, chromatography and 1H NMR were deployed. Six different microorganisms were selected to analyze the Saudi-propolis-based extract’s antimicrobial nature by measuring zones of inhibition (ZOI) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Molecular docking was done by utilizing AutodDock, and sketching of ligands was performed through Marvin Chem Sketch (MCS), and the resultant data after 2D and 3D clean were stored in .mol format. The highest TFC (96.65 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g of propolis) and TPC (325 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of propolis) were noted for Met. Six familiar compounds were isolated, and recognition was done with NMR. Met extract showed the greatest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). Met showed max microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ZOI = 18.67 mm, MIC = 0.625 mg/mL), whereas the minimum was observed in Hex against E. coli (ZOI = 6.33 mm, MIC = 2.50 mg/mL). Furthermore, the molecular docking process established the biological activity of separated compounds against HCK (Hematopoietic cell kinase) and Gyrase B of S. aureus. Moreover, the stability of protein–ligand complexes was further established through molecular dynamic simulation studies, which showed that the receptor–ligand complexes were quite stable. Results of this research will pave the way for further consolidated analysis of propolis obtained from Arabian honey bees (A. m. jemenitica).