Antimicrobial and antihelminthic properties of different extracts of propolis

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of honey bee product propolis against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica) as well as against yeasts by disc diffusion assay and broth dilution method and also against amphistome by bioassay method under in vitro conditions. For this, ethanolic, methanolic and water extracts of propolis were prepared and tested for antimicrobial and antihelminthic activity. Ampicillin (antibacterial), Amphotericin B (antifungal) and Albendazole (anti-helminthic) were used as positive controls. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were determined by reading inhibition zone diameters (mm) after 24 hours of incubation at 37°C for bacteria and 28°C for fungi and broth dilution methods. Ethanolic extract of propolis was found to be most effective against antimicrobial properties. Results also demonstrated that propolis was more effective towards Gram-positive bacteria. Positive controls showed an efficient action against all the organisms used in present studies, but propolis was not found to be effective against amphistome.