Correlation analysis between phenolic levels of Brazilian propolis extracts and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

Propolis extracts are currently used for the treatment of oronasal infections and as antioxidant agents. Ethanolic commercial Brazilian propolis extracts were assayed for their ability to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and also for their ability to scavenge DPPH radicals. These activities were correlated with their total phenolic and flavonoid levels. In one group of extracts there was a strong linear relationship between total phenol contents and the measured activities, while in the other group this relationship was weaker. It was also found that flavonoid levels had a greater influence on the antioxidant activity of these extracts than on their antimicrobial profiles.