Comparison of Free Radicals Scavenging Activity, Phenolics Levels and Antibacterial Activities by Iraqi Propolis from Different Sources

Propolis (bee glue) a resinous material derived by bees from many plant sources was known for its therapeutic properties. In this study, Iraqi propolis from different sources was extracted by 70 % ethanol using ultrasonic bath. Iraqi propolis extract for free radical scavenging by [laR-(laab, 8, B, 8a, 8ba)]-6-amino-8-{[(amino carbonyl)oxy]- methyl}-l,la,2,8,8a,8b-hexahydro~8a-methoxy-5-methyI-azirone [2 ,3 :3,4] pyrrolo[l,2-a]indole-4,7-dione ( mitomycin C) was evaluated .The phenolic compounds concentrations were quantified by the Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method at 765 nm. The antibacterial effect of propolis extract was evaluated by an in vitro study testing the growth of two strains of bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) in nutrient broth containing varying concentrations of propolis. The results indicate that Iraqi propolis extract exhibit strong potential free radical scavenging activity and contained a higher level of phenolic compounds. Additionally, this extract showed the most consistent results, with the minimum bactericidal concentration of the extracts ranging between 500 and 1400 fig/mL, for the species of two strains of bacteria .The present results support the use of ethanolic extract of propolis as a strong disinfectant in modern medicine and as antibiotic pharmaceutical.