Propolis and Its Antioxidant Properties
2025-11-24
Propolis has long been valued for its remarkable biological activities, with its antioxidant capacity standing out as one of the most significant. In recent years, researchers worldwide have conducted extensive studies using various analytical methods to evaluate the antioxidant potential of propolis. These studies consistently demonstrate that propolis effectively scavenges free radicals, alleviates oxidative stress, and helps improve the biological functions of tissues and cells.
The antioxidant activity of propolis is closely linked to its rich composition of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids. However, since bees collect plant resins from different regional flora, the chemical composition of propolis—and thus its antioxidant properties—varies significantly by geographic origin.
Antioxidant Activity of Propolis Ethanol Extract (EEP)
Ethanol is the most commonly used solvent for extracting active compounds from propolis. Studies have shown that extracts obtained using 70% and 80% ethanol exhibit the strongest antioxidant activity. In particular, EEP prepared with 70% ethanol demonstrates superior reducing power, as well as enhanced free radical and metal ion scavenging abilities.
Antioxidant Activity of Propolis Water Extract (WEP)
A study by Guo et al. (2011) investigated water-extracted propolis (WEP) from various regions in China. They identified key phenolic compounds such as epicatechin, coumaric acid, dimethoxycinnamic acid, naringenin, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, chrysin, and galangin. The study concluded that WEP from tropical and subtropical regions (e.g., Yunnan and Guangxi) showed lower reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to WEP from temperate regions (e.g., Shandong and Hebei).
EEP vs. WEP: A Comparative Overview
Due to the chemical diversity of propolis, different solvents yield extracts with distinct compositions and antioxidant capacities. The table below summarizes key differences:
| Feature | Propolis Ethanol Extract (EEP) | Propolis Water Extract (WEP) |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction Efficiency | Higher | Lower |
| Active Components | Rich in flavonoids, phenolics | Contains polar phenolic compounds |
| Antioxidant Strength | Generally stronger | Moderate, yet significant |
| Suitability for Use | May cause irritation in some cases | More suitable for topical/oral use |
While water is less efficient than ethanol in extracting bioactive components from propolis, WEP still exhibits considerable antioxidant activity. Moreover, WEP is often preferred for topical and oral applications due to its mildness and lack of the discomfort sometimes associated with ethanol-based extracts.
Mechanism of Antioxidant Action
The antioxidant effects of propolis are mediated through direct and indirect regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), helping to restore redox balance within the body. Its rich profile of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids contributes to these protective effects.
It is important to note that the protective effects of propolis are concentration-dependent. While beneficial at appropriate levels, very high concentrations may exhibit toxicity, which also varies with the geographical origin of the propolis. Therefore, it is essential to use propolis within safe and effective dosage ranges.
Propolis influences multiple pathways related to oxidative stress:
● It modulates ROS-related signaling
● Enhances intracellular antioxidant enzyme systems
● Affects signal transduction involving the Nrf-2 regulator
Rather than simply inhibiting or activating a single pathway or substance, propolis exerts a harmonizing effect on the entire organism, supporting systemic balance and defense.
Reference：
- Banskota AH, Tezuka, Y, Adnyana IK, Midorikawa K, Matsushige K, Message D,Huertas AA, Kadota S(2000) Cytotoxic, hepatoprotective and free radical scavenging effects of propolis from Brazil, Peru, the Netherlands and China [ J ]. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 72(1): 239-246.
- Capucho C, Sette R, de Souza Predes F, de Castro Monteiro J, Pigoso AA, Barbieri R, Dolder MAH, Severi-Aguiar GD (2012) Green Brazilian propolis effects on sperm count and epididymis morphology and oxidative stress [ J ]. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 50 (11): 3956-3962
- Guo X, Chen B, Luo L, Zhang X, Dai X, Gong S (2011) Chemical compositions and antioxidant activities of water extracts of Chinese propolis [ J ]. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 59(23): 12610-12616.
- Park YK, Ikegaki M (1998) Preparation of water and ethanolic extracts of propolis and evaluation of the preparations [ J ]. Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, 62 (11): 2230-2232.
- Simoes-Ambrosio L, Gregorio L, Sousa J, Figueiredo-Rinhel A, Azzolini A, Bastos J, Lucisano-Valim Y (2010) The role of seasonality on the inhibitory effect of Brazilian green propolis on the oxidative metabolism of neutrophils [ J ].Fitoterapia, 81 (8): 1102-1108
- Sulaiman GM, Sammarrae KWA, Ad’hiah AH, Zucchetti M, Frapolli R, Bello E, Erba E, D’Incalci M, Bagnati R (2011) Chemical characterization of Iraqi propolis samples and assessing their antioxidant potentials [ J ]. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 49 (9): 2415-2421
- Thirugnanasampandan R, Raveendran SB, Jayakumar R (2012) Analysis of chemical composition and bioactive property evaluation of Indian propolis [ J ]. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2(8): 651-654.
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