Objective: To analyze the chemical composition and to evaluate the bioactive potential of hydroalocoholic extract of propolis.
Methods: Ethanol extract of propolis was analyzed by GC-MS, HPTLC and HPLC methods and in vitro antioxidant, anticholinesterase and cytotoxicity assay were performed.
Results: GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of fatty acids, alcohols, and quercetin. Quercetin was identified and quantified by HPTLC and HPLC methods. Dose dependent DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of hydroalcoholic extract of propolis was calculated as 16.20 and 34.33 µg/mL respectively. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation was significant and the IC50 value was calculated as 55.56µg/mL. Anticholinesterase activity was less observed. The cytotoxic activity against both breast (MCF-7) and lung cancer (A543) cell lines were significant and the IC50 value was calculated as 10 and 13 µg/mL respectively.
Conclusions: These findings showed that bioactive compounds present in propolis will alleviate many diseases and can be used for better human health.
Keywords: Anticholinesterase; Antioxidant; Cytotoxicity; Densitometry; Propolis; Quercetin.