Unraveling the chemical composition, antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition of Moroccan propolis

In the present study, seven propolis samples collected from different areas of Morocco were evaluated for various potential attributes. Physicochemical parameters (moisture, pH, soluble substance, insoluble substance, ash content, conductivity, organic matter, resin, balsams, total carbohydrates, total proteins and mineral content), structural characterization by FTIR, phenolic and flavonoid composition and some biological activities (antioxidant, and alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities) were determined. The analyzed physicochemical parameters showed the following values: moisture (3.3-5.2%), pH (4.1-5.5), soluble substance (66.1-75.4%), insoluble substance (23.8-33.7%), ashes (1.6-2.3%), conductivity (1.5-2.5 mS/cm), organic matter (97.70-98.4%), wax (19.7-51.5%), resin (46.8-75.2%), balsam (1.5-3.1%), total carbohydrates (1.5-2.0 mg Glceq/g), and total proteins (1.7-6.2 g/100 g). Calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium were the most predominant minerals present in propolis samples. The phytochemical composition indicated the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids and stilbens compounds described as having a high antioxidant capacity and potential alpha-amylase (IC50 = 195.09-963.79 mu g/mL) and alpha-glucosidase (IC50 = 90.99-876.24 mu g/mL) inhibitory activities. Moreover, FTIR spectra showed that the samples are structurally different between them, validating the results of the physicochemical analysis. The outcome of this study provides relevant information about Moroccan propolis composition and quality standards.

Automated summary

The physical and chemical parameters of Moroccan propolis samples exhibited a range of values, with predominant minerals including calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium, and the presence of phenolic, flavonoid, and stilbens compounds with high antioxidant capacity and potential enzyme inhibitory activities. FTIR spectra showed structural differences between the samples.