Chemical and Antimicrobial Potential Study of Brazilian Propolis Produced by Different Species of Bees

Propolis is a natural resinous product collected by honey bees from different parts of plants in different geographic areas. The chemical composition of propolis is quite complex and varied, being directly related to the location, harvest season, species of bees and vegetation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of ten brown propolis samples produced by the honey bees (Apis mellifera) obtained from the region of Japira (PR) and six geopropolis samples produced by two species of meliponineos: three samples of Melipona quadrifasciata anthioides (Mandacaia) and three of Melipona rufiventris (Urucu-amarela), obtained from different regions of the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ). The samples of propolis and geopropolis were evaluated and compared for the total phenol content, the total flavonoid content and the antiradical capacity performed by the DPPH, ABTS and the iron reducing capacity (FRAP). In addition, the comparison of UV-Vis spectral data profiles and antimicrobial activity against strains of Staphylococcus aureus were performed. The results obtained through the study of ethanolic extracts of brown propolis and geopropolis confirm the complexity and chemical difference of propolis. In addition, the multivariate analysis helped to discriminate propolis from different bee species, indicating that the chemical profile and antioxidant capacity of the extracts are influenced by the bee species.