Effects of stingless bee and honey bee propolis on four species of bacteria

Genet Mol Res. 2009;8(2):635-40. doi: 10.4238/vol8-2kerr023.

Abstract

We examined the antibacterial activities of several types of propolis, including Africanized honey bee green propolis and propolis produced by meliponini bees. The antibacterial activity of green propolis against Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus was superior to that of Melipona quadrifasciata and Scaptotrigona sp propolis. Only two samples of propolis (green propolis and Scaptotrigona sp propolis) were efficient against Escherichia coli. Melipona quadrifasciata propolis was better than green propolis and Scaptotrigona sp propolis against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We concluded that these resins have potential for human and veterinary medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Bees / chemistry*
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects
  • Propolis / pharmacology*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Propolis