Phytochemical potential and GC–MS analysis of propolis from Punjab region of India

Abstract

The main goal of this study was to investigate the phytochemical and antioxidant potential of different extracts of propolis by conventional spectrophotometric methods. Additionally, profiling of the main constituents of propolis was done by GCMS analysis. The antioxidant activity was assessed by using 2,2 -diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were analyzed by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method and aluminum chloride method respectively. The methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activities, the ethanolic extract had the highest total phenolic content and the maximum amount of flavonoid was observed in the chloroform extract. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 35 different chemical compounds, out of which 8 are main belonging to flavonoids, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds. Results revealed that propolis from Derra Bassi can be used as natural antioxidant and with its standardization can be used for the prevention of diseases related to free radicals.