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

Abstract

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 α-glucosidase and α-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 α-amylase (IC 50 = 195.09-963.79 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC 50 = 90.99-876.24 μg/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.

Bee Bread as a Promising Source of Bioactive Molecules and Functional Properties: An Up-To-Date Review

“…Polyphenol compounds are secondary metabolites produced by plants in response to different biotic and abiotic stress conditions [ 42 ]. These chemical compounds are divided into two groups: hydrophilic antioxidants, such as vitamin C and phenolic acids, and lipophilic antioxidants, such as carotenoids, tocopherols, and flavonoids [ 43 ].…”

Simultaneous Optimization of Extraction Yield, Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Moroccan Propolis Extracts: Improvement of Ultrasound-Assisted Technique Using Response Surface Methodology

“…Investigational studies have shown that propolis composition varies according to geographic location, botanic origin, and bee species [3,4]. Over 300 chemical components were identified in propolis, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenes; these compounds are the most important contributors to the biological activity of propolis [5], including analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects [6,7] and antimicrobial, antioxidative, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic and anti-tumor activities [8][9][10][11].…”

Umbu Fruit Peel as Source of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and α-Amylase Inhibitor Compounds

“…Even though a lower concentration of this medicine is required for inhibition at 50% α-amylase activity when compared to the umbu fruit extract, it is highlighted that this extract, obtained from residue of umbu fruit depulp, presented good inhibitory activity against α-amylase when compared to literature data. Laaroussi et al [36] reported that different propolis samples from Morocco presented IC 50 values between 0.195 and 0.964 mg/mL, being, therefore, higher than that found in umbu fruit extract. This comparison is interesting, because the phytochemical composition of propolis samples indicated the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids and stilbenes, which is similar to umbu fruit extract composition.…”