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

Propolis is a beehive product produced from honeybees by mixing β-glycosidase enzyme and beeswax with exudate collected from plant resins. The main goal of this study was to investigate the phytochemical potential and GC–MS profiling of the main constituents of propolis. 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 analysed by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method and aluminium chloride method respectively. Methanolic extract exhibited highest antioxidant activities, ethanolic extract had the highest total phenolic content, and maximum amount of flavonoid was observed in the chloroform extract. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, fatty acids and phenolic compounds. Results revealed that propolis from Derra Bassi can be used as natural antioxidant, also extracting solvents had a significant impact on the phytochemical activities and with its standardisation can be used for prevention of diseases related with free radicals.