Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Antibacterial Activity of Aqueous, Ethanolic, and Glycolic Propolis Extracts and Honey against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: A Potential Therapeutic Approach

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors
Shahram Dadgostar 1
Mohammad Rabbani Khorasgani 2
Saeed Ahmadi Majd 2
1 HoneyBee and Herbal Medicine Research Institute, Khansar Campus, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Department of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science & Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
10.48305/jims.v43.i846.1923
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effects of aqueous (PWE), ethanolic (PEE), and propylene glycol-based (PPE) propolis extracts and honey against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and to correlate these effects with their phenolic and fatty acid content.
Methods: Clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with confirmed multidrug resistance profiles were tested using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution. Propolis extracts were prepared by maceration, freeze-dried, and reconstituted at defined concentrations. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using Folin–Ciocalteu and HPLC methods, respectively, with commercial gallic acid, catechin, and quercetin standards. Fatty acids were analyzed as methyl esters using gas chromatography with appropriate standards.
Findings: PPE exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, with the largest inhibition zones (up to 6.3 mm) and lowest MICs (0.041–0.328 mg/mL) across all strains. S. aureus was the most sensitive, while E. coli was the most resistant. PEE and PPE had higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents than PWE and honey. Fatty acid analysis revealed higher linoleic and oleic acid levels in PPE and PEE.
Conclusion: PPE and PEE demonstrate potent antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria, correlating with their phenolic and fatty acid content.

Highlights

Shahram Dadgostar: Google Scholar

Keywords
Propolis
Honey
Antibiotic Resistance
Bacterial Biofilms
Oxidative Stress
Complementary Therapies

Subjects

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 846
2nd Week, March
March and April 2026
Pages 1923-1932

  • Receive Date 27 December 2025
  • Accept Date 17 May 2026