NMR Characterization, LC-MS Phenolic Profiling, and Cytotoxic Activity Evaluation of Ethanolic Extract of Propolis from Central Mexico

Propolis is a resinous material produced by honeybees characterized by a high phenolic compound and flavonoid content. To date, several studies have examined the chemical composition of Mexican propolis from the south and north of the country. However, limited information is available on the chemical profile of propolis from central Mexico. The present study isolated six known compounds from propolis from central Mexico: one diterpene (sugiol, found for the first time in Mexican propolis), three flavonoids (chrysin, galangin 3-methyl ether, and 3,7-dimethoxyquercetin), a fatty acid (cerotic acid), and an unusual glycerol derivative (batyl alcohol). Moreover, LC-ESI-MS analysis conducted on the ethanolic extract led to the identification of three phenolic compounds and fourteen flavonoids commonly found in propolis. Lastly, the cytotoxic activity evaluation carried out on the ethanolic extract showed a decrease in the cell viability of human leukemia (Jurkat) cells in a concentration-dependent manner.