Chemical Study of the Propolis Collected from The Masyaf Region and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation

Propolis was used in ancient folk medicine to treat many diseases, which made it an important focus for research in which this popular use is supported by proven scientific results. Several bioactive compounds have been discovered in propolis, prompting researchers around the world to investigate chemical and biological properties, as well as to provide evidences of efficacy in its medical applications. In this research, the chemical components of Syrian propolis were studied. propolis was collected from the Masyaf area in the western part of Syria. Work began with the extraction with ethanol and then analyse the extract using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography related to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Among the main compounds identified in the ethanolic extract of the Syrian propolis are: phenolic compounds such as Chrysin 1.8%, Galangin 0.3%, Benzyl caffeate 0.65%, Acacetin 3.11% and Quercetin 0.45%, in addition to organic compounds, the most important Isopimaric acid 24.88% and a Androstan-1, 17-dimethyl-17-hydroxy-3-one 10.46%. The results showed when determining the total phenol content of the studied Syrian propolis, that the total phenol content was 299.31±0.21 mg of gallic acid per gram of dry extract. The biological antioxidant efficacy of propolis extract was evaluated in vitro through the DPPH assay. Its high ability to modify the free root was observed and this effect depends on the concentrations of the propolis extract applied. The study showed the richness of the Syrian propolis with its phenolic content and its importance as a natural antioxidant agent, which may makes it an essential component to enhance human health and prevent diseases incurred by oxidative stress such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and others.