Natural antioxidants from bee products

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant capacity of propolis from two phytogeographical regions of Argentina: Santiago del Estero (SE) and Chaco (CHA). Phenolic compounds and flavonoid content were determined in Gallic acid equivalent (GAE/ ml) and quercetin equivalent (QE), respectively. Different in vitro assays were used to determine the free radical scavenging activity and inhibitory activity on β-carotene bleaching (linoleic acid/βcarotene/H2 O2 ). The scavenging concentration of 50% of free radical (SC50) was calculated. All propolis extracts showed free radical scavenging activity with SC50 values lower than 10 and 1 μg GAE/ ml for SE propolis and CHA propolis, respectively. Also, the propolis extract showed scavenging capacity on HO• with SC50 values of 100 μg GAE/ml. It also showed protective activity against lipid oxidation. In view of the results obtained, the propolis from SE and CHA could be used as functional foods against oxidative stress oxidative and as food preservatives.