Identification and Quantification of Phytochemical Composition and Anti-inflammatory and Radical Scavenging Properties of Methanolic Extracts of Chinese Propolis

Abstract

Fifteen propolis samples collected from different regions of China were investigated and compared for their phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory and radical scavenging properties. Eleven compounds including caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, isoferulic, and 3,4-dimethylcaffeic acids, pinobanksin, chrysin, pinocembrin, galangin, pinobanksin 3-acetate, and caffeic acid phenylethyl ester were quantified for the 15 propolis samples using a UHPLC method, whereas 38 compounds were identified by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS. The 15 propolis samples significantly differed in their total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, as well as their phytochemical profiles. The methanol extracts of propolis also showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells at 10 μg propolis extract/mL concentration. Additionally, the propolis samples differed in their DPPH, ABTS cation, hydroxyl, and peroxide radical scavenging capacities and ferric reducing abilities. The results from this study may be used to improve the commercial production and consumption of Chinese propolis products.