Unraveling the chemical composition, antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition of Moroccan propolis

• Published in: Food bioscience 2021-08, Vol.42, p.101160, Article 101160
• Main Authors: Laaroussi, Hassan, Ferreira-Santos, Pedro, Genisheva, Zlatina, Bakour, Meryem, Ousaaid, Driss, Teixeira, José Antonio, Lyoussi, Badiaa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidant activity; Geographical origin; Phenolic compounds; Physicochemical analysis; Propolis quality; α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities
• ISSN: 2212-4292; 2212-4306
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2021.101160

In the present study, seven propolis samples collected from different areas of Morocco were evaluated for various potential attributes. Physicochemical parameters (moisture, pH, soluble substance, insoluble substance, ash content, conductivity, organic matter, resin, balsams, total carbohydrates, total proteins and mineral content), structural characterization by FTIR, phenolic and flavonoid composition and some biological activities (antioxidant, and α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities) were determined. The analyzed physicochemical parameters showed the following values: moisture (3.3–5.2%), pH (4.1–5.5), soluble substance (66.1–75.4%), insoluble substance (23.8–33.7%), ashes (1.6–2.3%), conductivity (1.5–2.5 mS/cm), organic matter (97.70–98.4%), wax (19.7–51.5%), resin (46.8–75.2%), balsam (1.5–3.1%), total carbohydrates (1.5–2.0 mg Glceq/g), and total proteins (1.7–6.2 g/100 g). Calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium were the most predominant minerals present in propolis samples. The phytochemical composition indicated the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids and stilbens compounds described as having a high antioxidant capacity and potential α-amylase (IC50 = 195.09–963.79 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 90.99–876.24 μg/mL) inhibitory activities. Moreover, FTIR spectra showed that the samples are structurally different between them, validating the results of the physicochemical analysis. The outcome of this study provides relevant information about Moroccan propolis composition and quality standards. [Display omitted] •The physicochemical composition of propolis samples are in accordance with the international standards of quality.•FTIR spectroscopy highlighted structural differences in propolis samples depending on their origin.•Liquid chromatography showed that the propolis extracts have differences in the phenolic profile.•Propolis extracts showed high antioxidant potential, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.