Profiling of Turkish propolis subtypes: Comparative evaluation of their phytochemical compositions, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Comprehensive analysis of phenolic profiles of botanically different subtypes of Turkish propolis samples were performed using UHPLC-LTQ/Orbitrap/MS/MS method, and additionally total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) as well as their antioxidative activities were evaluated by spectrophotometry. Antimicrobial activity of Turkish propolis against oral cavity bacteria from the genus Streptococcus (S. pyogenes, S. sanguinis, S. mutans) and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 was determined by diffusion and microdilution methods. Extensive fingerprint analysis of Turkish propolis revealed the presence of fifty one phenolic compounds, with fifteen quantified which confirm their affiliation to the two subtypes of the European propolis. All analysed samples have shown antimicrobial potential against all tested bacteria, with S. pyogenes being the most sensitive one. Turkish propolis, especially its orange subtype, can be considered as the high-quality product due to its rich phenolic and flavonoid content, strong antioxidative and antimicrobial activities. Turkish propolis could be, therefore, a good raw material for food and pharmaceutical industry.