Étude et évaluation des activités antioxydantes et antibactériennes de propolis : une alternative naturelle aux traitements conventionnels contre les infections urinaires

Abstract

In a concerning public health context marked by the increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, particularly in urinary tract infections, the search for natural alternatives represents a promising therapeutic avenue. This study focused on the biological properties of propolis, a bee-derived resinous substance known for its richness in bioactive compounds. Three ethanolic extracts of propolis, collected from two eastern Algerian wilayas (Sétif and Bordj Bou Arréridj), were evaluated. The extract from Djaâfra (EPDB) showed the highest extraction yield (57.20%), reflecting its potential richness in active substances. A thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis revealed the diversity of compounds present in the extracts. Colorimetric assays highlighted a high concentration of polyphenols (258.8 ± 2.73 μg GAE/mg of extract) and flavonoids (262.07 ± 3.12 μg QE/mg of extract), particularly in the EPDB extract. This abundance of secondary metabolites was associated with strong antioxidant activity, assessed using the DPPH assay (87.83 ± 1.70% inhibition). Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts was tested against various bacterial strains isolated from urinary infections. The results revealed significant inhibition, especially against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp.), while Gram-negative bacteria appeared more resistant, likely due to their outer membrane structure. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of propolis, particularly the EPDB extract, as a natural therapeutic agent with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, offering promising applications in the treatment of resistant urinary tract infections