PHYTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF BALI PROPOLIS FOR DENTAL RESEARCH

Abstract

Background: Propolis obtained from Trigona sp. has attracted attention as a potential source of bioactive compounds for oral-health research. However, the chemical profile and antioxidant capacity of propolis obtained in Bali remain insufficiently characterized.

Objectives: This study characterized the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of propolis obtained from Trigona sp. in Bali, Indonesia, to provide baseline information for subsequent dental research. Methods: Raw propolis was extracted with 96% ethanol by maceration. Quantitative analyses were performed for total flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, and sugars. Antioxidant radical-scavenging activity was determined by means of the DPPH assay, and the IC₅₀ was derived from the concentration-response relationship. Results: The extract contained 1.87% w/w total flavonoids, 1.59% w/w phenolic compounds, 1.14% w/w tannins, 0.25% w/w alkaloids, 0.77% w/w saponins, 30.6% w/w steroids expressed as β-sitosterol equivalent, and 8.17% w/w sugars. DPPH testing yielded an IC₅₀ of 147 µg/mL, classified as moderate according to the criteria applied in this study. Conclusion: The study establishes a quantitative phytochemical and antioxidant profile for the investigated Bali propolis preparation. The observed DPPH activity provides preliminary biochemical evidence for further dental investigation but does not demonstrate clinical efficacy. Future studies should identify individual bioactive compounds and assess antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity, formulation, and clinical outcomes.