Variation of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of ethanolic extracts of propolis in three bee-keeping agro-ecological zones of Uganda

Propolis is a resinous plant material collected by bees to defend their colony. This study evaluated the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts Ugandan propolis in three bee-keeping agro-ecological zones. Antibacterial assays were performed on two Gram-positive (S. aureus S. pneumoniae) Gram-negative (E. coli P. aeruginosa) bacteria within concentration range ~1.6 100 mg/ml. Antioxidant conducted spectrophotometrically basis DCPIP reduction attendant decrease absorbance at 605 nm wavelength. All showed activity against with MICs ranging from 2.8 200 mg/ml, but aeruginosa displayed susceptibility only for samples Western Highlands (MIC = 9.5 mg/ml). Of Gram-negatives, E. was more susceptible organism (MICs 5.7-31.5 mg/ml), pneumoniae mid northern Lake Victoria Crescent 34.6 Samples Mid Northern region exhibited highest (mean ± SD equivalent 20.4±4.3 µg ascorbic acid per mg extract), while those lowest 8.9 2.5 extract). The varied and, significantly, between Taken together, these results highlight potential as an agent. Strategic selection hive localities zones that offer best output should be priority bee-farmers. Key words: Propolis, zones, 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP), antibacterial, antioxidant, acid, Apis mellifera.