Antibacterial activity of balsam and propolis from populus deltoides

Propolis is a compound, produced by bees after collection of plant resin and mixing with beeswax. This rubbery material, due to its phenol and flavonoid, is one of the strongest natural materials with antibacterial properties which is used by bees to protect against external invades. The aim of this study is to investigate chemical analysis and antibacterial activity of poplar resin and propolis (produced by bees) extracts. In this study, the effect of ethanol and ethyl acetate extract of propolis and resin on three human pathogenic bacteria and two plant pathogenic bacteria have been investigated. Antibacterial activity of extracts was estimated by the well diffusion method. The extract compounds were qualitatively investigated. Results showed that, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of propolis and resin have antibacterial activity against plant and human pathogenic bacteria, however, antimicrobial effect of resin extract was higher than propolis extract. On the other sides, Plant pathogenic bacteria showed more sensitivity than human pathogenic bacteria to extracts. This is the first report of antibacterial effect of resin and propolis extract of poplar on plant pathogenic bacteria in Iran.