Study of antibacterial activity in the local Iraqi propolis

Objective This study includes the investigation of antibacterial activity of the local propolis against four types of bacteria isolated from patients. Methods Bacteria were tested including Psedomonas sp, Streptococcus sp, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Six concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25) mg/ml of propolis extracts were tested against bacteria. Results Results revealed the presence of significant difference (P < 0.05) in the effect of propolis extract against the four types of bacteria in this study. Psedomonas sp. was the most sensitive among the others toward the propolis extract followed by Streptococcus sp., E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus at a rate of inhibition zones (14.09, 10.39, 8.78 and 8.39) mm, respectively. Results of this study also showed increasing rate of inhibition zone if the concentration of propolis extract was increased. Conclusion This study provided that local propolis has antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.