Phenolic Content and Bioactivity as Geographical Classifiers of Propolis from Stingless Bees in Southeastern Mexico

Propolis collected by stingless bees is a valuable biocultural resource and a source of bioactive compounds. Methodologies to establish both the geographic origin and the potential pharmacological activity of propolis of stingless bees are required to regulate their sustainable use. The aim of this study was to classify Melipona beecheii propolis according to its phenolic compound content and potential pharmacological activity, using in vitro assays and statistical methodologies of multivariate analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and principal component analysis. Propolis samples were collected from seven states in southeastern Mexico. Total phenolic content and flavonoids were determined spectrophotometrically, and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. Both total phenolic content and flavonoids, and in vitro bioactivity potential of propolis extracts showed significant variations. Multivariate analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and principal component analysis enabled us to distinguish and classify propolis produced by M. beecheii according to similarity in terms of total phenolic content, in vitro bioactivity potential, and geographical origin. This strategy could be used to establish regulations for sustainable use, marketing, and industrial applications.