Chemical profiling and antioxidant potential of propolis from Pervari, Siirt: discovery of tannic acid and key bioactive compounds

Abstract

Propolis, a natural product with remarkable therapeutic potential, has gained attention for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, propolis samples from Sarıyaprak, Kovanağzı, and Çemikari in Pervari, Siirt province, were analysed comprehensively. The evaluation included wax composition, DPPH and FRAP assays, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and pollen analysis. Phytochemical compounds were identified using GC-MS and LC-MS/MS techniques. Among the regions, Çemikari samples exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic and flavonoid contents, with wax content averaging 60% across all locations. Key compounds identified via RSH-GC/MS included α-pinene, β-pinene, nonadecanal, and nonanal, while GC-MS revealed borneol, sedrenol, and benzyl alcohol. Significant phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, and tannic acid (reported for the first time in Turkish propolis) were also detected. The high borneol concentration, with its strong anti-inflammatory properties, underscores the unique traits of these samples and their promising antioxidant potential for further research.