Comparative phytochemical and antioxidant characterization of propolis from different species of Malaysian stingless bees

Propolis derived from stingless bees is recognized for its rich bioactive composition and potential health-promoting properties. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antioxidant capacity of propolis extracts obtained from three Malaysian stingless bee species: Geniotrigona thoracica, Heterotrigona itama, and Tetrigona binghami. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified diverse bioactive constituents and revealed marked compositional variations among the species examined. Antioxidant activities were assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. All extracts exhibited strong antioxidant potential, as reflected by favorable IC₅₀/EC₅₀ values in the DPPH assay and consistent performance in the ABTS and FRAP assays. Significant correlations between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic and flavonoid contents indicated that phenolic compounds are the principal contributors to the observed effects. Overall, these findings demonstrate that Malaysian stingless bee propolis represents a valuable source of natural antioxidants and bioactive phytochemicals, underscoring its potential as a health-promoting and nutraceutical agent.