Isolation and identification of antibacterial lead compounds against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from propolis

Discovery of new antibiotics is crucial to address the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) faced by the global health sector. Propolis is a bee product known for its diverse bioactive properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing effects [ 1 ]. Propolis is considered an ancient healer and used as a natural remedy to cure infections and support overall health. Its antibacterial properties and potentials to address AMR make it an active research and exploration area [ 2 ] [ 3 ]. This study explores the antibacterial potential of Turkish and Nigerian propolis samples, focusing on their activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a notorious multidrug-resistant pathogen. Dichloromethane and methanolic extracts of both Turkish and Nigerian propolis samples revealed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in the range of 32-256 and 256-512 μg/mL, respectively against a panel of clinical isolates of MRSA strains. A bioassay-guided approach was used to isolate anti-MRSA compounds using a range of chromatographic techniques including vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC), solid phase extraction (SPE), and preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC). Compounds have been characterized by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The compounds isolated from the dichloromethane extracts of Turkish propolis include chrysin, tectochrysin, pinocembrin, and caffeic acid derivatives. Further investigation into the mechanism of action of these bioactive compounds could facilitate the discovery of novel antibiotics and support global efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany