An integrated investigation into the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of propolis against Escherichia coli cect 515: A dual in vitro and in silico analysis

Abstract

Urinary tract infections resulting from Escherichia coli, are prevalent and have become increasingly difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to explore the potential of propolis extract from beehives in Algeria’s Tiout region as a natural antibacterial agent against E. coli CECT_515. The phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial action of the extract has been evaluated and compared to four synthetic antibiotics, both in vitro and in silico. The propolis extract had high levels of total polyphenol and total flavonoids, regarding its antioxidant properties, the extract showed an important ability of DPPH radicals scavenging, as determined by its IC50 value of 330.08±13.35 μg/mL. The excerpt showed important antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli, as demonstrated with important inhibition zones. The extract’s inhibitory effects were compared to four synthetic antibiotics, including gentamicin, pipemidic acid, cefazolin, and colistin, molecular docking analysis revealed that the propolis extract interacted with the active site of beta-lactamase, a protein responsible for antibiotic resistance, and showed binding affinities and conformational stability during molecular dynamics simulation for 250 ns. Overall, the results suggest that the propolis has significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties and could serve as a promising natural alternative to synthetic antibiotics for the treatment of E. coli infections.

Keywords

• antibacterial activity
• antioxidant activity
• Escherichia coli
• in silico
• in vitro natural products
• propolis