Antiemetic activity of Trigona spp. propolis from three provinces of Indonesia with two methods of extraction

Abstract

Introduction: Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees to protect their hives. One of the least explored function of propolis is its antiemetic activity. The present study aimed to investigate the antiemetic activity of Trigona spp. propolis from three provinces of Indonesia. Methods: Ultrasound-assisted extraction using two kinds of solvent, water and ethanol was conducted to extract propolis from South Sulawesi, South Kalimantan and Banten. Antiemetic activity was observed on copper sulfate–induced emesis in young chicks. Result: All propolis indicated antiemetic activity, in which water extract had higher activity than ethanol extract. Regardless the type of solvents, propolis from South Sulawesi showed higher antiemetic activity than others. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that propolis has antiemetic activity, in which propolis from South Sulawesi showed the highest activity and water extraction is recommended.