Antimicrobial activity and chemometric modelling of South African propolis.

AIMS: This study reports on the inhibitory and bactericidal properties of 39 South African (SA) propolis samples and three propolis samples from Brazil. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared and their antimicrobial activities tested using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Some samples displayed substantial antimicrobial activity with MIC and MBC values as low as 6 µg ml(-1) against Staphylococcus aureus. The correlation between liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) chemical data and the antimicrobial activity of propolis extracts was investigated using multivariate data analysis tools. Orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS) models were created for the two Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis and S. aureus) and Candida albicans. Using the S-plot function, it was possible to identify the bioactive constituents in propolis as chrysin, pinocembrin, galangin and pinobanksin-3-O-acetate. CONCLUSION: The SA propolis samples tested displayed noteworthy antimicrobial activity, favourably comparable to that of the Brazilian comparator and 'gold standard'. The observed antimicrobial activity of SA propolis can possibly be attributed to its flavonoid content. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Based on the good antimicrobial activity observed for SA propolis, this natural resource shows promise and should be considered for development which may contribute to growing the bio-economy in the region.

Agrotherapy--new concept of rehabilitation for chronic schizophrenics in Pakistan.

The provision of comprehensive programme for mental health in the community setting has achieved an important place in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation. The concept of agrotherapy which is based on the philosophy of keeping patients occupied in a rural and agricultural setting with more structured activities has been found to be a promising innovation for the rehabilitation of chronic schizophrenics in this regard. This paper describes the results of a three years follow-up study conducted at Fountain House Farm, Farooqabad to evaluate the effectiveness of agrotherapy. The findings are discussed in terms of practical implications of this innovative approach in the rehabilitation of chronic schizophrenic patients.