Effect of antifungal properties of honeybee propolis as preservative on triplochiton scleroxylon (k. Schum.) Wood

Abstract

Conventional wood preservatives are harmful to man and the environment. In the search for environment friendly wood preservatives, Honeybee Propolis, or bee glue, known to possess antimicrobial and wood stabilizing properties, was evaluated as preservative on the wood of Triplochiton scleroxylon against wood rot fungi. Propolis was collected from forests and apiaries (bee hives) in Osun State, cleaned and extracted using absolute ethanol. Propolis Extracts (PE) were prepared using hot and cold extraction methods. 2,500g of Propolis was extracted in 5 liters of ethanol (w/v, 1:2), using sox let extractor, to obtain the Hot Ethanol Propolis Extract (HEPE); 2,500g of Propolis was soaked in 5 liters of ethanol (w/v, 1:2) for two weeks, to produce the Cold Ethanol Propolis Extract (CEPE). Simple phytochemical tests were carried out on three different samples of Propolis: HEPE, CEPE and RPS, to determine bioactive constituents. Propolis Extract (CEPE), prepared at different concentrations was subjected to antifungal activity using a white and brown rot fungi (Coriolopsis polyzona and Coniophora puteana), respectively on wood blocks of Triplochiton scleroxylon. Measured parameters in wood block test include Weight Loss and Maximum Compressive Strength. Percentage yield of Propolis Extract was 74.04% and 27.02%, for the HEPE and CEPE, respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed that CEPE was richer in phytochemicals than HEPE. The extract (HEPE) was able to control the two fungi at concentrations of 50% and 75%, respectively, in wood block test.This study confirmed that Propolis possesses antifungal properties that could be exploited in the field of wood preservation.

Key words: Honeybee Propolis, Anti-fungal, Phytochemical analysis, Cold extract, Hot extract