Propolis is a resinous vegetal exudate modified by bees, and is interesting as a
preservative and potentially functional product. This work dealt with studying the common
phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacities of 13 bee propolis from different geographical areas.
Both hyaluronidase and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities were also
assessed and related when possible with particular phenolic compounds. High performance liquid
chromatography‐ultraviolet detection (HPLC‐UV) analysis showed that every propolis contained
p‐coumaric acid (1.2–12.2 mg/g) and ferulic acid (0.3–11.0 mg/g). Pinocembrin, catechin, and caffeic
acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) plus galangin were the main flavonoids. Antioxidant activities were
higher than 280 μmol trolox/g for trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), 0.099 mmol uric
acid/g for radical‐scavenging effect on hydroxyl radicals, and 0.19 mg/mL for half maximal
inhibitory concentration (IC50) of antioxidant activity against superoxide anion radical. Working
with solutions of 10 mg/mL propolis, hyaluronidase inhibitory activity ranged between 0% and
68.20%, being correlated to ferulic acid content. ACE inhibitory effect determined by HPLC was
higher than 78%, being correlated with catechin and p‐coumaric acid. Therefore, propolis could be
useful for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic companies, also helping to reduce risk factors for
diseases related to oxidative damage, inflammatory processes, and hypertension. This research also
highlights the necessity for harmonized analysis methods and the expression of results for propolis.
