American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology 5 (4): 180-183, 2009 ISSN 1553-3468 © 2009 Science Publications Corresponding Author: Syamsudin, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pancasila University, Jl., Srengseng Sawah, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, Indonesia 180 Chemical Composition of Propolis from Different Regions in Java and their Cytotoxic Activity 1 Syamsudin, 2 Sudjaswadi Wiryowidagdo, 3 Partomuan Simanjuntak and 4 Wan Lelly Heffen 1 Department of Pharmacology, 2 Department of Biology of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pancasila University, Jl., Srengseng Sawah, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, Indonesia 3 Department of Natural Product, Research Center for Biotechnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Raya Bogor km 46, West Java, Indonesia 4 Department of Research and Development, Dharmais Cancer Hospital, Jl. Letjen. S. Parman Kav 84-86, West- Jakarta, Indonesia Abstract: Problem statement: Propolis samples from tropical zones, such as Java (Indonesia) with its vast biodiversity, have become a subject of increasing scientific and economic attention. The association of the chemical composition of propolis from different geographic regions with cytotoxic activities lead to the identification of active principles, a fundamental tool to achieve standardization of this bee product. Approach: The purpose of this research was evaluate the quality of propolis collected at different places in Java (Indonesia) based on cytotoxic activity. The ethanolic extracts of propolis from different areas in Java were tested for cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines (T47D, MCF- 7, Hela, Myeloma and Vero) using MTT assay. Propolis samples were collected from Batang (Central Java), Lawang (East Java) and Sukabumi (West Java). Results: The extract of propolis from Batang showed the most potent activity of T47D and MCF-7 with IC 50 34.67±8.3 and 37.8±2.5 μg mL -1 . The extract of propolis from Sukabumi showed the most potent activity of Hela cell with IC 50 147.34±8.9. However, all propolis extract did not show activity of myeloma and Vero cells. Conclusion: Ethanolics extract of three propolis samples from Batang (Central Java), Lawang (East Java) and Sukabumi (West Java) regions in Java were investigated using GC-MS. From 37 compounds identified, 7 among of them were found for the first time in propolis. This indicated that the secondary metabolite extract of propolis from Batang (Central Java) obtained in the study has antiproliferative activity of breast carcinoma cells (T47D and MCF-7). Key words: Propolis, Java, cytotoxicity activity, GC-MS, MTT assay INTRODUCTION Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera, L.) from various plant sources. Bees use it as a construction material, to smooth internal walls of the hive and preserve it form extreme moisture and drought condition. They also use it to embalm dead invaders and in such way, prevent the development and spread of microbial diseases. Propolis is widely used in traditional medicine and is reported to have of pharmacological activities. Besides its traditional uses, it has recently gained popularity as a food supplement in numerous countries, claimed to improve health and prevent diseases [2,3] . Various biological activities, such as anticancer, antioxidant, antibiotic effects have been reported for propolis and its components [10] . The composition of the propolis depends on the place and time of collection. As a consequence, more than 160 components have been identified so far, among which phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, are major components [4] . Due to the increasing interest in the characteristics of Indonesian propolis, we undertook a study using samples collected in different regions. We evaluated the quality of propolis collected at different places in Java (Indonesia) based on cytotoxic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Propolis: Propolis samples were collected from different regions in Indonesia in April 2007 Sukabumi (West Java), Batang (Central Java) and Lawang (East