Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from various plant sources. The compositionof propolis depends on time, vegetation, and the area of collection. This study examined the antioxidantactivity of propolis from various areas of Korea: Chilgok, Cheongju, Geochang, Muju, Pocheon, andSangju. Ethanol extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared and evaluated for their antioxidant activityby
-carotene bleaching, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging, and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation decolorization assays. Furthermore, the majorconstituents in EEP were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis with aphotodiode array and mass spectrometric detection, and each component was quantitatively analyzed.EEP from Cheongju and Muju had relatively strong antioxidant activity accompanied by high totalpolyphenol contents. Propolis from Cheongju contained large amounts of antioxidative compounds,such as caffeic acid, kaempferol, and phenethyl caffeate. On the other hand, propolis from Pocheonhad compounds not seen in propolis from other areas.Keywords: Antioxidant activity; propolis; free radical-scavenging activity; PDA; Korea