Characteristics and chemical compositions of propolis from Ethiopia

Abstract

IntroductionPropolis is a sticky material mixed by honeybees to utilize it in protecting their hives from infection by bacteria and fungi. The therapeutic properties of propolis are due to its chemical composition with bio-active compounds; therefore, researchers are interested in studying its chemical constituents and biological properties. The main objective of this study is to determine the chemical compositions, characteristics and relative concentrations of organic compounds in the extractable organic matter of propolis samples collected from four different areas in Ethiopia.ResultsThe propolis samples were extracted with a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).The results showed that the total extract yields ranged from 27.2% to 64.2% (46.7 ± 19.1%). The major compounds were triterpenoids (85.5 ± 15.0% of the total extracts, mainly α-, β-amyrins and amyryl acetates), n-alkanes (5.8 ± 7.5%), n-alkenes (6.2 ± 7.0%,), methyl n-alkanoates (0.4 ± 0.2%), and long chain wax esters (0.3 to 2.1%).ConclusionThe chemical compositions of these propolis samples indicate that they are potential sources of natural bio-active compounds for biological and pharmacological applications.

Impact of Propolis Extract as Foliar Spray On Growth, Yield and Some Chemical Composition of Spinach (Spinacia Oleracea L.) Plants Grown Under Calcareous Saline Soil

“…Propolis (bee glue) is the generic name for the pitchy substance collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) and found to be effective against a spread of microorganism, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. There is varied literature knowledge of characteristically the chemical composition of propolis [8,9,10,11,12,13]. Propolis contains many necessary compounds has been detected to have an effect on the activity of many physiological processes in plants [8,13].…”

“…There is varied literature knowledge of characteristically the chemical composition of propolis [8,9,10,11,12,13]. Propolis contains many necessary compounds has been detected to have an effect on the activity of many physiological processes in plants [8,13]. Amino acids, sugars, bound vitamins (particularly, B-group, C and E), minerals, terpenes, and sesquiterpenes are considered or thought-about to be among these necessary compounds.…”

Natural Compounds for Wound Healing

“…Well known from ancient times as a remedy for disease, propolis is a complex resinous mixture collected by bees from exudates of plants, with high medicinal value [122,123].…”

Propolis attenuates lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory responses through intracellular ROS and NO levels along with downregulation of IL‐1β and IL‐6 expressions in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages

“…Propolis is known as a resinous material that is collected by honeybees from various plant sources and used for protection and repair of beehives (Wagh, ). The main compounds found in propolis are typically different and depend on the type of plants and climatic regions (Rushdi et al, ). Moreover, this extraordinary substance is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants with its own long history in folk medicine (Kuropatnicki, Szliszka, & Krol, ).…”