The growing interest in propolis is generating numerous studies validating the importance of its unique composition. Though a majority of the compounds are consistently found in propolis worldwide, environmental sources play an essential role. This study discovered a unique compound - triterpenoids - due to the abundance of Acacia waxes and gums in the region.
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Characteristics and chemical compositions of propolis
from Ethiopia
J Springer Plus; 2014 May
Introduction
Propolis 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.
Results
The 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%).
Conclusion
The chemical compositions of these propolis samples indicate
that they are potential sources of natural bio-active compounds for biological
and pharmacological applications.Click here to download the complete study.
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