Abstract
Propolis is a balsamic product obtained from vegetable resins by exotic Africanized bees Apis mellifera L., transported and processed by them, originating from the activity that explores and maintains these individuals. Because of its vegetable and natural origins, propolis is a complex mixture of different compound classes; among them are the volatile compounds present in the aroma. In this sense, in the present study we evaluated the volatile fraction of propolis present in the aroma obtained by distillation and simultaneous extraction, and its chemical composition was determined using coupled gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and flame ionization detection. The majority of compounds were sesquiterpene and hydrocarbons, comprising 8.2–22.19% α-copaene and 6.2–21.7% β-caryophyllene, with additional compounds identified in greater concentrations. Multivariate analysis showed that samples collected from one region may have different chemical compositions, which may be related to the location of the resin’s production. This may be related to other bee products.
Highlights
Introduction iationsHoneybees are among the most studied insects because of their high economic value and fundamental role in agriculture and ecosystems [1]
The present study aims to evaluate the chemical composition of the volatile fraction of seven samples of propolis collected in the Northeast of Pará, Eastern Amazon
Phenyl propanoids are the predominant class in red propolis from Brazil, followed by hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes [16]
Summary
Introduction iationsHoneybees are among the most studied insects because of their high economic value and fundamental role in agriculture and ecosystems [1]. The species Apis mellifera is known worldwide as an important pollinator of agricultural crops [2] This species is native to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia [3,4], and has great potential for adaptation to different biomes and climatic conditions [3]. Called “bee glue”, is a resinous substance similar in some aspects to natural wax found in hives [6]. This substance has a dark yellow to brown color and is formed from materials collected by bees from flower buds, leaves, and other plant parts [7]
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