Abstract
Brazilian raw propolis samples (brown, green, red, and yellow) were investigated to evaluate the content of three elements of nutritional value (Cu, K, and Se) and three toxic metals (As, Cd, and Pb). The propolis samples (n = 19) were obtained from different regions of Brazil and analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave-assisted digestion. A descriptive analysis of the variables was carried out, and nonparametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis or Mann–Whitney) were performed to verify the differences in metal contents. The elemental concentrations of the Brazilian propolis were in the following ranges: As < 0.048–8.47 μg·g−1, Pb < 0.006–0.72 μg·g−1, Cu 0.57–11.60 μg·g−1, Se < 0.041–0.54 μg·g−1, and K 0.23–7.94 mg·g−1; Cd was below LOD (0.008 μg·g−1) in all samples, except one. Seven samples exceeded the limits defined for As or Pb by the Brazilian regulation.
Highlights
Propolis is a generic name for the resinous substance collected by honey bees (Apis mellifera) from various plant sources and mixing salivary enzymes (β-glucosidase) that it is used to seal holes in the honeycombs and smooth out the internal walls [1, 2]
The Brazilian propolis was classified into 12 types based on physicochemical properties and geographic origin [7]
Propolis Samples. is study was carried out with 19 representative samples of propolis from regional beekeepers (Table 1). e samples represent four types of Brazilian propolis: brown, green, red, and yellow. e different samples were kindly donated by the companies Apis Jordans (Vitoria da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil), Apis Nativa Produtos Naturais (Prodapys, Santa Catarina, Brazil), and Bee Product Natural (Alagoas, Brazil). e group of brown samples was the largest in number of samples, 10 in total, followed by the red group, with 4 samples, as well as the green group, with 4 representatives, and the yellow group with only one sample
Summary
Propolis (bee glue) is a generic name for the resinous substance collected by honey bees (Apis mellifera) from various plant sources (substances exuded from wounds in plants, lipophilic materials on leaves and leaf buds, gums, resins, and lattices) and mixing salivary enzymes (β-glucosidase) that it is used to seal holes in the honeycombs and smooth out the internal walls [1, 2]. More than 420 different compounds have been characterized so far in propolis, giving it diverse pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidative, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral activities [2, 3]. It is intensively used in the food industry as a supplement and as a folk medicine and by the cosmetic industry [4, 5]. The Brazilian propolis was classified into 12 types based on physicochemical properties (color, texture, and chemical composition) and geographic origin [7]. A 13th type of propolis was reported in the literature in 2007 as Brazilian red propolis, due to its intense red color [8]
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