Physical-Chemical Characterization and Thin Layer Chromatographic Comparison of a Local Propolis with the Mangifera indica Resin

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica) is an abundant tree of Cuban flora that is known for many healing properties and a deposit of bees as a source of raw materials for the propolis production. This work aimed to determine if the resin of mango felled bark was used by honeybees in the elaboration of a specific type of propolis. This could be possible by qualitatively comparison of its samples with the mango resin and the quality of this propolis through its physicochemical characteristics. To do this, propolis was collected and hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared. From this, botanical origin was determined by the technique of thin layer chromatography. Humidity, oxidation index, wax, resin and mechanical mixtures were evaluated from raw material. Results demonstrated that the samples of propolis collected presented a chromatographic profile similar to mango resin. In the samples of propolis, it was determined that quercetin and mangiferin are present in their qualitative composition of secondary metabolites. On the other hand, the mango propolis satisfies the requirements established by international regulations for good quality propolis in terms of humidity, oxidation index and mechanical mixtures.