Abstract
In this work, we studied similarities and differences between 70% ethanol in water extract (70EE) and essential oils (EOs) obtained from propolis, black poplars (Populus nigra L.) and aspens (P. tremula L.) to ascertain which of these is a better indicator of the plant species used by bees to collect propolis precursors. Composition of 70EE was analyzed by UPLC-PDA-MS, while GC-MS was used to research the EOs. Principal component analyses (PCA) and calculations of Spearman’s coefficient rank were used for statistical analysis. Statistical analysis exhibited correlation between chemical compositions of propolis and Populus buds’ 70EE. In the case of EOs, results were less clear. Compositions of black poplars, aspens EOs and propolises have shown more variability than 70EE. Different factors such as higher instability of EOs compared to 70EE, different degradation pattern of benzyl esters to benzoic acid, differences in plant metabolism and bees’ preferences may be responsible for these phenomena. Our research has therefore shown that 70EE of propolis reflected the composition of P. nigra or complex aspen–black poplar origin.
Highlights
Propolis is a viscous, aromatic substance produced by different species of bees, the most commercially available being the one produced by honey bee (Apis mellifera L.)
Due to a greater abundance and a generally higher stability of non-volatile components in propolis and Populus spp. exudates 70% ethanol in water extracts (70EE), we present a hypothesis that 70EE are better for identifying propolis plant precursors compared to essential oils (EOs)
We have shown for the first time the analysis of the similarities and differences between 70EE and EOs of Polish and other propolises, aspens and poplar buds
Summary
Propolis (bee glue) is a viscous, aromatic substance produced by different species of bees, the most commercially available being the one produced by honey bee (Apis mellifera L.). Bee glue is a mixture of plant exudates, bees wax and secretions of bees’ glands. Propolis is used by bees to insulate hive, repair any damage to hive structure and for hygienic purposes. The biological activities of bee glue are widely and well documented in the literature, including its medicinal properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and wound-healing [1,2]. All of the biologically active components of propolis originate from plant exudates and resins, which are called plant precursors. The species of those plants play a pivotal role in the properties of the final product [1,2]
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