Physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity of propolis of stingless bees (Meliponinae) and Apisfrom two regions of Tocantins, Brazil

• Published in: Acta amazonica Vol. 46; no. 1
• Main Authors: Araujo, Karuane Saturnino da Silva, dos Santos Junior, Joaquim Francisco, Sato, Marcello Otake, Finco, Fernanda Dias Bartolomeu Abadio, Soares, Ilsamar Mendes, Barbosa, Robson dos Santos, Alvim, Tarso da Costa, Ascencio, Sergio Donizeti, Mariano, Sandra Maria Botelho
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: 01.03.2016
• Subjects: Meliponinae
• ISSN: 0044-5967; 1809-4392
• DOI: 10.1590/1809-4392201501045

The composition of propolis depends on time, vegetation and the location of the collection area. The objective of this study was to determine the physicochemical characteristics, the concentration of phenol compounds and the antioxidant capacity of propolis of native stingless bees (Meliponinae) and Apis from the State of Tocantins. Extraction with 80% ethanol (v/v) was performed in order to obtain the extracts. Parameters examined were: propolis mass loss by desiccation at 105 [degrees]C, ashes, wax concentration and pH. Furthermore, the propolis antioxidant activity was measured, as well as the total concentration of phenol compounds. The extracts were also analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. The total concentration of phenol compounds varied between 121.78 and 631.29 (mg GAE g super(-1)). The antioxidant activity expressed by the value of CE sub(50) varied between 29.81 and 845.38 [mu]g mL super(-1). High performance liquid chromatography analysis allowed us to infer the existence of phenol compounds. The results indicated that the studied propolis samples constitute good sources of natural antioxidants. The variety of phenol compounds identified in this study, and the diverse biological functions reported in literature for these compounds indicated that this stingless bee propolis (Meliponinae) and Apis has a high pharmacological potential.Original Abstract: A composicao da propolis depende do tempo, da vegetacao e a localizacao da area de coleta. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar as caracteristicas fisicas e quimicas, o teor de compostos fenolicos e capacidade antioxidante da propolis de abelhas nativas sem ferrao (Meliponinae) e Apis do Estado do Tocantins. Para a obtencao dos extratos empregou-se extracao com etanol 80% (v/v). Os parametros analisados foram: perda de peso por dessecacao a 105 [degrees]C, cinzas, Teor de cera e pH. Alem dessas foi mensurada a atividade antioxidante e o teor de compostos fenolicos totais. Adicionalmente os extratos de propolis foram tambem analisados por cromatografia liquida de alta eficiencia. O teor de compostos fenolicos totais variou entre 121,78 e 631,29 (mg GAE g super(-1)). A atividade antioxidante expressa pelo valor de CE sub(50) variou entre 29,81 e 845,38 [mu]g mL super(-1). As analises por cromatografia liquida de alta eficiencia permitiram inferir a existencia de compostos fenolicos. Os resultados indicaram que as amostras de propolis estudadas constituem boas fontes de antioxidantes naturais. A variedade de compostos fenolicos identificada neste estudo, e as diversas funcoes biologicas relatadas na literatura para estes compostos, indicaram que a propolis de abelhas sem ferrao (Meliponinae) e Apis tem um grande potencial farmacologico.