Assessment of Propolis Treated by Different Extraction Methods

HIGHLIGHTS

• The effects of different extraction methods on bioactive compounds of propolis.

• The highest antioxidant activity was obtained by ultrasound application.

• The highest phenols and esters were obtained by microwave-assisted method.

Abstract

Propolis is a valuable bee product with rich phenolic compound content. Extraction procedures play an important role for the final composition of propolis and determine its properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different extraction techniques (maceration, ultrasound and microwave applications) and different solvents (ethanol and water) on some phenolic groups and antioxidant properties of propolis. The extraction of propolis was done by different solvents (70% ethanol and water) with ratio of 1/20 (w/v) propolis/solvent. After applications of these treatments chemical analyses as total phenolic compounds, total flavanol, tartaric ester content and antioxidant activities were performed. The highest antioxidant activity were determined in samples subjected to ultrasound application, whereas using of microwave-assisted extraction method lead to higher content of total phenolic compounds, total flavanol content and tartaric esters concentration. The results demonstrated the importance of used extraction techniques on propolis composition and consequently on its possible medical properties. These results demonstrated that the extraction of bioactive compounds in propolis could be optimized and properly used for healthy properties.

Keywords:
propolis; bioactive groups; extraction; maceration; microwave; ultrasound