Origin and Chemical Variation of Brazilian Propolis

Abstract

Propolis is a hive product containing chiefly beeswax and plant-derived substances such as resin and volatile compounds. Propolis has been used as an antiseptic and wound healer since ancient times and interest for the product has increased recently. Probably few plant species contribute as major resin sources. Green propolis derives mainly from vegetative apices of Baccharis dracunculifolia (alecrim plants). However, wide variation detected in the chemical composition suggests contributions from alternative resin plant sources. Predominant components of the resin of green propolis are cinnamic acids, chiefly compounds bearing prenyl groups. Terpenoid compounds, such as sesqui, di and pentacyclic triterpenoids, have been detected in many, but not all, samples investigated. Propolis research has uncovered potentialities of substances previously isolated from plants and has detected constituents of plant origin that would hardly be known otherwise.

Figure 1

A wooden box housing a honeybee hive with a lateral slit, which enhances propolis production. Propolis was removed from the left side and bees are working to seal the resultant opening with new propolis deposits.

Figure 2

Structures of phenolic compounds isolated from green propolis. (A) 2,2-Dimethyl-8-prenylchromene; (B) 4-hydroxy-3,5-diprenyl cinnamic acid (artepillin C); (C) 3-prenyl cinnamic acid allyl ester; (D) kaempferide; (E) propolis benzofuran A. See text for references.

Figure 3

Structures of terpenoids isolated from propolis. (A) Isocupressic acid, a labdane diterpenoid; (B) 13C-symphyoreticulic acid, a clerodane diterpenoid; (C) esters of long chain fatty acids (3-hydroxystearic acid n = 11, procrim a; 3-hydroxystearic acid n = 13, procrim b) and a pentacyclic triterpenoid (lupeol); (D) Farnesol a sesquiterpenoid, see text for references.