Determination of Biochemical Profile of Bilecik Propolis

Abstract

Propolis, an important bee product, is used as a food supplement in apitherapy applications and daily life due to its antioxidant,antimicrobial, antitumoral and anti-inflammatory properties. The properties of propolis vary depending on the region inwhich it is obtained, the time and the form of collection. It is not possible to obtain propolis with the same characteristics fromeach hive or region. In this study, raw propolis samples were obtained from Bilecik province in Marmara Region and their biochemical properties were determined. Bilecik is rich in forestry covered with oak, beech, fir, linden and chestnut trees. Therefore, ithas a rich flora. In order to determine the properties of propolis samples, ethanol extract of each sample was prepared separatelyby using 70% ethanol. The amount of balsam, wax, total phenolics and total flavonoid of each sample was determined. Chemicalcomposition of each propolis sample was determined by using GC-MS. The amount of balsam which is an important qualityparameter for propolis was found to vary between 13% and 52%. It was also found that total phenolic content ranged from 11mg GAE / mL to 76 mg GAE / mL. It is determined that propolis samples were rich in aldehydes, aliphatic acid and esters, alcohols,hydrocarbons, carboxylic acid esters, ketones, terpenes, fatty acids and other components.