Do you know the importance of quality control of the propolis you consume? Several pharmacological activities have been proven in propolis, both in laboratory tests and through its use in different formulations. In addition, of course, to the traditional ethanolic extract.

But to understand the process behind propolis extract production and the importance of product quality control, keep reading this article!

How do bees use propolis?

Bees use propolis to seal all openings in the hive. They also use small amounts of propolis to create an almost aseptic environment in the combs, forming a protective layer that “cleans” the bees that needed to leave and return to the hive. 

This shows how propolis has so many features and benefits, presenting itself as antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. This resin is called that way because the word propolis is derived from the Greek pro = in defense; and polis = city (hive, in the case of bees).

What determines the quality of propolis? 

As propolis has a very complex chemical composition that varies according to the flowering from where it was collected, its appearance tends to change. When pharmacological and therapeutic actions are considered, the main constituent elements of propolis are phenolic compounds. After all, propolis contains a large amount of these compounds, especially flavonoids and phenolic acids.

In addition, they can also represent a chemical defense barrier against microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and viruses), insects and other herbivorous animals. As well as its well-known antioxidant action.

Like flavonoids, phenolic acids belong to the class of phenolic compounds, which are secondary metabolites of plants, being essential for their growth and reproduction. It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Both phenolic compounds support the immune system.

The differential of Brazilian propolis 

When it comes to Brazilian propolis, phenolic acids are much more abundant than flavonoids. This makes the international market see Brazilian propolis with different eyes.

Although the concentration of flavonoids in Brazilian propolis is relatively small, it is possible to quantify it and use the values ​​obtained as a parameter for chemical quality control. 

How is the quality control of propolis done?

The benefits of propolis, like many other natural products, are obtained from the synergy of various bioactive components. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify them to determine the expected antioxidant activity in the product. 

The methods of analyzing propolis have evolved over the years, driven mainly by the need to identify the components responsible for its biological activity and to guarantee the quality of the products that contain it.

At first, it was important to determine the amounts of resins, wax, moisture and insoluble material, being good indications of the quality of the sample. However, over time, the identification and quantification of flavonoids and phenolic acids became necessary precisely because of their beneficial properties.

Did you like to know how propolis quality control works? If you are interested in the subject, keep following our blog for more information on beekeeping, technology and sustainability.

Study adaptation: “The importance of propolis quality control”, by Prof. Dr. Maria Cristina Marcucci (propolis specialist). Clique aqui e acesse o arquivo original.