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Three spectrophotometric methods for the quantitative determination of different flavonoid groups and total phenolics in Croatian propolis samples were optimised and validated. The assay based on the formation of aluminium chloride complex (with galangin as a standard) was applied to the quantification of flavones and flavonols, while the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method (with pinocembrine as a reference) was used for the quantification of flavanones. Total phenolic content was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteau method using reference solution of caffeic acid:galangin:pinocembrine (1:1:1). Through analytical validation, the most suitable extraction conditions (with respect to time, temperature and concentration of extraction solvent) were determined, and final conditions for the extraction were established (80% ethanol, 1 h at the room temperature). The appropriate ratio between the mass of raw propolis and the extraction solvent volume was also established. By the application of the optimised method of extraction, 10 propolis tinctures were prepared and subjected to the analysis of general pharmacopoeial parameters, which are fundamental for the creation of quality specification (relative density, dry residue of extract, content of ethanol, methanol and 2-propanol). Additionally, the content of waxes as the main inactive constituents was determined in order to observe the level of their migration from crude propolis to the prepared tinctures.

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Amidži Klari D., Klari I., Veli D., Vedrina Dragojevi I. (2011): Evaluation of mineral and heavy metal contents in Croatian blackberry wines. Czech J. Food Sci., 29: 260-267.The mineral and heavy metal contents in 17 commercially available Croatian blackberry wines were determined by FAAS/FAES and GFAAS. The concentrations of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, cobalt, chromium, and cadmium were between (in mg/l) 924-1507, 11.81-120.10, 86.4-457.1, 183.4-381.2, 0.082-6.273, 0.058-0.767, 1.47-11.53, 0.247-6.645, and (in μg/l) 3.21-11.89, 10.08-15.88, and 0.55-9.9, respectively. A negative correlation was found between the concentrations of macro (Mg) and micro (Fe) minerals. Furthermore, positive correlations were observed between the concentrations of manganese, cadmium, and cobalt that indicated the origin of these elements in the anthropogenic source. Multivariate analyses (PCA/LDA) showed that the distinct patterns of the metal contents in blackberry wines could be identified with quite satisfactory accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) with the subregion of the origin. In regard to the results obtained, Croatian blackberry wines could be considered as safe from the health risk point of view and as a good additional source of the essential nutrients investigated such as manganese, magnesium, and potassium.Keywords: blackberry wine; minerals; heavy metal; multivariate analyses; PCA; LDA Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus, Rosaceae) is grown in continental Croatia on small farms using traditional techniques of cultivation and harvesting by hand in summers (July-August). Th ornless Logan, Th ornfree, Black Satin, and Tayberry are the most common blackberry cultivars in Croatia. A signifi cant proportion of fresh fruits is directly processed into blackberry products -jam, juice, or wine. Blackberry wine is a product of yeast fermentation of natural sugars present in blackberry juice. Th is popular fruit wine is mainly produced in the continental part of the country, which is divided into a number of subregions: from the Danube Basin, through Slavonia, Moslavina, Pokuplje, Plešivica, to Prigorje-Bilogora and Zagorje-Međimurje (Figure 1). Slavonia is a geographical and fertile agricultural area in eastern Croatia and the plantations in this subregion are located on the slopes of the central Slavonian mountain range. Prigorje-Bilogora subregion off ers favourable conditions for the cultivation of all kinds of fruits and vegetables, and the plantations are located on attractive hills. Zagorje and Međimurje are situated in the north-western part of the country. Th is subregion features a wide range of diff erent landscapes and types of vegetation.The quality of wine depends on numerous factors related to the specific production area, such as the plant variety, soil and climate, culture, yeast,

The risk of bioaccumulation of metals/metalloid from the homeopathic medicines seems to be rather low, due to small quantities of those products prescribed to be applied per day, as well as insignificant metal contamination of the majority of tested products. However, the fact that particular formulations were contaminated by metals above MALs indicates potential risk and points to the necessity of regular monitoring of homeopathic products for metal contamination, due to their frequent and mostly unsupervised use.