A Great Concern Regarding the Authenticity Identification and Quality Control of Chinese Propolis and Brazilian Green Propolis

Abstract

Propolis (bee glue) is a natural resin mixture produced by honey bees and it is composed of substances collected from parts of plants, buds and exudates. The composition of propolis varies primary on the geographical locations of the ingredients obtained by the bees. A series of biological properties of propolis including antimicrobial, immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-oxidation activities have been reported in relation to their chemical composition, plant origin and geographical area. This review collates the scientific literature regarding Chinese propolis and Brazilian green propolis, specifically focusing on their different constituents and biological activities. While there are known differences in composition of these two kinds of propolis, they share considerable similarity in their overall chemical composition. Importantly, techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and fingerprint are viable options for authenticity identification and quality control of propolis. Many of the molecular mechanisms driving various biological activities of propolis have been determined. We have also found that the biological activity of propolis mainly depends on its constituents, such as flavonoids or phenolic compounds. Each activity is regulated by a variety of biological pathways. The compounds in both Chinese propolis and Brazilian green propolis were found to participate in different biological pathways through distinct molecular mechanisms due to their diverse chemical compositions and unique structures. With the growing market interest of Brazilian green propolis in China, an evaluation between the chemical diversity and biological activity of Chinese propolis and Brazilian green propolis are in need of a review.

Propolis and its potential against SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms and COVID-19 disease

“…For example, propolis products, such as throat sprays and extracts, are produced by hundreds of companies in Brazil and are sold as a health aid in nearly every pharmacy throughout the country, demonstrating on a practical basis that they can be safely consumed. These propolis products, and the raw material for their manufacture, are extensively exported by Brazilian companies, especially to Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and China [ 50 , 64 ]. The importance of propolis in Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Korean medicine is reflected in the number of patents for propolis containing products registered by 2013, including about 1200 by China and 300 – 400 each for Japan, Russia and Korea [ 42 ].…”

Physicochemical characterization and in vitro evaluation of the antioxidant and anticandidal activities of Moroccan propolis

“…• Flavonoids: Hesperidin, epicatechin, rutin, apigenin, quercetin, naringin, and kaempferol. Phenolic compounds were identified by comparing their ultraviolet-visible spectra and retention times with those of the corresponding standards, and chromatographic data were acquired using the LabSolutions software equipped with a spectral identification module for the separated compounds; the results are expressed as mg/g of propolis [27].…”

Antibacterial Activity of Romanian Propolis against Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Dogs with Superficial Pyoderma: In Vitro Test

“…The composition of propolis is exceedingly complicated and changeable, containing 50-55% resin, 30% beeswax, 10-15% essential oils, and 5% pollen [51,52]. Physical qualities of propolis, such as the color, aroma, and consistency, are influenced by factors such as geographic origin, types of vegetal sources, collecting period, and season [53]. Propolis' chemical makeup is highly dependent on its geographical location.…”