Accessible Methodologies for Quantification of Flavonoids and Total Phenols in Propolis

Abstract

Propolis is widely known for its important therapeutic activities. In its chemical constitution, there are several classes of secondary metabolites, such as simple phenols, carboxylic and cinnamic acids, coumarins, tannins and flavonoids. However, flavonoids, an important class of secondary metabolites, may be found in small concentrations in propolis, which makes its quantification difficult. In view of this information, the purpose of this review is to present the main methodologies used in the quantification of this class of secondary metabolites, in addition to proposing new approaches for the characterization of flavonoids and phenols, using low-cost commercial raw materials. A própolis é largamente conhecida por suas importantes atividades terapêuticas. Apresenta em sua constituição química diversas classes de metabólitos secundários, tais como, fenóis simples, ácidos carboxílicos e cinâmicos, cumarinas, taninos e flavonoides. Entretanto, os flavonoides, uma classe importante de metabólicos secundários, muitas vezes encontra-se em pequenas concentrações na própolis, o que pode dificultar sua quantificação. Tendo em vista estas informações, esta revisão teve como objetivo relacionar as principais metodologias utilizadas na identificação e quantificação desta classe de metabólitos secundários, além de propor novas abordagens para a caracterização de flavonoides e fenóis totais, a partir da utilização de matérias primas comerciais de baixo custo.

Effect of Baccharis dracunculifolia extract in the control of the coffee red mite

“…However, stands out the greater presence of phenolic acids (89,07 mg/g). According to the study of Marcucci et al (2021), in the green propolis obtained from wild rosemary, the phenolic acids are found in greater quantity when compared to flavonoids, which can be one of the reasons for this Brazilian propolis variety's high demand in the international market. The phenolic acids inhibit the herbivory, and in high concentrations make the substrate unpalatable to the phytophagous, attaining the pest organism and causing death for not getting the energy from the plant (DAR et al, 2017;MARCUCCI et al, 2021).…”

“…Flavonoids represents a chemical defense barrier against microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and viruses), and phytophagous insects and mites (MARCUCCI et al, 2021). Due to its extensive range of biological and therapeutic properties, evidenced in in vitro and in vivo studies, the flavonoids represent a class a of compounds that is an aim of several investigations due to their antibacterial properties (KOWALSKI et al, 2020).…”

Brazilian Amazon Red Propolis: Leishmanicidal Activity and Chemical Composition of a New Variety of Red Propolis

“…The determination of total phenolic concentration by Folin-Ciocalteau quantifies phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, and the flavonoid assay (AlCl 3 ) is selective for flavonoids, thereby reducing the interference of phenolic acids typically present in propolis. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, these tests should be utilised to determine the quality of propolis [ 30 ]. Notably, Amazon red propolis has a higher concentration of compounds than red propolis from the Northeast.…”

Avaliação Do Potencial Acaricida Do Extrato De Eugenia Stipitata Sobre O Ácaro Vermelho Do Café

“…A toxicidade apresentada pelo extrato dos frutos do araçá em fêmeas adultas do ácaro vermelho do café pode estar associada aos componentes químicos secundários presentes na solução. Os metabólicos secundários têm diversas funções nas plantas em que são produzidos, como, por exemplo, proteção contra patógenos e herbívoros (Marcucci et al,2021). Ademais, segundo Piffer et al (2023), essas substâncias causam distúrbios fisiológicos no crescimento de insetos e ácaros, afetando seus processos de desenvolvimento.…”