Extraction kinetics and physicochemical characteristics of Colombian propolis

Abstract

Propolis, a resinous matter collected by Apis mellifera bees from exudates of plants, exhibits different biological properties, such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant activities. Standardization of the extraction of their bioactive compounds is a complex issue in particular for rural regions in developing countries due to the need for specialized equipment and personnel. Herein, kinetic extractions by maceration over 7 days were compared with ultrasound and supercritical fluids extractions in terms of the polyphenolic content obtained. Ultrasound showed the fastest kinetic extraction for each propolis without affecting the antioxidant activity. Supercritical fluids showed the lowest polyphenolic content recovery and no selectivity for antioxidant activity, in agreement with the solubility predictions. The main difference among the extraction methods was the extraction time required to reach the equilibrium concentration. No significant differences in selectivity were observed for the different methods. The antioxidant activity remained almost constant with the extraction method and extraction time, indicating similar extraction kinetics for the extracted polyphenols. We found that the physicochemical characteristics and UV‐vis spectra could be used as predictors of the polyphenolic contents for the studied samples.Practical ApplicationEven though most of the beneficial properties to the human health of the propolis extracts depend largely on the compounds present in the matrix and their extractability, the evaluation of these compounds and their biological activities might be costly and time‐consuming for beekeepers, particularly in developing countries. Also, the extraction method and the extraction time are important decisions that significantly affect the economics of the propolis production process. The main difference among extraction methods was the extraction time required to reach equilibrium and no significant differences in selectivity were observed for the different methods. Moreover, it was found that simple parameters such as ash and moisture can be used as predictors of the polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activity of the propolis, and they can provide important information about the handling during harvest, transport, and storage of the propolis.

Potential Antidiabetic Activity of Apis mellifera Propolis Extraction Obtained with Ultrasound

“…Aboulghazi et al [49] analyzed Moroccan propolis. They quantified lower values that ranged between 970 and 3472 mg QE/100 g under the same extraction time but different ratios and concentrations of solvent; likewise, [50,51] they carried out studies using extraction with maceration, where they quantified total flavonoid content from 1745 to 2479 mg QE/100 g and 1 to 1298 mg QE/100 g (Colombian propolis), respectively. Propolis extracts have different chemical compositions and biological activity due to a correlation between the flora and the extraction method, and it could be influenced by the environmental difference between regions and the collection time [52,53].…”

Leaching of Phytochemicals from Beans during Hydration, Kinetics, and Modeling

“…The first phase had fast growth with a significantly higher slope, attributable to the large concentration gradient. The second phase was characterized by a slowly reducing slope, and the third and last phase had a stable trend due to the attainment of an equilibrium condition [53].…”