Volatile Compounds, Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Apis mellifera Bee Propolis

Abstract

Propolis is a wax-like resin collected by bees from tree shoots and/or other botanical sources that is used as glue to seal cracks or open spaces in the hive. Its color varies from green to brown and reddish, depending on its botanical origin. Among the substances that can be found in propolis, low molecular weight compounds, such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are the most common. Several biological activities are attributed to these classes of substances, such as antifungal, antibacterial, and others. The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical composition of volatile compounds present in propolis samples and to analyze their correlation with biological activities.

Essential Oil of the Plants Growing in the Brazilian Amazon: Chemical Composition, Antioxidants, and Biological Applications

“…Although Brazil is still the largest natural angiosperm bank in the world and these aromatic plants have the potential for varied uses, part of this exuberance was lost long before scientific knowledge was gained [ 3 , 14 ]. Therefore, efforts and resources must be invested to acquire a greater awareness of the diversity and value of the plants that remain in the Amazon region.…”