Comparative Analysis of Volatile Compound Profiles of Propolis From Different Provenances

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Propolis is a complex mixture that honey bees produce from the exudates of various plants and presents many medicinal properties. Its chemical compositions varies according to the phytogeography characteristics of each region, among others. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in Venezuelan propolis and compare with reference samples such as Brazilian and Argentinian ones. RESULTS: A total of 90 VOCs were identified in a series of propolis samples using both Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) and Dynamic Headspace (DHS), both coupled to GC-EI-MS. In the case of Venezuelan propolis, sesquiterpenes, esters, aromatic compounds and aliphatic hydrocarbons were identified. The limonene was found only in Venezuelan samples being the first time it is identified in samples from this country. In the case of green propolis, β-caryophyllene and nerolidol were the major ones. As for the Argentinian samples, the prenyl acetate, benzyl acetate, and 2-phenylethyl acetate were detected only in these samples. CONCLUSIONS: Possible chemical markers of natural sources such as limonene were detected using DHS extraction. Several compounds have also been identified for the first time in Venezuelan propolis. Cluster analysis allowed to relate propolis VOCs profile with their provenance.