Chemical Composition and Botanical Origin of Red Propolis, a New Type of Brazilian Propolis
Bruno B. Silva(1), Pedro L. Rosalen(1), Jaime A. Cury(1), Masaharu Ikegaki(2), Vinicius C. Souza(3), Alessandro Esteves(4) and Severino M. Alencar(3)
1Piracicaba Dentistry School (FOP/UNICAMP), Department of Physiologic Science, C.P. 52; Zip-code: 13414-903, Piracicaba, SP, 2Federal University of Alfenas; Zip-code 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, 3 College of Agriculture ‘Luiz de Queiroz’ (ESALQ/USP), C.P. 9; ZIP-CODE: 13418-900, Piracicaba, SP and 4Apia ́rios Almar e Essenciale LTDA, Maceio ́, AL, Brazil.
Abstract
Red propolis is a new type of Brazilian propolis. This material, as well as the secretions of 20 plant species that are often mentioned as its probable botanical source, have been investigated by RP-HPTLC. Phytochemical evidence based on UV-VIS spectra, RP-HPLC and GC-MS, showed Dalbergia ecastophyllum (L.) Taub. to be the main source of red propolis in Alagoas state. The propolis and plant resin showed high relative percentages of the isoflavonoids 3-Hydroxy-8,9-dimethoxypterocarpan and medicarpin. To our knowledge this is the first report of the secretion of a leguminous species being the source of propolis.
* THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.