Comparison between Bulgarian and Macedonian propolis: chemical composition and plant origin

Abstract

Propolis is used as a constituent in over-the-counter preparations, food additives, cosmetics, etc. Bulgarian and Macedonian propolis samples were analyzed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of ethanol extracts after silylation, in order to determine the presence of bioactive substances with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and their chemical profiles were compared. Bulgarian and Macedonian propolis demonstrate very similar chemical profiles and belong to the Poplar type propolis, which has well-characterized qualitative composition and high content of bioactive substances. These results allow the standardization of Macedonian propolis to be approached on the basis of the recommendations by the International Honey Commission for poplar propolis.

Keywords: Bulgarian propolis, Macedonian propolis, GC-MS, chemical profiling</jats:p>