Determination of Botanical Origin of Propolis from Monte Region of Argentina by Histological and Chemical Methods

SALAS, ANA; MERCADO, MARÍA I.; ZAMPINI, IRIS C.; PONESSA, GRACIELA I.; ISLA, MARÍA I.

NATURAL PRODUCT COMMUNICATIONS

NATURAL PRODUCTS INC

Año: 2016 vol. 11 p. 627 - 630

1934-578X

Propolis production by honey bees is the result of a selective harvest of exudates from plants in the neighborhood of the hive. This product is used in Argentinaas a food supplement and alternative medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the botanical origin of propolis from the arid regions of Monte ofArgentina using rapid histochemical techniques and by comparison of TLC and HPLC-DAD chromatographic profiles with extract profiles obtained fromZuccagnia punctata, Larrea divaricata and Larrea cuneifolia, plant species that grow in the study area as a natural community named ?jarillal?.Microscopical analysis revealed the presence of several Z. punctata structures, such as multicellular trichomes, leaflets, stems and young leaves. Remarkablewas the richness of the propolis in two bioactive chalcones, also present in Z. punctata resin; these compounds can be regarded as possible markers for propolisidentification and justify its use as a dietary supplement, functional food and medicinal product. This study indicates that the source of resin used by honeybees to produce propolis in the Monte region of Argentina is only Z. punctata, a native shrub widespread in this phytogeographical region, while other moreabundant species (L. divaricata and L. cuneifolia) in the region were not found, indicating that this propolis could be defined as a mono-resin, type-Zuccagnia.