Propolis oil extract: qualitative and quantitative aspects

Abstract

In this work, we studied the extraction of propolis with oils. For the experiment, we used propolis samples collected in different regions of Ukraine (Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Kyiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions) and determined their compliance with DSTU 4662:2006 "Propolis". All the samples we collected met the requirements of this standard, and a combined batch of propolis was used to obtain oil extracts. The most common vegetable oils (corn, sunflower, and olive oils) were chosen as extragents, and their quality was confirmed. The technological approach to obtaining oil extracts was based on the data of previous studies; the extraction was carried out at 60C and constant stirring for 1 hour. The obtained oil extracts of propolis were evaluated by appearance, acid and peroxide numbers, density, identification and quantification of phenolic substances. Presence of substances of phenolic and flavonoid structure was confirmed by specific reactions. As a result of the quantitative determination of the TPC in the obtained extracts it was established that the total phenolic content (TPC) in the studied oil extracts is about 4.95±0.15 %, which corresponds to the quantitative content of these biologically active substances in the propolis substance (not less than 25.0 %).