Characteristics of Commercial Propolis Samples Collected from Upper Egypt Region

Abstract

Egyptian propolis has recently become a subject of increasing attention for biologist and chemists. To estimate the propolis quality, twenty-three samples collected from Upper Egypt region during autumn and spring seasons were chemically evaluated. Results indicated that propolis samples significantly varied in its quality according to the seasons and localities. Chemical tests of impurity, wax content and oxidation speed rate were determined. Total of active substances as polyphenolic compounds ranged from 49.5% to 59.3% in autumn and from 49.5% to 57.6% in spring. The time of oxidation speed was negatively correlated with presence of active compounds in every sample. Oxidation speed was considered one judge on propolis quality. Additionally, propolis samples contamination with lead as a major contaminant was determined. The level of lead contamination was lower than the international permissible limits. The results of present study are consistent with the idea that Egyptian propolis is a promising subject for further studies.