Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of propolis

The composition of propolis, a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources, depends on various factors such as season and vegetation or the area. Based on standards (either isolated from Brazilian propolis or reported from propolis) including chromane, diterpenes and phen olic compounds, different Brazilian propolis were analysed by LC-MS in orde r to determine their chemical constituents. Dicaffeoylquinic acids were det ected in almost all water extracts of Brazilian propolis, whereas diterpene s, flavonoids and prenylated phenolic compounds were found in their methano l extracts. Based on the identified chemical constituents and their biologi cal activities, it was determined that the quality of Brazilian propolis co uld be directly related to the phenolic constituents. Moreover, Baccharis d racunculifolia Nas concluded to be an important source or Brazilian propoli s. Propolis samples from Peru, China and the Netherlands were also studied. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.