M. B. GABRIEL, M. J. CARNEIRO, A. C. H. F. SAWAYA

Chemical Composition of Extracts of Geopropolis from Melipona quadrifasciata (Mandaçaia) Evaluation of its Antioxidant Activity

Currently, a group of bees called stingless bees, native bees or indigenous bees have attracted interest. These social bees belong to the Apidae family and are divided in three different genera: Melipona, Lestrimelitta and Trigona. These bees have only residual stingers, usually small wings and nests of distinct characteristics that differentiate species 1. These bees are of great importance in the pollination of many cultivable species, being responsible for up to 90% of the pollination of Brazilian native flora. Melipona quadrifasciata produces geopropolis, honey and wax. Geopropolis is the result of the bees mixing the resinous material collected from the plants with wax and soil. Studies of the ethanolic extract of Melipona quadrifasciata geopropolis seek to determine the chemical composition via ESI-MS fingerprinting, as well as their antioxidant activity. Samples collected over one year in Jarguariuna, SP showed a similar chemical profile. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH method and presented similar activity (EC 50 between 1 and 4 µg/mL) of ethanolic solution. These results are comparable propolis of bee species Apis mellifera 2. As these samples were collected over one year, it will be possible to determine if seasonality influences their chemical composition and biological activity.

Keywords:

Geopropolis, Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity,

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