Analysis of Phenolic Acids in Propolis Using the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Technique

The aim of the research was to analyze the chemical composition of Lithuanian propolis and to compare it with the chemical composition of propolis in neighboring countries (Latvia and Poland) according to the predominant flora in the collecting places and the quality of raw material collecting process. The article describes the qualitative analysis of phenolic acids in propolis using the high-performance liquid chromatography technique. Studies showed that the quantitative and qualitative composition of phenolic acids in propolis depended on what plants the bees in the area collected substances for the raw material of propolis. In addition to that, it was found that the amount of active substances was higher in propolis extracts produced from propolis collected from areas characterized by the predominance of deciduous trees. The predominant phenolic acids were determined to be ferulic and coumaric acids that may be among the main indicators of quality in the standardization of the raw material and preparations of propolis. Experimental studies showed that the process of the collection of propolis influence its chemical composition too. The production of pharmaceutical preparations requires the regulation of the technique and the conditions of the collection of propolis, ensuring high quality of the collection of the raw material.