HPLC ANALYSIS OF FLAVONOIDS FROM PROPOLIS OF DIFFERENT HONEYBEE SPECIES IN SELECTED LOCATIONS OF BANGALORE

Propolis is a natural resinous substance with a wide range of biological properties, synthesized by bees from bud exudates of some plants. Bees make use of propolis as a building material and to defend the hive. The chemical composition of propolis varies depending on vegetation and species having plethora of therapeutic activities. To detect compounds present in propolis an efficient, precise, and reliable HPLC method was used for quantification which offers advantages in terms of speed and accuracy. This method allowed eliciting the chromatographic fingerprint by comparing the retention time and molecular weight of commercially available standards that are known to be present in propolis such as p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, epicatechin, gallic acid, caffeic acid and quercetin in different samples. The bioactive compounds present in varying amount has anti-cancer, anti-proliferative, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and hepato protective properties. The main aim of the study is to analyze the flavonoids in propolis taken from areas surrounded by moderate vegetation of different honeybee species. The interesting results provide a basis to promote bee keeping in cities having limited vegetation as it helps not only in ecosystem sustenance, but also a source of propolis to benefit mankind.