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- Title
Comparison of Gymnosperms and Angiosperms Plants on Quality and Quantity of Propolis.
- Authors
Afrouzan, H.; Bankova, V.; Tahmasebi, Gh.; Bigdeli, M.; Popova, M.
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION Propolis is a natural antibiotic, gathered by bees from gum of various plants. Propolis is available for purchase as an ingredient in capsule form, lip balm, skin cream, tincture and toothpaste. Bees use it to fill cracks, smooth over the interior of the nest, strengthen comb attachments and cover and embalm intruders in the hive that are too large to carry out. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare effects of two kinds of plant sources (gymnosperms and angiosperms) on quantity and quality of propolis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two areas with poplar (angiosperms) and cypress (gymnosperms) plantations were selected in Khojir and Telo respectively, located near Tehran, Iran. These two areas were about 20 km away from each others. Ten honeybee colonies were placed in each area for 2.5 months in autumn 2003 and 3 months in spring 2004. The fiber method was used to collect the propolis. The produced propolis from the colonies was weighed at two-week intervals. The propolis samples were analyzed by GC-MS and the antimicrobial activity of the samples was tested against Staphylococcus aureus. RESULTS The highest amounts of propolis in Khojir and Telo were 11.63g and 8.79g per hive per two weeks, respectively. The amount of propolis produced in Khojir was significantly higher than that in Telo (p<0.01). It may indicate that the presence of poplars near the hives could be effective in increasing propolis production. The antibacterial activity of the Khojir propolis samples against Staphylococcus aureus was stronger (MIC - 31.25 mg/ml) than that of the Telo propolis samples (MIC - 62.5 mg /ml). CONCLUSIONS The results of our study, GC-MS analyzes and antibacterial activity of propolis, indicated that the gymnosperms plants (poplar) are very important for propolis production.
- Subjects
IRAN; GYMNOSPERMS; ANGIOSPERMS; PROPOLIS; QUALITY
- Publication
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2007, Vol 14, Issue 1, p106
- ISSN
1394-195X
- Publication type
Article