Phytochemical Findings Evidencing Botanical Origin of New Propolis Type from North-West Argentina

Propolis samples from north-west Argentina (Amaicha del Valle, Tucumán) were evaluated by palynology, FT-IR spectra, and RP-HPTLC. In addition, the volatile fraction was studied by HS-SPME-GC/MS. The botanical species most visited by Apis mellifera L. near the apiaries were collected and their RP-HPTLC extracts profiles were compared with propolis samples. In addition, GC/MS was performed for volatile compounds from Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Fabaceae). FT-IR spectra and RP-HPTLC fingerprints of propolis samples showed similar profiles. In RP-HPTLC analyses, only Z. punctata presented a similar fingerprint to Amaicha propolis. The major volatile compounds present in both were trans-linalool oxide (furanoid), 6-camphenone, linalool, trans-pinocarveol, p-cymen-8-ol, and 2,3,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde. Potential variations for the Amaicha del Valle propolis volatile fraction as consequence of propolis sample preparation were demonstrated.

1 Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, Japan Wax, and Beeswax

Toxicological test data on four waxes-Candelilla, Carnauba, Japan, and Beeswax, singularly and in combination are presented. On the basis of the documented animal and clinical test data, it is concluded that these waxes are safe for cosmetic use.

Quality assurance of commercial beeswax

The use of low-temperature capillary gas chromatography coupled to electron impact mass spectrometry for the characterization of crude beeswaxes yielded by Apis mellifera is described. The system allows the identification of a great number of compounds, some of them not reported till now in beeswax, such as a family of ethyl esters, tetracosyl oleate, and several saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. The information acquired makes possible the differentiation between pure beeswax and some foundation beeswax samples where mixture of pure beeswax with another substances is suspected.

Quality assurance of commercial beeswax II. Gas chromatography-electron impact ionization mass spectrometry of alcohols and acids

Gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection was used to find the fraction of alcohols and acids present in pure beeswax from Apis mellifera. Some new compounds not described till now were found, such as a family of unsaturated linear fatty acids, several hydroxyacids and 1,2,3-propanetriol monoesters. The chromatographic profiles obtained from pure beeswax and bee-rejected foundation beeswax can be used to discriminate them; they mainly differ in the amount of some acids and alcohols.

Very-long-chain fatty acids from lower organism

The qualitative occurrence and quantitative proportion of very-long-chain fatty acids (above C22), mainly in lower organisms and briefly in higher plants and animals is described.