Botanical origin and Artepillin-C content of Brazilian propolis samples

Propolis quality depends on its botanical origin and the producing bee species. Twenty-one propolis samples from northeast, southeast and southern Brazil were investigated using palynological and physicochemical techniques. The aim of the present study was to understand Artepillin-C concentration in the propolis samples in relation to the pollen spectrum and its phytogeographical origin. The propolis obtained from Baccharis (Asteraceae), occurring mainly in mountain regions of the southern part of the state of Minas Gerais to the northern part of the state of Parana, presents a high content of Artepillin-C and is the most valuable. Nevertheless, Artepillin-C was detected in the propolis samples from localities where Baccharis plants are growing. It is expected that other plant species of the Asteraceae family, such as Eupatorium, may contribute to the production of propolis containing a high content of flavonoids.