Planta Med 2010; 76 - P526
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1264824

New and fast HPLC method for analysis of flavonoids in honey and propolis samples

A Elezovic 1, A Uzunovic 1, S Hadzidedic 1, S Pilipovic 1, A Elezovic 2, A Sapcanin 2
  • 1Agency for Medical Products and Medical Devices of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Titova 9, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
  • 2Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, Cekalusa 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina

Flavonoids present in honey and propolis exhibit a wide range of biological effects, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities. The presence of specific flavonoids and their content can be used to distinguish botanical and geographical origin [1]. Usual methods for flavonoid analysis are time consuming HPLC assays using combinations of aqueous acid solutions and methanol or acetonitrile. Such long methods are not practical in routine analysis [2,3,4]. Thus, a relatively fast HPLC method for determination of flavonoid content in propolis and honey was developed, with gradient elution over 30 minutes and using ammonium formiate buffer (pH 4,5) and methanol as mobile phases. A column with sub-2-micron particles was used at a presure not exceding 360bar. The method was validated and it is suitable for identification and quantification of six flavonoids in propolis and honey (quercetin, chrysin, naringenin, pinocembrin, pinostrobin, galangin). Flavonoid content of several propolis and honey samples originating from Bosnia and Herzegovina was assayed using the developed method. Propolis samples generally contained all said flavonoids, with the exception of the propolis samples from Mostar (pinostrobin and naringenin are not present) and Brcko (naringenin not present). Flavonoid content was 2,38mg/g to 117,05mg/g. Out of the three honey samples bought in a general store, one was proven to be a forgery. Flavonoids (naringenin, pinocembrin, chrysin and glangin) were found in two remaining honey samples and the total content was 1,16µg/g to 1,65µg/g. Based on these results, the presented HPLC method is a reliable and accurate tool for analyzing flavonoids in honey and propolis samples.

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