Oxidant/Antioxidant Status of Propolis Samples Obtained from Turkey.

Abstract

Honeybees produce propolis by collecting resinous material from various plant parts, such as buds, sap flows, leaves, and bark. It is used in traditional medicine and health services due to its biological activity. The content of propolis affects by their geographical and botanical origins and changes in their contents cause changes in their biological effects. Turkey has a rich structure in geography, ecology and climate because it incorporates three different floristic areas in country. These different structures have led to a variety of plants that vary from region to region. Propolis samples for this study were collected from 11 regions across Turkey, including Artvin, Duzce, and Balikesir. Antioxidant measurements were made on propolis samples extracted with a specific method. Total oxidant status and oxidative index were calculated by in vitro analysis, and then compared. The in vitro analyses were performed using newly developed research measurement kits that were extremely sensitive and reliable. In the results of this study, antioxidant capacity has been linked to phenolic compounds. Statistical significance was determined to each propolis samples in different regions. As a result, the total antioxidant capacity of propolis was highest in the Artvin region (P<0.01). Antioxidant and oxidant capacities and oxidative stress indices of propolis samples of different regions were determined statistically. This research includes in vitro assays that include highly reliable tests based on very useful and precise measurements. In Turkey variable characteristics of the region were monitored. For this reason, differences were observed in the total antioxidant capacities of propolis samples by region. Honeybees produce propolis, a natural resinous substance, by collecting it from various plant parts, such as buds, sap flows, leaves, and bark. This substance has found application in traditional medicine and health services due to its biological activity. The chemical composition of propolis varies depending on its geographical and botanical origins, with alterations in the constituent components resulting in corresponding changes in biological effects. Turkey's unique geographical, ecological, and climatic characteristics are attributable to the presence of three distinct floristic regions within its borders. The diversity of these regions is reflected in the variety of plant species found in each area. For the present study, propolis samples were collected from 11 regions across Turkey, including Artvin, Duzce, and Balikesir. Antioxidant measurements were made on propolis samples extracted using a specific method. The antioxidant status and oxidative index of the samples were calculated using in vitro analysis and subsequently compared. The in vitro analyses were performed using research measurement kits that were newly developed and characterized by extreme sensitivity and reliability. The study's findings suggest a correlation between antioxidant capacity and phenolic compounds. Statistical significance was determined for each propolis sample from different regions. The Artvin region was found to have the highest total antioxidant capacity of the propolis samples (P<0.01). The study further examined the antioxidant and oxidant capacities, along with oxidative stress indices, of propolis samples from diverse regions. The research encompasses in vitro assays, incorporating highly reliable tests based on precise measurements. The study also monitored the variable characteristics of the region in Turkey. Consequently, variations in the total antioxidant capacities of propolis samples by region were observed.