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Composition of the volatile fraction of a sample of Brazilian green propolic and its phytotoxic activity
Author(s) -
FernandesSilva Caroline C,
Lima Carolina A,
Negri Giuseppina,
Salatino Maria L F,
Salatino Antonio,
Mayworm Marco A S
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.7045
Subject(s) - propolis , radicle , germination , linalool , beeswax , hypocotyl , chemical composition , chemistry , botany , lepidium sativum , fraction (chemistry) , composition (language) , allelopathy , horticulture , essential oil , food science , biology , wax , organic chemistry , linguistics , philosophy
BACKGROUND Propolis is a resinous material produced by honeybees, containing mainly beeswax and plant material. Despite the wide spectrum of biological activity of propolis, to our knowledge no studies have been carried out about phytotoxic properties of Brazilian propolis and its constituents. The aims of this study were to analyze the chemical composition and to evaluate the phytotoxic activity of the volatile fraction of a sample of Brazilian green propolis. RESULTS Main constituents are the phenylpropanoid 3‐prenylcinnamic acid allyl ester (26.3%) and the sesquiterpene spathulenol (23.4%). Several other sesquiterpenes and phenylpropanoids, in addition to linalool and α ‐terpineol (monoterpenes), were also detected. The activity of solutions of the volatile fraction at 1.0, 0.5 and 0.1% was tested on lettuce seeds and seedlings. The solution at 1% inhibited completely the seed germination and solutions at 0.1 and 0.5% reduced the germination rate index. The solution at 0.5% reduced the growth of the hypocotyl–radicle axis and the development of the cotyledon leaf. CONCLUSIONS The chemical composition of the volatile fraction of this Brazilian green propolis is different from those previously described, and these results may contribute to a better understanding about the chemical variations in propolis. The volatile fraction of Brazilian green propolis influences both germination of seed lettuce and the growth of its seedlings, showing an phytotoxic potential. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry