Analysis of Artepillin C in Commercial Brazilian Propolis by HPLC

Abstract

Dietary supplements are gaining wide popularity in Japan, with consumers utilizing them as self-medication. Thus, assessing the quality of dietary supplements is critical for public health. Among dietary supplements, ethanol extracts of Brazilian propolis have been widely used to improve health and prevent diseases in Japan. Accumulated evidence indicates that Brazilian propolis has various biological properties such as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-influenaviral, anti-HIV, and anti-oxidant activities. Brazilian propolis derived from Baccharis dracunculifolia was recently reported, and is known be rich in artepillin C and various phenolic compounds (e.g., flavonoids). Artepillin C content is thus an important factor in monitoring the quality of commercial Brazilian propolis. In the present study, we evaluated the content of artepillin C in Brazilian propolis by HPLC to validate the supplement’s expected health benefits. Twelve kinds of commercial Brazilian propolis liquid (contents: 30mL) were purchased on the internet, and the recommend daily dose was enriched. The results revealed artepillin C was present in Brazilian propolis in the range of 0.3 to 50.2mg/mL. Samples No. 3 and No.5 showed lower artepillin C content than the other samples. The recommend daily dose of concentrated extract was too low. Therefore, No. 5 cannot be used effectively. These results suggest that HPLC quality monitoring of artepillin C in Brazilian propolis is very important for consumers who self-medicate. Moreover, this method may be applicable for monitoring the quality of commercial Brazilian propolis.