Determination of some chemical properties of propolis samples provided from ordu province

Propolis is a bee product produced by honeybees and possesses various bioactive properties. The chemical and biological characteristics of propolis vary depending on the geographical features of the region where it is produced. Although research on propolis characterization continues in various countries worldwide, a consensus has yet to be reached regarding the specific criteria for its classification. This is due to the numerous environmental and genetic factors influencing propolis properties, which hinder the production of standardized propolis and complicate its characterization. This study aims to investigate the properties of propolis samples obtained from apiaries practicing stationary beekeeping in Ordu province, Turkey, and to determine some of their key characteristics. Within this scope, propolis samples were extracted using an ultrasound-assisted extraction method to obtain ethanolic extracts. The samples were then analyzed for balsam content, wax content, Brix value, pH, electrical conductivity, total phenolic content, %DPPH radical scavenging activity, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), phenolic compound composition, and volatile compound profiles. The analysis revealed significant variations among the samples. The fact that propolis samples produced even within the same provincial boundaries exhibited distinct properties supports previous research findings. Based on existing literature and the results of this study, it is evident that attributing generalized characteristics to propolis from a given region would be inaccurate. Therefore, target-oriented utilization of propolis is essential. Keywords: Antioxidant, Phenolic compound, Propolis, Ultrasound, Volatile compound