Geographical Variations in Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Propolis from Meshgin Apiaries, Iran

Maghsoud Besharatı; Boukaga Farmani; Deniz Azhir

doi:10.18016/ksutarimdoga.vi.1841549

EN TR

Geographical Variations in Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Propolis from Meshgin Apiaries, Iran

Abstract

Propolis is a natural resinous substance produced by honeybees. Its physicochemical and antioxidant properties vary significantly with geographical origin, as shown in this study using samples from three Meshgin apiaries (Qara Dagh, Meshgin, and Yilagh). Collected during spring 2024, the propolis was analyzed for moisture, pH, ash, soluble/insoluble solids, phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content, alongside antioxidant activity and mineral composition. Results revealed consistent physicochemical parameters across samples, with dry matter exceeding 98% and ash content ranging 3.18–3.92%, aligning with national standards. However, Meshgin propolis displayed superior bioactive properties, including the highest total phenolic (18,402.1 µg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (1,575.3 µg QE/g), alongside elevated tannin levels (7275.6 µg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (91.33% DPPH inhibition, 73.52% ABTS inhibition), attributed to the region’s rich biodiversity of medicinal flora. Mineral analysis highlighted significant geographical variations in nickel, copper, phosphorus, and calcium concentrations, with Yilagh showing the highest calcium content (69.90 mg/kg). These findings underscore the profound influence of local botanical sources and environmental conditions on propolis composition, positioning region-specific propolis, especially from Meshgin, as a potent natural resource for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Keywords

Geographical Variations in Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Propolis from Meshgin Apiaries, Iran

Öz

Propolis is a natural resinous substance produced by honeybees. Its physicochemical and antioxidant properties vary significantly with geographical origin, as shown in this study using samples from three Meshgin apiaries (Qara Dagh, Meshgin, and Yilagh). Collected during spring 2024, the propolis was analyzed for moisture, pH, ash, soluble/insoluble solids, phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content, alongside antioxidant activity and mineral composition. Results revealed consistent physicochemical parameters across samples, with dry matter exceeding 98% and ash content ranging 3.18–3.92%, aligning with national standards. However, Meshgin propolis displayed superior bioactive properties, including the highest total phenolic (18,402.1 µg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (1,575.3 µg QE/g), alongside elevated tannin levels (7275.6 µg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (91.33% DPPH inhibition, 73.52% ABTS inhibition), attributed to the region’s rich biodiversity of medicinal flora. Mineral analysis highlighted significant geographical variations in nickel, copper, phosphorus, and calcium concentrations, with Yilagh showing the highest calcium content (69.90 mg/kg). These findings underscore the profound influence of local botanical sources and environmental conditions on propolis composition, positioning region-specific propolis, especially from Meshgin, as a potent natural resource for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Ethical Statement

This study did not involve human participants or live animals. Collection of propolis from apiaries was conducted with the consent of beekeepers and did not cause harm to honeybee colonies.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Bee and Silkworm Breeding and Improvement

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Maghsoud Besharatı ^*
0000-0002-5233-6425
Iran

Boukaga Farmani
0000-0003-3504-9958
Iran

Deniz Azhir
0000-0000-0000-0001
Iran

Early Pub Date

April 11, 2026

Publication Date

-

Submission Date

December 16, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 22, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18016/ksutarimdoga.vi.1841549

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA46GX55ZW

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Besharatı, M., Farmani, B., & Azhir, D. (2026). Geographical Variations in Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Propolis from Meshgin Apiaries, Iran. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım Ve Doğa Dergisi, Advanced Online Publication, 1557-1566. https://doi.org/10.18016/ksutarimdoga.vi.1841549