The Chemical Diversity of Stingless Bee Propolis and Cerumen
摘要
The chemical studies of stingless bee propolis/cerumen have demonstrated much greater chemical diversity compared to Apis mellifera propolis. In this chapter, we summarize the present knowledge of phytochemicals found in meliponine propolis/cerumen, including the bee species that have produced the respective material. The chemical constituents found in pot-propolis belong to the most widespread plant metabolites: phenolic compounds; flavonoids; terpenoids, including mono-, sesqui-, di-, and triterpenes; and alkaloids. The question of whether the bee species determines the chemical composition of propolis/cerumen is also discussed. Knowing the chemistry of stingless bee propolis is vital with respect to the application of this propolis as a remedy, food additive, antioxidant, etc. It is also a clue to discovering the plant sources of resin used by the bees, which is important for biodiversity conservation and for meliponiculture.