CONTAMINATION OF PROPOLIS USED AS A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the extent of chosen toxic elements (zinc, copper, lead, arsenic and cadmium) bioaccumulation in propolis collected in Opole area. The present study demonstrates that propolis can be used as a dietary supplement. The research material were samples of propolis originated from 3 bee colonies in 30 apiaries (n=3x30=90). Quantitative analysis of studied elements were conducted using Varian ICP-AES plasma spectrometer with mass detection controlled, and CETAC-5000 AT ultrasonic nebulizer. The presence of toxic elements was determined in an examined biological materials. The sequence of accumulation level of studied elements in propolis was as follows: Zn>>Cu>Pb>As>Cd. An average concentration of zinc, copper, lead, arsenic and cadmium amounted  to 56.28, 7.12, 6.91, 0.745, 0.218 mg.kg-1, respectively. Only the copper average content in propolis was within acceptable standards, whereas the mean contents of other elements greatly exceed these standards. All portions of propolis should be subjected to toxicological testing before applying these samples for internal use.doi:10.5219/184

Keywords

• propolis
• heavy metals
• arsenic
• cadmium
• copper
• lead
• zinc
• accumulation
• dietary supplement