Perfil fitoquímico de subproductos apícolas de abejas alimentadas por el arbusto Cótag (Ferreyranthus verbascifolius)

Abstract

Introduction: In Ecuador the beekeeping sector has presented a big boom in recent years. However, the scarce information available on the beekeeping sources of native vegetation in our country, as well as the lack of regulation on the quality of beekeeping products other than honey, have limited the development of this industry. Objective: The present project seeks to associate the phytochemical profile of the “Cótag'' plant (Ferreyranthus verbascifolius) with the bee products generated in the parish of El Valle-Cuenca, Azuay. Methodology: An experimental study was carried out with plant samples of the aerial part (leaves and flowers) of Cótag (F. verbascifolius) and samples of bee products (honey and propolis) from producers in the area of El ValleCuenca. Methanolic, chloroformic, and supercritical fluids (FSC) extractions were performed on the plant. Honey was extracted with ethyl acetate, and propolis was extracted with hexane. The extracts were tested for total polyphenol content by FolinCiocalteu, carotenoid quantification, and metabolite detection byTLC. Subsequently, the secondary metabolites of flowers and leaves, obtained by polar and apolar extraction, were compared, and the secondary metabolites of F. verbascifolius present in the bee products were estimated. Results and discussion: We found that the Cótag shrub (F. verbascifolius) possesses phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids in large quantities, while honey and propolis did it with polyphenols, although in lower concentrations than those found in the plant. Nevertheless, honey and propolis can be considered nutraceutical products. Conclusion: "Cótag'' plant was an important source of phenolic acids. These compounds are transferred to honey and propolis produced by bees in the area of “El Valle'', so these bee's products could be considered as potential nutraceuticals.