Accessible Methodologies for Quantification of Flavonoids and Total Phenols in Propolis

Abstract

Propolis is widely known for its important therapeutic activities. In its chemical constitution, there are several classes of secondary metabolites, such as simple phenols, carboxylic and cinnamic acids, coumarins, tannins and flavonoids. However, flavonoids, an important class of secondary metabolites, may be found in small concentrations in propolis, which makes its quantification difficult. In view of this information, the purpose of this review is to present the main methodologies used in the quantification of this class of secondary metabolites, in addition to proposing new approaches for the characterization of flavonoids and phenols, using low-cost commercial raw materials.