Region-Specific Chemical and Palynological Characterization of Propolis from Karasuver (Kangal, Sivas, Türkiye)

Abstract

This study presents an integrated chemical, palynological, and spectrophotometric characterization of a propolis sample collected from the Karasüver (Kangal, Sivas) region, located in the transitional zone between Central and Eastern Anatolia. The volatile and semi-volatile chemical composition was determined by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), the botanical origin was evaluated by microscopic pollen analysis, and the total phenolic content (TPC) was quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. GC-MS analysis revealed a distinctive chemical profile dominated by flavonoids, followed by aromatic compounds, whereas naturally occurring esters were present only at minor levels. The high concentrations of pinostrobin (14.48%), chrysin (14.40%), and pinocembrin (7.63%) clearly classify this sample as a characteristic Poplar (Populus) type propolis. Palynological analysis identified Asteraceae (20.24%) and Fabaceae (13.50%) as the dominant pollen families, reflecting the steppe vegetation of the region. Additionally, the presence of Pinaceae (9.58%) pollen is consistent with the detection of specific sesquiterpenes (e.g., β-eudesmol) in the GC-MS profile, indicating a secondary resin contribution from coniferous trees. Although Populus pollen was detected at low levels, the chemical abundance of poplar-specific markers confirms that Populus spp. are the primary resin source. The total phenolic content was determined as 216.12 ± 0.58 mg GAE/g, demonstrating a very high antioxidant potential. Compared to previous regional studies reporting lower values, these results highlight a strong association between the flavonoid-rich chemical profile and the elevated TPC value. Overall, Sivas–Kangal (Karasüver) propolis represents a high-quality bioactive product with a rich phenolic composition and significant antioxidant capacity.

Keywords

• Propolis
• Sivas
• GC-MS
• Palynology
• Total phenolic content
• Flavonoids

Ethical Statement

This research did not involve human participants or animals. Therefore, no ethical approval was required.

Karasüver (Kangal, Sivas, Türkiye) Yöresi Propolisinin Bölgeye Özgü Kimyasal ve Palinolojik Karakterizasyonu

Abstract

Bu çalışma, İç Anadolu ile Doğu Anadolu arasındaki geçiş kuşağında yer alan Sivas ili Kangal ilçesine bağlı Karasüver yöresinden toplanan bir propolis örneğinin entegre kimyasal, palinolojik ve spektrofotometrik karakterizasyonunu sunmaktadır. Uçucu ve yarı uçucu kimyasal bileşim Gaz Kromatografisi–Kütle Spektrometrisi (GC–MS) ile belirlenmiş, botanik köken mikroskobik polen analizi ile değerlendirilmiş ve toplam fenolik madde (TFM) içeriği Folin–Ciocalteu yöntemi kullanılarak tayin edilmiştir. GC–MS analizleri, flavonoidlerin baskın olduğu, aromatik bileşiklerin ikinci sırada yer aldığı ve doğal esterlerin ise yalnızca minör düzeylerde bulunduğu ayırt edici bir kimyasal profil ortaya koymuştur. Pinostrobin (%14.48), Chrysin (%14.40) ve Pinocembrin (%7.63) gibi bileşiklerin yüksek oranlarda saptanması, incelenen örneğin karakteristik bir “Kavak (Populus) tipi” propolis olduğunu açıkça göstermektedir. Palinolojik analizde Asteraceae (%20.24) ve Fabaceae (%13.50) familyalarının baskın olduğu belirlenmiş olup, bu durum bölgenin step vejetasyonunu yansıtmaktadır. Ayrıca Pinaceae (%9.58) polenlerinin varlığı, GC–MS profilinde saptanan β-eudesmol gibi spesifik seskiterpenlerle uyumlu olup, iğne yapraklı ağaçlardan ikincil düzeyde reçine katkısı bulunduğunu göstermektedir. Populus polenleri düşük oranda tespit edilmesine rağmen, kimyasal profilde kavak türlerine özgü belirteçlerin yüksek bollukta bulunması, Populus türlerinin temel reçine kaynağı olduğunu doğrulamaktadır. Toplam fenolik madde içeriği 216.12 ± 0.58 mg GAE/g olarak belirlenmiş olup, bu değer örneğin çok yüksek bir antioksidan potansiyele sahip olduğunu göstermektedir. Daha önceki bölgesel çalışmalarda bildirilen daha düşük değerlerle karşılaştırıldığında, elde edilen sonuçlar flavonoidce zengin kimyasal profil ile yüksek TFM içeriği arasındaki güçlü ilişkiyi ortaya koymaktadır. Sonuç olarak, Sivas–Kangal (Karasüver) propolisi, zengin fenolik bileşimi ve yüksek antioksidan kapasitesi ile biyolojik açıdan yüksek kaliteli bir doğal ürün niteliği taşımaktadır.

Keywords

• Propolis
• Sivas
• GC-MS
• Palinoloji
• Toplam Fenolik Madde
• Flavonoidler

Ethical Statement

Etik kurul onayına gerek yoktur.

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