Flavonoids from Apis mellifera Beeswax

The flavonoids present in beeswax produced in “La Alcarria” region were analyzed by HPLC. Pinocembrin, pinobanksin, pinobanksin 3-acetate, chrysin, galangin and techtochrysin were detected as the main flavonoid constituents. This is the first detailed report on the flavonoids o f beeswax. These substances are already present when wax scales are secreted by bees. The same flavonoid compounds were generally present in honey, propolis and Populus nigra bud exudates collected in the same geographical region. These results indicate that bees­ wax flavonoids originate from those o f honey and/or propolis, and suggest that analysis o f beeswax flavonoids could be used as an adjunct in the detection o f beeswax adulterations.