Use of propolis extract as a natural antioxidant for plant oils

Abstract

The antioxidant activities of methanol extracts of propolis were tested in natural olive oil stored at 60°C. The concentration of extracts in olive oil varied from 0.02 to 0.08%. Extracts at 0.06 and 0.08% concentrations had better antioxidant activity as compared to butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at 0.01 % levels. The greatest antioxidant activities were exhibited by propolis balsam extract at 0.08% levels. It can be said that the antioxidant activity of propolis increases with concentration. This product is considered as a new source of natural antioxidants.