Samples of propolis and comb waxes of Apis mellifera were analyzed. Monoesters predominated, followed by hydrocarbons. The constituents were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Wide variations in the patterns of hydrocarbons, acids and alcohols of the esters were found. Hydrocarbon chains cover the range C23 - C35, C27 and C31 alkanes predominating. The main carboxylic acid was C16:0, followed by C18:0 and C18:1. The alcohols were predominantly saturated n-homologues, ranging from C24 to C32, C30 being the most abundant, followed by C24. No differences were found to allow a distinction, suggesting a common origin for both wax sources.
propolis wax; beeswax; Apis mellifera
