New recent analytical approaches for the evaluation of the quality of propolis in relationship with scientific opinion of EFSA

In a recent scientific opinion, EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) provided negative responses on the substantiation of health claims related to propolis and its main components polyphenols. Two main points have been considered crucial by EFSA: A) Propolis is very heterogeneous and its main active components (bio)flavonoids may vary for type, content and kind of preparation, and propolis and flavonoids are not well characterized in relationship with the substantiation of health claims, and B) due to the absence of structural characterization of propolis and products, no structure/composition and effect/activity relationship may be established for the consumption of propolis and/or of flavonoids in propolis. In this paper, these two main points are discussed in relationship with recent analytical approaches and scientific knowledge on propolis and derivatives. In fact, by considering the numerous scientific studies available in scientific literature, we can affirm that it is possible to characterize propolis and its main active components to have a specific fingerprint related to products of different origin and preparations, in particular by using on-line HPLC-UV-ESI-MS (and tandem mass) analytical technique. Furthermore, propolis (and its extracts) result a functional food as demonstrated by the many scientific studies on propolis activities, as a food that produces a beneficial effect in one or more physiological functions, increases well-being and/or decreases the risk of suffering from a particular medical condition.