Influence of Temperature on Free Radical Generation in Propolis-Containing Ointments

Free radicals thermally generated in the ointments containing propolis were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The influence of temperature on the free radical concentration in the propolis ointments was examined. Two ointment samples with different contents of propolis (5 and 7%, resp.) heated at temperatures of 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C, for 30 min., were tested. Homogeneously broadened EPR lines and fast spin-lattice interactions characterized all the tested samples. Free radicals concentrations in the propolis samples ranged from 10(18) to 10(20) spin/g and were found to grow in both propolis-containing ointments along with the increasing heating temperature. Free radical concentrations in the ointments containing 5% and 7% of propolis, respectively, heated at temperatures of 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C were only slightly different. Thermal treatment at the temperature of 60°C resulted in a considerably higher free radical formation in the sample containing 7% of propolis when related to the sample with 5% of that compound. The EPR examination indicated that the propolis ointments should not be stored at temperatures of 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C. Low free radical formation at the lowest tested temperatures pointed out that both examined propolis ointments may be safely stored up to the temperature of 30°C.