Method to treat propolis
A method to treat propolis includes conducting at least one first extraction of propolis performed on a batch of raw propolis with a first pure solvent to obtain a first extract having first properties. A second extraction may be performed with a second different pure solvent on the filtration residues obtained after the first extraction, so as to collect and make usable the entirety of the components of propolis using organic solvents only; and finally the method may include a third extraction following after the second extraction, performed on the filtration residues obtained after this second extraction, using a third pure solvent different from the two others; the first solvent then being water, the second being alcohol and the third being oil. The method applies to the production of extracts of propolis for use in the manufacture of hygiene, care, cosmetic products, food products and food supplements.
1. A method to treat propolis, comprising:
A) an aqueous extraction comprising extracting raw propolis with a pure water solvent and filtering to obtain (i) a first filtration residue and (ii) an aqueous extract having antibacterial, antiseptic and isotonic properties that are compatible with application to mucosa and directly applicable to the skin;
B) an alcohol extraction comprising extracting the first filtration residue with a pure alcohol solvent and filtering to obtain (iii) a second filtration residue and (iv) an alcohol extract having antiseptic and antibacterial properties; and
C) an oil extraction comprising extracting the second filtration residue with a pure oil solvent and filtering to obtain (v) an oil extract.
2. The method to treat propolis according to claim 1 , wherein the A) aqueous extraction comprises:
decocting the propolis by placing the propolis in water,
bringing the water to a boil and/or by infusion, and
leaving the propolis to stand in the water brought to a boil.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the A) aqueous extraction comprises:
holding the raw propolis at a temperature below 0° C. for a period of several days,
decocting the propolis by placing the propolis in water, bringing the water to a boil for a time not exceeding 20 minutes, and then leaving to stand for at least 24 hours,
filtering and collecting the aqueous extract and the first filtration residue.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the B) alcohol extraction comprises:
macerating the first filtration residue in the alcohol and discontinuously mixing for at least 15 days, and
filtering and collecting the alcohol extract and the second filtration residue.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein,
A) the aqueous extraction comprises:
holding the raw propolis at a temperature of less than 0° C. for a period of several days,
decocting the propolis by placing the propolis in water, bringing the water to a boil for a time not exceeding 20 minutes, and leaving to stand for at least 24 hours, and
filtering and collecting the aqueous extract and the first filtration residue;
B) the alcohol extraction comprises:
macerating the first filtration residue in the alcohol and discontinuously mixing for at least 15 days,
filtering and collecting the alcohol extract and the second filtration residue; and
C) the oil extraction comprises:
macerating the second filtration residue in the oil for at least one week,
filtering and collecting the oil extract.
6. The method according to claim 3 , comprising holding the raw propolis at a temperature below 0° C. for a period of at least 30 days.
7. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the discontinuous mixing is performed manually.
8. The method according to claim 5 , comprising macerating the second filtration residue in the oil for one to four weeks.