Seasonal Variations in Essential Oil from Brazilian Propolis

Abstract
Seasonal variations in the chemical composition of essential oil from Brazilian propolis were investigated using GC and GC/MS. Seasonal differences were not very significant and were predominantly quantitative. The main components of the oil were spathulenol (3.0–13.9%), (2Z,6E)-farnesol (1.6–14.9%), benzyl benzoate (0.3–18.3%) and prenylated acetophenones (3.4–17.1%). On the basis of the results obtained some suggestions are made concerning the plant origin of the oils.