Propolis Tincture – Increase Potency with Sonication

Propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees from plant exudates, has gained significant interest due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Typically extracted in ethanol or other solvents to produce tinctures, propolis presents challenges related to solubility and bioavailability. Ultrasonic processing using high-performance probe-type sonicators, such as the Hielscher UP400ST, offers an effective method to enhance extraction efficiency and bioactive compound dispersion.

Why Making Propolis Tinctures with a Sonicator?

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) enhances the dissolution and homogenization of propolis in solvents by:

‣ Increasing extraction yield through cavitation and microstreaming.
‣ Reducing processing time compared to conventional maceration or reflux extraction.
‣ Enhancing bioavailability by reducing particle size and improving solubilization.
‣ Maintaining bioactive integrity by using controlled, non-thermal processing.

 
The Hielscher UP400ST (400W, 24 kHz) is an advanced probe-type sonicator that allows for precise control over amplitude, temperature, and processing duration, making it ideal for propolis tincture formulation.

How to Make a Propolis Tincture using the UP400ST Sonicator

In the protocol below we guide you step by step through the process of making a propolis tincture.

Materials:
⦿ Raw propolis (dried and crushed)
⦿ Solvent: Ethanol (70% or 96%), propylene glycol, glycerol, or a water-ethanol mix (depending on application)
⦿ Deionized water (if using hydroalcoholic solvents)
⦿ Optional: Surfactants (e.g., lecithin, Polysorbate 80) to enhance emulsification

Equipment:
⦿ Hielscher UP400ST ultrasonic processor with S24d22 probe
⦿ Beaker
⦿ Magnetic stirrer
⦿ Thermocouple (for temperature monitoring)
⦿ Ice bath (for temperature control)
⦿ Filtration unit (membrane filter or centrifuge)
⦿ Glass storage bottles (amber-colored) for tincture storage
 
 
 

Step-by-Step Ultrasonic Protocol

Preparation of Propolis Suspension

Weigh raw propolis

• Use 10–30% (w/v) propolis, depending on the desired concentration.
• Example: For 200 mL of tincture, weigh 20–60 g of propolis.

Pre-mix with solvent

• Dissolve propolis in ethanol (70–96%) or another solvent.

Ultrasonic Extraction Using Hielscher UP400ST

Set up the sonicator:

• Mount the S24d22 probe to the UP400ST.
• Place the propolis-ethanol mixture in a beaker. Place the beaker in an ice bath for temperature control.
• Adjust ultrasonic parameters
• Amplitude: 100%
• Pulse mode: 10s ON / 5s OFF (reduces overheating)
• Processing time: 5–15 minutes (adjust based on sample volume)
• Temperature limit: Below 45°C (use external cooling if needed)

Sonicate the mixture:

• Immerse the probe into the sample (~2 cm depth).
• Start sonication and continuously monitor temperature. If the mixture exceeds 45°C, pause or apply an ice bath.
• Stir the mixture gently to ensure uniform cavitation effects.

Filtration and Storage

• Cool the mixture to room temperature before filtration.
• Filter through a 0.45 µm membrane filter to remove waxes and insoluble residues.
• Store in amber glass bottles to protect from light.
• Label with extraction conditions (e.g., solvent type, sonication parameters, date).

Read more about ultrasonic nano-sizing of propolis for improved bioavailability!

Crafting Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Propolis Tinctures with Sonication

Hielscher probe-type sonicators are designed to operate efficiently with virtually any solvent, providing unparalleled flexibility in propolis extraction and tincture formulation. Whether using ethanol, water, glycerol, propylene glycol, or customized hydroalcoholic or hydroglycerine-alcoholic blends, these ultrasonic systems enable precise control over extraction parameters, ensuring optimal solubilization and bioactive compound preservation. This versatility allows for the production of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic tinctures, making it possible to tailor formulations to specific medical, therapeutic, and cosmetic applications. By leveraging ultrasonic cavitation, Hielscher sonicators facilitate rapid, efficient, and high-yield extractions, enabling the preparation of propolis tinctures with varying potencies to meet diverse industry requirements.

Improve your Tinctures with the UP400ST

Ultrasonic-assisted formulation using the Hielscher UP400ST significantly enhances the extraction efficiency and stability of propolis tinctures, ensuring higher bioactive compound recovery and improved solubilization. By fine-tuning parameters such as amplitude, solvent composition, and temperature control, researchers and manufacturers can produce high-quality, standardized tinctures for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or cosmetic applications.