vv

Life Sciences Group

International Journal of Agricultural

Science and Food Technology
ISSN: 2455-815X DOI CC By

Addisu Bihonegn1*, Desalegn Begna2,

Asaminew Tassew3 and Zeleke Research Article
Mekuriaw4
Physicochemical properties of
1
Apiculture and Sericulture Research Case Team,
Sekota Dry land Agricultural Research Center,
Sekota, Ethiopia
Ethiopian Beeswax, the case of South
2
Holeta Bee Research Center, Holeta, Ethiopia
3
Department of Animal Production and Technology, Wollo zone, Amhara Region
College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences,
Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
4
Livestock and Irrigation Value Chains for Ethiopian
Smallholders Project, International Livestock
Research Institute, Ethiopia
Abstract

Dates: Received: 07 August, 2017; Accepted: 14 The study was conducted in three purposively selected districts of South Wollo Zone, Tehulederie,
September, 2017; Published: 15 September, 2017 Kalu and Dessie Zuria, intended to analyze the physicochemical properties of beeswax produced in 2015/6.
Twenty-six beeswax samples were collected being sourced from honey extract, ‘Tej sefef’, old combs and
*Corresponding author: Addisu Bihonegn, Apiculture purchased beeswax blocks and analyzed at Sekota Dry land Agricultural Research Center laboratory
and Sericulture Research Case Team, Sekota Dry according to the standard protocols of Ethiopian Beeswax specification ET-1203-2005 developed by
land Agricultural Research Center, Sekota, Ethiopia. Quality Standard Authority of Ethiopia in 2005. The laboratory result showed that the compositional
E-mail: content of beeswax collected from the study areas falls within the range of good quality parameters set
for national and world standards. Except for ash content, there is no significant compositional content
Keywords: Adulteration; Beeswax; Physicochemical;
variation (P>0.05) between the sampled districts. However, there is significant variation (P<0.05) between
Quality; South wollo
beeswax samples based on the source from which they were obtained. The mean values are specific
https://www.peertechz.com gravity (0.9552±0.0034), melting point (61.5628±1.50080C), refractive index (1.4439±0.0004), ash content
(0.0345±0.0429%), total volatile matter (0.5491±0.2488%), acid value (18.9155±2.7735), saponification
value (91.1901±22.3015), ester value (72.0619±20.2859), and ester to acid ratio (3.7211±0.8569).
However, melting point, saponification value, ester value and ester to acid ratio values of purchased
beeswax samples and beeswax samples from old combs of absconded colonies showed lower result
than the national and international limit. In general, this study identified physicochemical properties of the
beeswax in the study areas and contributed to the information on beeswax quality of Ethiopia suggesting
legal intervention on controlling purchasing of beeswax in bulk.

Introduction in the global market, adulteration of beeswax with cheaper

materials and lack of traceability turn out to be common
Ethiopia is a home of diversified fauna and flora, which challenges in beeswax quality [6]. On the other hand, due to
favor the existence of a number of bee colonies and bee prolonged over heating throughout rendering, there has been
subspecies. In Ethiopia, about 1.9 million farm households report of quality deterioration and compositional alteration
are involved in beekeeping and there are about 10 million of natural beeswax [7]. Hence, the beekeepers in particular
colonies out of which about 5.92 million are hived [1], and and the country, in general, were not benefiting from the
it is estimated that the country has the potential to produce sector. For that reason, to take the advantage of opportunities
500,000 tons of honey and 50,000 tons of beeswax per annum. from beeswax, interventions to verify the quality of beeswax
However, currently the country produces 50,790.58 tons of produced are very crucial. Beeswax is a natural product, no
honey in 2015/6 [1], and about 5,344 tons of beeswax in 2013 additives are permitted, and it needs no longer heating or
[2]. This shows that the country is still producing only about higher temperatures that lead to greater degradation and
10% of its potential. Beeswax is one of the most valuable and loss of esters. Beeswax is an extremely complex material
oldest bee products primarily used to construct foundations containing over 300 different substances [8]. It consists mainly
in beekeeping [3,4]. Besides, humankind is still using it in of esters of higher fatty acids and alcohols and small quantities
various fields such as cosmetics, foods, pharmaceuticals, of hydrocarbons, acids and other substances. In addition,
engineering and industry [5]. The quality of beeswax is one of approx. 50 aroma components have been identified. Currently,
the main concerns of apiarists and a determinant factor in the adulteration and contamination are main quality issues [9].
beekeeping development. Generally, beeswax product quality Quality control of beeswax is important to determine its
has always been low, leading to high domestic utilization suitability for processing and to meet the market demand.
and low export earnings. Besides, due to its high demand Examination of the sensory characteristics (e.g. odor and color)

061

Citation: Bihonegn A, Begna D, Tassew A, Mekuriaw Z (2017) Physicochemical properties of Ethiopian Beeswax, the case of South Wollo zone, Amhara Region. Int
J Agric Sc Food Technol 3(3): 061-066. DOI: http://doi.org/10.17352/2455-815X.000024
of beeswax allows a simple and quick quality check but this does Melting point, 0C
not guarantee that the beeswax has not been adulterated. Thus,
determination of physicochemical characteristics at laboratory The melting point is an important physical property
is significant in this regard. Therefore, with this rationale, this of beeswax used to identify as an indication of its purity.
study was designed to analyze the physicochemical properties The melting point of solid is defined as the temperature at
of beeswax produced in the study area with the purpose of which the solid exists in equilibrium with its liquid under an
confirmation against physicochemical indicators of national external pressure of one atmosphere [9]. The beeswax sample
and international standards. was melted and a capillary tube was dipped into melted
beeswax and let stay for 24 hours. The capillary tube inserted
Material and Methods into melting point apparatus (with digital thermometer
indicator, model LMP-11). After the sample has attained the
Description of the study area
melting temperature, the melting point read and recorded.
South Wollo zone is one of the 11 zones of Amhara region, Each beeswax sample was analyzed in triplicate.
having an area of 17,067.45km2[10], located 10.200 - 11.710 N
and 38.410 - 40.020 E North of Ethiopia [11], whose main capital Refractive index at 750C
is Dessie town. The zone consists of 20 districts from which the
The refractive index determination is a method to measure
three districts namely, Tehulederie (midland), Kalu (lowland)
the ratio of the velocity of light in air to that in the sample.
and Dessie Zuria (highland) purposively selected for this study
Bench top digital ATAGO® Abbe refractometer was used to
based on the beekeeping potential, accessibility and their
measure refractive index. The sample melted and filtered
proximity to honey and beeswax marketing and processing
through fast filter paper to remove any impurities and last
routs. The zone has a long-term mean (1162mm) rainfall per
traces of moisture. The temperature of the refractometer was
annum. The monthly minimum and maximum temperature is
adjusted at 75±10C by circulating water from the water bath.
12.60C and 26.40C respectively.
Few drops of the sample were placed on the lower prism and the
Beeswax Sample Collection and Preparation prism closed tightened firmly allowed to stand for one to two
minutes. After the sample has attained the test temperature,
Twenty-six beeswax samples were collected from three the reading of refractive index of the sample recorded.
agro-ecologically different districts (Tehulederie, Kalu and
Dessie zuria) from December 2015 to March 2016. The collected Ash content, % by mass, max
beeswax samples were extracted from honey purchased
The platinum dish was heated to redness, cooled to room
from beekeepers and local market, old combs collected from
temperature in a desiccator and weighed. About 50g of the
absconded colonies, ‘Tej sefef’ purchased from local honey
material was taken in a watch-glass and weighed accurately.
mead houses and beeswax blocks purchased from verandah.
About three-quarter of this quantity was transferred to the
Crude beeswax samples of 1kg were made from each source.
platinum dish and heated on a hot plate so that the material
Before physical and chemical analysis, all beeswax samples
burns gently at the surface. When about half of the material
were rendered, refined and purified. Physical and chemical
is burnt away, heating stopped, cooled and the remainder
analysis was done at Sekota Dry land Agricultural Research
of the material was added. The dish heated again as before,
Center laboratory following the protocols of the Ethiopian
until the material completely charred. After that, the material
Beeswax Specification ET-1203-2005[12]. All chemicals and
reagents used were analytical grade. was incinerated in a muffle furnace at 550°C to 650°C for 1
hour, cooled to room temperature in desiccators and weighed.
Specific gravity at 200C Incineration, cooling and weighing were repeated until the
difference between two successive weighing was less than one
Approximately 2g of the beeswax sample melted in a milligram. The ash content of the sample calculated with the
porcelain crucible at a temperature of about 1000C and allowed to following formula.
cool to room temperature. The sample weighed suspended with
100M 2
a tarred thread after it was stored for 2 hours at a temperature Ash, percent by mass =
M  1
of 20 ±10C. The mass of the sample was determined, first in air
and then in rectified spirit maintained at 20±10C. The specific Where,
gravity at 200C/200C of the rectified spirit was measured by
M2= mass in g of the ash, and
means of the specific gravity bottle to determine the specific
gravity of the beeswax sample. Ml = mass in g of the material taken for the test.
M 1d
Specific gravity at 20 C /20 C =
0 0
Total volatile matter, % by mass, max
M 1M2
Where, About 10g of the material was weighed accurately in a
suitable dish, previously dried and weighed, and placed in an
M1 mass in gram of the material in air.
oven maintained at 105 20C for 6 hours. After 6 hours, the dish
d specific gravity of rectified spirit. was cooled in a desiccator and weighed. The dish heated again
in the oven for 30 minutes. The process repeated until the loss
M2 mass in gram of the material in alcohol. in mass between two successive weighing was less than one

062

Citation: Bihonegn A, Begna D, Tassew A, Mekuriaw Z (2017) Physicochemical properties of Ethiopian Beeswax, the case of South Wollo zone, Amhara Region. Int
J Agric Sc Food Technol 3(3): 061-066. DOI: http://doi.org/10.17352/2455-815X.000024
 56.1(B  S )N
milligram. The lowest mass obtained was the record as the total Saponification cloud value =
M
volatile matter of the sample taken with the following formula.
Where, B = volume in ml of standard hydrochloric
Total volatile matter at 1050C percent by mass = acid required for the blank,
100  M 1  M 2 
S = volume in ml of standard hydrochloric acid required for
M 1  M3
the material,
Where,
N =normality of standard hydrochloric acid, and
M1 mass in gram of the dish with the material before
heating M = mass in g of the material taken for the test

M2 mass in gram of the dish after heating Ester value

M3 mass in gram of the empty dish The ester value calculated as the acid value determined
subtracted from the saponification value.
Acid value, max
Ester value = Saponification value - Acid value
The material was mixed to make entirely liquid and
accurately about 5 g of the material was weighed in a 250- Ester to acid ratio
m1 conical flask. 75 ml of a mixture of two parts of benzene
and one part of rectified spirit was added. The sample was The ester to acid ratio calculated by dividing the ester value
heated under reflux until it dissolved, allowed to cool to room to the acid value.
temperature and titrated with standard potassium hydroxide
Es ter Value
solution using phenolphthalein as indicator until pink color is Ratio number =
Acid Value
observed. The acid value (in mg KOH/g) was calculated by the
following formula.
Data management and Statistical Analysis

56.1VN The obtained data were analyzed using SAS software

Acid value =
M version 9.0. Whenever ANOVA showed statistically significant
Where, 56.1 is equivalent weight of KOH difference, Generalized Linear Model at P<0.05 level was used
to separate the means. The following analysis of variance
V volume in ml of standard potassium hydroxide solution model was used for data analysis.
used,
Yij =μ + i+ Єij
N normality of standard potassium hydroxide solution, and
M mass in gram of the material taken for the test. Where: Yij = quality of beeswax

Saponification cloud value, min μ = overall mean

The saponification value is the number of milligrams i = the effect of the ith location
of potassium hydroxide required to hydrolyze 1g of sample
beeswax. Determining the saponification cloud point is an Єij = random error
easy, sensitive and best method for determining adulteration
of beeswax. However, the method is limited to detecting Results and Discussion
quantities greater than 1% of high melting point (80-85 °C)
Specific gravity at 200C
paraffin waxes, or more than 4-5 % of low melting (50-55°C)
paraffin [9]. The specific gravity of sample collected from the study
areas ranges from 0.9485 to 0.9624 with a mean value of
Accurately about 2g of beeswax was weighed in a tarred
0.9552 (Table 2) and this result concur with result of [13], that
conical flask, 25 ml of methyl ethyl ketone added, followed by
reported 0.9598 for Bale beeswax (south-eastern Ethiopia).
25 ml of alcoholic potassium hydroxide solution. Few pieces
Whereas, [14], reported lower specific gravity for beeswax
of pumice stone were added and the reflux condenser was
samples from honey extract (0.9497) but with similar findings
connected to the flask. The flask heated on a water-bath or
electric hot plate for about 2 hours to boil steadily but gently. for beeswax from ‘Tej sefef’ (0.9619). The specific gravity of
The inside of the condenser washed down with about 10 ml samples collected from old combs (0.9514) and purchased
of rectified spirit after the flask and condenser have cooled. 1 beeswax blocks (0.9534) was significantly lower (P<0.05)
ml of phenolphthalein was added and the residual potassium than the specific gravity of beeswax samples extracted from
hydroxide was titrated with 0.5 M standard hydrochloric acid. honey (0.9565) and ‘‘Tej sefef’ (0.9566) (Table 2) suggesting
A blank assay or titration was also performed with 25 ml of that specific gravity of beeswax influenced by its origin[14].
0.5 M alcoholic potassium hydroxide. The following formula However, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between
was used to determine the Saponification Value according to beeswax samples collected from the three districts of the study
Ethiopian Beeswax Specification ET-1203-2005 of Quality areas (Table 1). The present beeswax specific gravity analysis
Standard Authority of Ethiopia. result met the national and international standards (Table 2).

063

Citation: Bihonegn A, Begna D, Tassew A, Mekuriaw Z (2017) Physicochemical properties of Ethiopian Beeswax, the case of South Wollo zone, Amhara Region. Int
J Agric Sc Food Technol 3(3): 061-066. DOI: http://doi.org/10.17352/2455-815X.000024
 Melting point, 0C of adulteration with cheaper materials like animal tallow [4].
However, the overall mean melting point of the examined
The average melting point of each beeswax sample from samples (61.560C) was within the acceptable range of Ethiopian
the study area recorded as 61.560C ranging from 58.3 to 68.50C and European standards. [4, 13], reported acceptable mean
(Table 2). The test results of beeswax melting point indicated beeswax melting point of 62.50C and 62.390C respectively.
no significant difference (P>0.05) between the samples
collected from the three districts of the study areas (Table 1).
Refractive index, at 750C
Likewise, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between
The mean refractive index of beeswax samples collected
the samples obtained from the four sources from which the from the study areas was 1.4439 at 750C (Table 1) and this agree
beeswax sample was taken (Table 2). This suggests that with finding of [13], that reported similar figure of refractive
geographical difference and source cannot influence melting index (1.4426). According to the test results for beeswax
point of beeswax. Though, the result showed no statistical collected from different localities, there was no significant
difference among the beeswax collected from four sources difference (P>0.05) between districts (Table 1). However, there
(Table 2), the purchased and old combs sourced beeswax was significantly (P<0.05) lower refractive index (1.4434) for
samples demonstrated lower melting point of 60.43oC (ranging beeswax obtained from old combs than beeswax from ‘‘Tej
from 58.330C to 64.50C) and 60.60C (ranging from 59.30C to sefef’ (1.4440) and honey extract (1.4440) (Table 2). Generally,
62.00C) respectively (Table 2) and these results do not meet the the current study indicated that the result was within the limits
national and international standards (61-65oC). The melting of Ethiopian and International quality standards, (Table 2)
points of beeswax gradually decline with increased proportion showing it was free of contamination.

Table 1: Physicochemical properties of beeswax samples collected from the study districts (N=26).
Districts (Mean ±SD)
Overall
Characteristics Tehulederie Kalu Dessie Zuria (N=26)
(N=10) (N=7) (N=9)
Specific gravity 0.9548±0.0048 0.9551±0.0031 0.9557±0.0015 0.9552±0.0034NS
Melting point (0c) 61.9350±1.6466 60.8905±1.6730 61.7622±1.1435 61.5628±1.5008NS
Refractive Index 1.4438±0.0005 1.4439±0.0004 1.4439±0.0003 1.4439±0.0004NS
Ash content 0.5794±0.0616 a
0.0209±0.0153 ab
0.0173±0.0062 b
0.0345±0.0429
Total Volatile Matter 0.5792±0.1802 0.6361±0.3416 0.4479±0.2238 0.5491±0.2488NS
Acid Value 19.2516±2.6714 18.8792±2.8757 19.6210±2.3452 18.9155±2.7735NS
Saponification Value 86.4938±25.1332 91.7174±26.4019 95.9998±16.3397 91.1901±22.3015NS
Ester value 67.6877±22.2238 72.2063±24.5444 76.8097±15.1407 72.2746±20.4608NS
Ester to Acid Ratio 3.5152±0.7965 3.6321±0.9994 4.0192±0.8198 3.7995±0.9936NS
Notice: Letters with different superscripts within a row are significantly different (P<0.05), NS= no significant difference (P>0.05), N=Number of sample observed, SD=
standard Deviation.

Table 2: Physicochemical properties of beeswax quality and the comparison of mean results with National and International standards (N=26).
Source/Origin (Mean ±SD) Standards
Parameters

Purchased Beeswax Overall

Honey Extract Old Comb ‘Tej Sefef’ Range
Block Mean ±SD Ethiopian European
(N=12) (N=4) (N=5)
(N=5)
0.9550- 0.9500-
SG 0.9534±0.0043ab 0.9560±0.0023a 0.9514±0.0035b 0.9566±0.0015a 0.9552±0.0034 0.9485-0.9624
0.9800 0.9650
MP 60.4333±2.6289 62.1569±0.7846 60.5833±1.3642 62.0500±0.4108 61.5650±1.5008NS 58.3 - 64.5 61 - 66 61 - 65
1.4400- 1.4400-
RI 1.4438±0.0005ab 1.4440±0.0002a 1.4434±0.0005b 1.4440±0.0004a 1.4439±0.0004 1.4430-1.4444
1.4450 1.4450
Ash 0.0110±0.0046b 0.0213±0.0102b 0.0853±0. 0853a 0.0487±0.0413ab 0.0345±0.0429 0.0060 - 0.1899 0.20 -
TVM 0.3101±0.0635 b
0.5491±0.2182 b
0.5246±0.1651 b
0.8077±0.2755 a
0.5491±0.2488 0.2331-1.2450 0.75 -
AV 18.8980±3.1521 19.7215±2.0976 18.0932±1.4968 19.5477±3.7450 18.9155±2.7735NS 14.4648-23.4238 17-24 18-23
SV 74.6544±22.7111 101.1657±4.1222 76.3537±21.4929 95.6534±25.7808 91.1901±22.3015NS 48.7972 - 123.4015 85-105 87-104
EV 55.7564±24.7162b 81.4925±3.6239a 59.0971±28.6155ab 76.1057±22.8729ab 72.0619±20.2859 33.7414 - 100.6548 70-80 70-80
ETA 2.8542±0.8329 b
4.1691±0.3844 a
3.2875±1.1144 ab
3.8598±0.8967 ab
3.7211±0.8569 2.1328 - 4.9360 - -
Notice:- N=Number of sample, SD= Standard Deviation, - = not available
Letters with different superscripts within a row are significantly different (P<0.05), NS= no significant difference (P>0.05),
SG= Specific Gravity, MP = Melting Point, RI= Refractive Index, Ash= ash content, TVM = Total Volatile Matter, AV = Acid Value, SV = Saponification Value, EV = Ester Value,
and EAR = Ester to Acid Ratio
Source:- (QSAE, 2005).
064

Citation: Bihonegn A, Begna D, Tassew A, Mekuriaw Z (2017) Physicochemical properties of Ethiopian Beeswax, the case of South Wollo zone, Amhara Region. Int
J Agric Sc Food Technol 3(3): 061-066. DOI: http://doi.org/10.17352/2455-815X.000024
Ash content, % by mass, max to 123.4015 with the mean value of 91.1901mgKOH/g (Table
2) and this result agree with [13] that reported an acceptable
Ash content determination of beeswax is important because saponification value of 98.04. The mean saponification value
it represents its mineral content [14]. The mean value for ash of the study districts was within the national and international
content of current study result (0.0345%) is lower than the standards (Table 2). The result indicated no significant
maximum limit set by the Ethiopian standard (0.2% by mass) difference (P>0.05) in saponification value among the
fulfilling the national requirement [12]. This implies that, on samples collected from the three districts of the study areas
the other hand, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) (Table 1) and the four sources of beeswax samples (Table 2).
in ash content between beeswax from Tehulederie (0.5794)
Regardless of statistical non-significance, the mean values
and Dessie Zuria (0.0173) (Table 1) signifying that mineral
of the purchased beeswax blocks (74.6544±22.7111) and old
content of beeswax differ by its geographical origin. Moreover,
combs (76.3537±21.4929) did not fulfill the required minimum
the test results of beeswax samples obtained from different
beeswax saponification value 85-105 [12], suggesting low
sources indicated significant difference (P<0.05) in ash content
quality due to foreign materials without indicating its type and
between old combs (0.0853), purchased beeswax block (0.0110)
amount.
and honey extract (0.0213) (Table 2). The higher ash content in
old combs might be due to the higher accumulation of minerals Ester value (mgKOH/g)
because of repeated brood rearing (aging) and there is a finding
that shows mineral element traces in honey and wax were The ester value is the number of milligrams of potassium
significantly correlated with comb age [16]. Similarly, [14] hydroxide (KOH) required to saponify the esters in 1g of sample
reported ash content of 0.0367 and 0.0267 for honey extracted and determined by the difference of saponification value from
beeswax and ‘Tej sefef’ respectively. acid value. According to this study, the mean result of ester
value in mgKOH/g is 72.0619±20.2859 ranging from 33.7414
Total volatile matter, % by mass, max - 100.6548 (Table 2). In addition, [12, 4] reported mean ester

In beeswax, volatile matters are those substances, other than value of 75.58 and 77.89 for three districts of Bale zone, and
moisture, that is given off as gas and vapor during combustion Holleta Bee Research Center, respectively. The current test
in the dry oven out of air contact. The total volatile matter of result indicated no significant difference (P>0.05) in ester
the collected beeswax samples ranged from 0.2331 to 1.2450% value among the samples collected from the three districts of
with the mean value of 0.5491% (Table 2) and (Tesfaye et al., the study areas (Table 2). However, the average ester value of
2016) reported comparable result (0.3335%). The beeswax from beeswax collected from Tehulederie district (67.6877±22.2238)
‘Tej sefef’ (0.8077) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than the was lower than the lower limit of national and international
purchased beeswax blocks (0.3101), old combs (0.5246) and requirements (70-80). On the other hand, the ester values of
honey extract (0.5491) (Table 2). However, the result indicated the purchased beeswax (52.9687) and old combs (55.4867)
no significant difference (P>0.05) in total volatile matter among showed lower value as compared to the required national and
the samples collected from the three districts of the study areas international limit, indicating that beeswax from these sources
(Table 1). The mean result fulfills the national standard, 0.75% contains less amount of saponifiable matter. Generally, the
(Table 2) and Tanzanian standard, 1% [17], suggesting that the overall mean ester value result of the current study meets the
beeswax produced in South Wollo zone is of required quality. quality standard limits of national and international (Table 2).

Acid value, max, (mgKOH/g) Ester to acid ratio

The acid value is the number of milligrams of potassium The ratio of ester values to acids, a parameter determined
hydroxide (KOH) required to neutralize the free acids in 1 g in the pharmacopoeia gives information whether pure natural
of sample. The test result of beeswax acid value ranged from beeswax is changed significantly by prolonged or excessive
14.4648 - 23.4238 with the mean value of 18.9155 (Table heating leading to greater degradation and loss of esters [7].
2) that fall within the range of national and international According to this study, the mean value of ester to acid was
requirements, 17-24 mgKHO/g (Table 2), suggesting beeswax 3.7211 ranging from 2.1328 - 4.9360 (Table 2) and this result
from the study areas is more or less natural with no/fewer agree with [4, 12] that reported ester to acid ratio of 3.64
contaminants. Also (Adgaba, 2007) and (Tesfaye et al., 2016) and 3.38 for Holeta and Bale natural forest respectively. The
reported an acceptable mean acid value of 21.66 and 22.33 of eater to acid ratio of beeswax samples collected from honey
Ethiopian beeswax respectively. According to this study result, extract (4.0615) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of
There is no significant difference (P>0.05) in acid value among purchased beeswax block samples (2.7035) (Table 2) suggesting
the samples collected from the three districts of the study areas
beeswax is changed significantly by prolonged or excessive
(Table 1) and between beeswax collected from different sources
heating. This is because longer heating or higher temperatures
(Table 2).
lead to greater degradation and loss of esters (Bogdanov, 2016).
Saponification cloud value, min, (mgKOH/g) The result indicated no significant difference (P>0.05) among
the samples collected from the three districts of the study areas
According to this study, the mean saponification cloud (Table 1). The mean result falls within the range of Kenyan
value of the collected beeswax sample ranged from 48.7972 standard, 3.0-4.3 [18].

065

Citation: Bihonegn A, Begna D, Tassew A, Mekuriaw Z (2017) Physicochemical properties of Ethiopian Beeswax, the case of South Wollo zone, Amhara Region. Int
J Agric Sc Food Technol 3(3): 061-066. DOI: http://doi.org/10.17352/2455-815X.000024
Conclusions and Recommendations Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 35: 692–700. Link:
https://goo.gl/TJaKmM
Based on this study findings, the overall mean values of
6. Gemechis Legesse Yadeta (2014) Beeswax Production and Marketing in
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Copyright: © 2017 Saçmacı Ş, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

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Citation: Bihonegn A, Begna D, Tassew A, Mekuriaw Z (2017) Physicochemical properties of Ethiopian Beeswax, the case of South Wollo zone, Amhara Region. Int
J Agric Sc Food Technol 3(3): 061-066. DOI: http://doi.org/10.17352/2455-815X.000024