Physico-chemical properties of Beewax of Apis species

In the present study the physico-chemical composition of the beewax of Apis species was analysed and significant variations composition were found: 52°C to 66°C in melting point; 4.1 to 7.4 in acidic value; 44.6 to 83.3 in saponification; 46.6 to 76.6 in ester value and 3.4 to 5.4 in case of iodine value. The variations of aminoacids and proteins ranged from 2.8 to 4.9 mg and 2.7 to 4.4mg. The Carbohydrate ranged from 24.3 to 39.0 mg. These variations in the chemical composition may be due to the pollen contamination in the wax. The colour of the beewax was yellow in Apis cerana, yellowish brown in Apis mellifera and brown in Apis dorsata and Apis florea.