Abstract
Regarding the importance of beeswax, we evaluate the preparation of the pharmaceutical beeswax in Iran. The raw beeswax was
provided from the waxes prepared by Appis Mellifera L in two different seasons (fall and spring). In order to remove honey and other
debris, wax pieces should be washed for several hours. Then, wax was melted by several methods by using hot water, steam water and
organic solvents, in a controlled temperature. After filtering and cooling the wax sheets was analyzed according to British
Pharmacopoeia. The same procedure was performed to prepare the white wax in the presence of a bleaching agent like hydrogen
peroxide.
Some physicochemical values were out of standard limits by using ether for preparing spring and fall yellow wax. Using ethanol as a
solvent for extraction was not suitable and decreased the values significantly. Regarding to those samples that were prepared by hot
water we could get a suitable result. The spring white and yellow waxes which were prepared by hot water method in temperature
below than 85° C is recommended as a suitable and economic method with the same results comparing with BP (British
pharmacopoeia) standard beeswax.
