Propolis is primarily composed of resins collected by the bees from trees and plants and changes with the plant of origin, climate, soil and season.

Over 180 components isolated

Resins & Balsams    55%

Waxes 10-35%

Essential Oils    6-10%

Pollen 5%

Minerals        Mg, Ca, I, Na, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe

58% phenolic compounds

6% flavonoids

0.5% terpenes

Others including propenoic acids and one of these is Artepillin C which has been found to have antiseptic and anti-tumor activity

Quercetin, caffeic acid, pinocembrin.  Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects mice against radiation damage and make tumors more susceptible to chemotherapy and radiation while protecting normal cells- Wake Forrest University grant from National Cancer Institute to study this

Antibiotic: high concentrations of flavonoids pinocembrine & galangine; effective against Staphylococcus aureus & Streptococcus mutans

Anti-inflammatory: inhibits the enzyme hyaluronidase which contributes to the inflammatory process

Antioxidant: excellent in inhibiting free radicals(Jaiswal et al., 1997)

Anti-fungal: antimicotic action due cynamic acid & flavonoid crisina. More effective against mushrooms than antifungal medications  (Ghaly et al. 1998) 50%ointment

Anesthetic: total anesthetic effect in corneas of rabbits. Ghisaberti (1979)

Anti-protozoan: 98% inhibitory effect on protozoan Giardia lamblia (Towers et. al., 1990   Also in inflammations caused by Trichonomas vaginalis

Anti-viral: positive effect on herpes simplex type 1 & 2, herpes, adeno virus, rota virus, corona virus

Anti-cancerous;  Radiation protection; Anti-parasitical