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