Propolis

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