Propolis is a balm-resinous substance that has several consistence and coloration, varying from brown to dark green. Bees collect it from several parts of the plants as sprouts, floral buttons and resinous exudates, being transported inside of the beehive and modified by the bees through its own enzymes. This substance is used by the bees in the entrance of the beehives in order to close openings, to avoid the penetration of cold wind and, mainly to prevent from natural enemies (fungus and bacteria). Propolis is also used as a construction material inside the beehive, welding honeycombs, frames and polishing the interior of the alveoli for the queen to do the posture. Recent studies on tropical, especially Brazilian, samples lead to the discovery of new antibacterial compounds. A number of them are phenolics and their derivatives, although completely different from those found in European propolis. The most important ones are carbon-prenylated derivatives of p-coumaric acid, the 3,5-diprenyl-p-coumaric acid being one of the major antibacterial compounds in Brazilian propolis (Aga et al., 1994). In countries of temperate climate from Europe and North America, the vegetables producing propolis are very few. The poplar, Populus L., of the family of Salicaceae is the main source. This vegetal species still can be found in Asia and North Africa. However, it is not regular in the tropics. There are several species in Brazil, from which we can extract this resin. However, few species were identified up to now, but roast-fish, aroeira, rosemary and eucalyptus are some examples of vegetables that produce propolis. Intensive researches performed in the Brazilian Green Propolis reveal that these compounds are the agents for its several physiologic actions: anti-microbe (it works as a natural antibiotic), anti-inflammatory, healing, anesthetic, antioxidant (it combats free radicals), anti-fungal, anti protozoa, antiviral and also anticancer.

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• ASIN: B000EUC6K8
• Item model number: 19150