Propolis is a balm-resinous substance that possesses 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), besides being used to embalm small dead animals, killed by the bees, which could not be removed, thus avoiding their rotting. 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.
It is said that propolis is the most natural antibiotic man has ever discovered. The remarkable thing about this statement is the fact this discovery took place some 2500 years ago.
Brazilian Propolis differs from others for 2 reasons:
• Brazilian Flora sources, and
• Africanized Honeybees.
What does it do
Ancient herbal books prescribed propolis for numerous complaints, the bactericidal qualities of this medicine have been known since the beginning of written history.
Flavonoids stimulate hair growth, and improve the circulation of the blood. They also stimulate elimination of urine, bile secretion, and endocrine secretion. It is a well known fact that endocrine secretion, from places such as the thymus, the thyroid gland, the pancreas and the adrenals has a beneficial effect on the organism in general.Flavonoids are not only antibacterial substances, they
are also active for the treatment of ulcers,rheumatism, flu and cold syndromes, irritated stomachs and certain breathing problems.
In the end of the 80’s, japanese researchers have discovered new active compounds in propolis with citotoxical properties that can help some cancer treatments.
Propolis, by nature, give us a most powerful and versatile complement to supplement our food intake. All over the world, physicians have been astonished by the power of propolis. Propolis is now considered an important part of dietetics and a natural cure by the World Health Organization (WHO) Its popularity is ever increasing, due to its many possibilities.
Propolis composition
The chemical composition of the propolis depends on the botanical ecology of each area and can still suffer influence of the genetic variety of the queens. In general, it is composed of 50% of resin and balm, 30% of wax, 10% of essential and aromatic oils, 5% of pollen and 5% of several other substances. Until the moment, more than 200 chemical compositions have been already identified in the propolis and among them: flavonoids, aromatic acids, terpenoids, aldehydes, alcohols, aliphatic acids and esters, amino acids, steroids, sugars, etc.
