Propolis

Figure 1. An image of Propolis (right) in a beehive.

Propolis, or sometimes known as bee glue, is a resinous mixture that honey bees produce by mixing saliva and beeswax with exudate (i.e. a biological fluid) gathered from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. Propolis is used as a sealant for unwanted open spaces inside the beehive.

When out foraging, worker bees primarily harvest pollen and nectar while also collecting water and plant resin necessary for the production of Propolis. Just like honey, the chemical composition and nature of Propolis is thus dependent on environmental conditions and harvested resources.

Propolis has been used in traditional medicine. The Greeks used it to treat abscesses. Assyrians put it on wounds and tumours to fight infection and help the healing process. Egyptians used it to embalm mummies.

Today, Propolis is used as a supplement and promoted for various benefits. There are more than 300 compounds in Propolis which attribute to their purported health benefits. The majority of these compounds are Polyphenols, specifically flavonoids, which are excellent antioxidants. Additionally, Propolis is promoted as an antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory compound (due to a special flavonoid called pinocembrin) which can help with wound healing and inflammations.

Propolis is available topically via creams, ointments, and lotions. Propolis is also available orally via tablets, liquid extracts, and capsules.