Propolis, a natural product produced by the honeybee, has been used for thousands of
years in folk medicine for several purposes. The extract contains amino acids, phenolic acids,
phenolic acid esters, flavonoids, cinnamic acid, terpenes and caffeic acid. It possesses several
biological activities such as antiinflammatory, immunostimulatory, antiviral and antibacterial.
The exact mode of physiological or biochemical mechanisms responsible for the medical
effects, however, is yet to be determined. In this work, we have investigated the antioxidant
Propolis designates a series of gums, resins and balms of viscous consistency
which are gathered by honeybees from certain parts, mainly the buds and barks of
plants, especially those found on coniferous trees. Bees bring propolis back to the
hive, where it is modified and mixed with other substances including the bees’ own
wax and salivary secretions. Propolis extract is an extremely complicated mixture
of natural substances w1,2x. It contains amino acids, phenolic acids, phenolic acid
esters, flavonoids, cinnamic acid, terpenes and caffeic acid.