Propolis

The term "propolis" originates from Greek, meaning "to defend the city." Bees utilize it to narrow hive entrances, seal cracks, and essentially embalm insects and rodents that may enter the hive. Propolis is a valuable medicinal substance, exhibiting bactericidal, antitoxic, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, and immune-stimulating properties.

Bees gather propolis from the resinous substances secreted by the buds of trees such as alder, boxwood, chestnut, and various other plants, collecting from both open and unopened buds.

Collection and Significance of Propolis Worker bees, aged over 15 days, collect propolis, yielding approximately 100-150 grams per hive annually. Caucasian bees are the most prolific collectors, followed by Ukrainian and Italian bees, while Indian bees gather minimal amounts.

Research indicates that propolis contains volatile essential oils with antimicrobial properties. A hive warmed by sunlight becomes saturated with these oils, providing an antimicrobial and disinfecting environment.

Chemical Composition and Physical Properties. Propolis is a resinous substance varying in color from greenish-yellow to brown or dark reddish. Below 15°C, it becomes brittle and hard, while above 30°C, it softens and becomes sticky. It has a resinous odor, and its taste ranges from bitter to neutral or tarragon-like. Its structure is dense and heterogeneous.

Its components dissolve in various solvents, but some properties are lost under high temperatures. It dissolves poorly in hot water but readily in 60-70% alcohol. It dissolves best in mixtures of ether alcohol, chloroform alcohol, toluene alcohol, and others.

Biological Properties. Propolis exhibits diverse biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.

Its antimicrobial substances are heat-stable and retain their activity for 3-4 years. Unlike antibiotics, propolis does not disrupt the normal intestinal microflora, thus preventing dysbiosis.

Medicinal Uses. Propolis has been used medicinally since ancient times.

It is employed in treating chronic pharyngitis, acute upper respiratory catarrh, chronic otitis, bronchial asthma, various forms of tuberculosis, kidney tuberculosis, and other ailments.

Propolis offers advantages over other medicinal preparations as it is entirely harmless to the body and can be used independently or in combination with other treatments.

Propolis is a valuable medicinal substance, demonstrating bactericidal, antitoxic, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, and immune-stimulating effects.