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Bee Products - Chemical and Biological Properties
Author: • Weam Siheri Sameah Alenezi • Jonans Tusiimire • David G. Watson o
Publisher: Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesGlasgowUK
Published: 2017
Section: School of Pharmacy
Abstract
The
term propolis comes from two Greek words, pro (which means for or in defence
of) and polis (which means the city); thus, propolis means in defence of the
city or beehive. Propolis is a sticky resinous substance, which is gathered
from buds and the bark of trees. It is also known as “bee glue†as bees use it
to cover surfaces, seal holes and close gaps in their hives, thus providing a
sterile environment that protects them from microbes and spore-producing
organisms, including fungi and molds. It can be considered to be a potent
chemical weapon against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic microorganisms
that may invade the bee colony. Also, bees use propolis as an embalming
substance, to mummify invaders such as other insects, that have been killed and
are too heavy to remove from the colony. Thus, propolis is important for bee
health but it also has activity against many human diseases. It is a powerful
anti-oxidant and can modulate the activity of reactive oxygen species within
the human body. The most studied aspect of propolis is its anti-bacterial
activity, which is almost always present at a moderate to high level depending
on the exact type of propolis. It is in general more active against Gram
positive than Gram negative bacteria, but activity against Gram negative
bacteria has been observed. Propolis has been found to be active against a
range of viruses and also is almost always active against protozoa such
as Tryanosoma brucei and Leishmania donovani.
Propolis also shows activity against cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and
has immunomodulatory effects. Anti-cancer activity has also been observed. In
summary, propolis is remarkable for its range of biological activities and for
the variety of its chemical composition. It may be of great importance both to
bees and humans.