Benefits of Propolis

The presence of flavonoids (a kind of antioxidant) in propolis was identified in the 70s in Europe, when the first reports on propolis analysis based on chemical evidence was published. This discovery was compared to the composition of Populus spp. And Betula verrucosa exudates (a fluid that filters from the circulatory system into lesions or areas of inflammation) and it was found that both compounds had very similar chemical composition, the main constituents being flavonoids, aglicones, aromatic acids and its esters.   

Brazilian samples of propolis differ in main constituents markedly from sample from other parts of the world. Marcucci, a propolis expert collected from 200 samples from different parts of Brazil and determined different types of propolis related to geographical origin of raw material.  

Brazilian propolis has a main marker (ie. A major component that is present in most analysed samples) – 3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (DHCA). This compound has been commercialized by the Japanese in powder form under the name ArtepillinC and used in tumour treatment.  

Based on the above typification, a suggestion for therapeutic indication of propolis was sent to ANVISA (National Agency for Health Supervision). Forms of use include extracts and tinctures (solutions that have alcohol as a solvent), while therapeutic action in include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiallergic, cicatrizant and anti-oxidant.