Propolis

Propolis or bee glue is a resinous mixture that honey bees produce by mixing saliva and beeswax with exudate gathered from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. It is used as a sealant for unwanted open spaces in the hive.

It is used as a sealant for unwanted open spaces in the hive. It’s used for small gaps (approximately 6 millimeters (0.24 in) or less), while larger spaces are usually filled with beeswax. Its color varies depending on its botanical source, with dark brown as the most common. It is sticky at and above 20 °C (68 °F), while at lower temperatures, it becomes hard and brittle.

Where does Propolis Originate?

While foraging, worker bees primarily harvest pollen and nectar, while also collecting water and tree resin necessary for the production . The chemical composition and nature of propolis depend on environmental conditions and harvested resources.

Propolis is generally known as the “bee glue”, which is a generic name that refers to the resinous substance accumulated by the bees from different types of plants.

The word “propolis” is derived from Greek to mean defense for “pro” and city or community for “polis”, or the beehive, in other words. It functions in sealing holes and cracks and for the reconstruction of the beehive.

It is also used for smoothing the inner surface of the beehive, retaining the hive’s internal temperature (35°C), preventing weathering and invasion by predators. Furthermore, it hardens the cell wall and contributes to an aseptic internal environment.

It’s generally becomes soft and sticky upon heating. It also possesses a pleasant smell. It’s extracts have numerous applications in treating various diseases due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antimycotic, antifungal, antiulcer, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties.