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Is propolis safe as an alternative medicine?
Maria Graça Miguel1, Maria Dulce Antunes2
1 Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Algarve, IBB, Center for Plant Biotechnology, Building 8, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
2 Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, University of Algarve, IBB, Center for Plant Biotechnology, Building 8, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Correspondence Address:
Maria Graça Miguel
Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Algarve, IBB, Center for Plant Biotechnology, Building 8, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro
Portugal
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.90101
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Propolis is a resinous substance produced by honeybees as defense against intruders. It has relevant therapeutic properties that have been used since ancient times. Nowadays, propolis is of increasing importance as a therapeutic, alone or included in many medicines and homeopathic products or in cosmetics. Propolis is produced worldwide and honeybees use the flora surrounding their beehives for its production. Therefore its chemical composition may change according to the flora. The phenolic and volatile fractions of propolis have been revised in the present study, as well as some of the biological properties attributed to this natural product. An alert is given about the need to standardize this product, with quality control. This has already been initiated by some authors, mainly in the propolis from the poplar-type. Only this product can constitute a good complementary and alternative medicine under internationally acceptable quality control. |
