Sunday, April 30, 2006

Review of Propolis Antitumor Activity

Biological Activity of Bee Propolis in Health and Disease
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 2006 Jan-Mar;7(1):22-31

Propolis is a natural product derived from plant resins collected by honeybees. It is used by bees as glue, a general-purpose sealer, and as draught-extruder for beehives. Propolis has been used in folk medicine for centuries. It is known that propolis possesses anti- microbial, antioxidative, anti-ulcer and anti-tumor activities...

The chemical composition of propolis is quite complicated. More than 300 compounds such as polyphenols, phenolic aldehydes, sequiterpene quinines, coumarins, amino acids, steroids and inorganic compounds have been identified in propolis samples. The contents depend on the collecting location, time and plant source. Consequently, biological activities of propolis gathered from different phytogeographical areas and time periods vary greatly. In this review, the activity of bee propolis will be presented with special emphasis on the antitumor activity.

No comments: