Effects of Propolis on Immune System

ABSTRACT: Propolis is a natural product derived from plant resins collected by honey bees. It is used by bees as glue, a general-purpose sealer, and as draught-extruder for bee hives. Propolis has been used in folk medicine for centuries. It is known that propolis possesses anti-microbial, antioxidative, anti-ulcerand anti-tumor activities. Therefore, propolis has attracted much attention in recent years as a useful or potential substance used in medicine and cosmetics products. Furthermore, it is now extensively used in food sand beverages with the claim that it can maintain or improve human health. The chemical composition of propolis is quite complicated. More than 300 compounds such as polyphenols, phenolic aldehydes, sequiterpenequinines, coumarins, amino acids, steroid sand 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 area sand time periods vary greatly. The chemical composition and beneficial properties of propolis vary greatly depending on the phytogeographical areas, seasonal collection time, and botanical source. Polyphenols found in fruits and vegetables are beginning to receive increased attention due to the vital role in protecting neural cells from oxidative stress and neuroinflammation associated with normal aging and chronicage-related diseases