Propolis

Common name

N/A

ID

HD0241

Scientific name of the plant

N/A

Anatomical part for use

N/A

Human use

Mouth and throat disorders

Summary

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 beehive. Propolis is used for small gaps (approximately 6 millimeters (1⁄4 in) or less), while gaps larger than the bee space (approximately 9 millimeters (3⁄8 in)) are usually filled with burr comb. Its color varies depending on its botanical source, with dark brown as the most common. Propolis is sticky at and above 20 °C (68 °F), while at lower temperatures it becomes hard and brittle. When foraging, worker bees primarily harvest pollen and nectar, while also collecting water and plant resin necessary for the production of propolis. The chemical composition and nature of propolis depend on environmental conditions and harvested resources.

Evidence Level

Level 0 (No convinced report of liver injury caused by herbal and dietary supplement)

Hepatotoxicity Description

N/A

Traditional medicine

Propolis has been used in traditional medicine, with insufficient evidence to rate its effectiveness in the treatment of any illnesses. (Source: Wiki)

Relevant Public Information

Wiki
NIH MedlinePlus
Nature Medicines