When discussing “poplar type” propolis, it is clear that the product is a mixture of flavonoid aglycones, hydroxycinnamic acids, and their esters, and that these are the compounds that must be quantified. In Russia, however, and especially in its northern parts, birch buds (Betula verrucosa) are the common source of propolis, and flavonoid aglycones are of interest for quality control (Popravko, 1978). Chemical provings in some Brazilian regions have shown that Baccharis species leaf exudate is the main propolis source (Bankova et al., 1999). In this case, the important active constituents are carbon-prenylated derivatives of p-coumaric acid, and their percentage should be measured. Knowledge on active components and plant sources of propolis could lead to the formulation of a range of propolis types based on botanical origin, for example, “European,” “North Russian,” and varieties of “Brazilian.”

Oxford Journals Medicine Evidence-based Compl. and Alt. Medicine

“For this reason, propolis has become the subject of intense pharmacological and chemical studies for the last 30 years. As a result, much useful knowledge has been gathered. However, it is important to note that in the last decade, the paradigm concerning propolis chemistry radically changed. In the 1960s, propolis was thought to be of very complex, but more or less constant chemistry, like beesw ax or bee venom. In the following years, analysis of numerous samples from different geographic regions led to the disclosure that the chemical composition of bee glue is highly variable. This circumstance was soon understood by seasoned chemists, such as Popravko* and Ghisalberti. Nevertheless, most of the scientists studying the biological properties of propolis continued to assume that the term �propolis’ was as determinative with respect to chemical composition as the botanical name for a medicinal plant. Numerous studies, carried out with the combined efforts of phytochemists and pharmacologists, led in recent years to the idea that different propolis samples could be completely different in their chemistry and biological activity. “ *Popravko SA. Chemical composition of propolis, its origin and standardization In Harnaj V (Ed.). A Remarkable Hive Product: PROPOLIS 1978;Bucharest Apimondia Publishing House pp. 15–8

The Properties of Propolis Propolis research shows it offers antiseptic, antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal, and even antiviral properties both in vitro and in vivo although no clinical trials in the UK. Propolis is a complex attack system in nature. It is so powerful in action, it is often called Russian penicillin in acknowledgement of the extensive research the Russians have mounted on this wonder worker from the bees. Propolis has shown powerful antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Even streptococcus bacteria have been shown to be sensitive to propolis. With MRSA and “super-bugs” in the news regularly, Propolis with its multi-pronged effect relieving infection is seeing increased exposure in the media.