Própolis: atualizações sobre a química e a farmacologia

Abstract

“Propolis: updates on chemistry and pharmacology”. Propolis (bee glue) is a complex mixture, formed by resinous and balsamic material. Its chemical composition is variable and complex, being related with the fl ora of each region visited by the bees and with the period of resins collection. Flavonoids, aromatic acids, terpenoids and phenylpropanoids, fatty acids, and other compounds are found in propolis. In the last 30 years, propolis has become subject of intense pharmacological and chemical studies. In different parts of the world it is indicated to improve health and prevent illnesses. Currently, it is available in some pharmaceutical forms as capsules, extracts, mouthrinses, powder form, among others. Indeed, studies correlating the chemical composition with the biological activity are necessary, defi ning each type of propolis with its therapeutic application. It is an essential task for a market ever bigger and demanding in the whole word.