El própolis y la salud Propolis and human health

Resumen

Propolis is a waxy resin, with a complex composition and viscous consistency, elaborated from different resinous vegetable particles by bees and used in the construction, repair and protection of their hives. Since ancient times propolis has been widely used for diverse purposes. Currently, the activity, effects and possible applications of propolis in biology and medicine are being investigated, with an emphasis on their use as a dietary supplement, as well as their possible applications within the pharmaceutical industry. In this work a review on the properties of propolis in the treatment and prevention of different types of diseases has been carried out. After a brief review of the origin and composition of propolis, an exhaustive bibliographical search of its properties, the parameters used to evaluate its quality, and its possible indirect effects has been carried out. According to the studies reviewed, the effectiveness of propolis lays mainly in its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities.