Origin and Chemical Variation of Brazilian Propolis

Propolis is a hive product containing chiefly beeswax and plant-derivedsubstances such as resin and volatile compounds. Propolis hasbeen used as an antiseptic and wound healer since ancient timesand interest for the product has increased recently. Probablyfew plant species contribute as major resin sources. Green propolisderives mainly from vegetative apices of Baccharis dracunculifolia(alecrim plants). However, wide variation detected in the chemicalcomposition suggests contributions from alternative resin plantsources. Predominant components of the resin of green propolisare cinnamic acids, chiefly compounds bearing prenyl groups.Terpenoid compounds, such as sesqui, di and pentacyclic triterpenoids,have been detected in many, but not all, samples investigated.Propolis research has uncovered potentialities of substancespreviously isolated from plants and has detected constituentsof plant origin that would hardly be known otherwise.