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Propolis or bee glue is a
Bees seal the beehive with propolis to protect the colony from the elements, such as rain and cold winter drafts.
Propolis functions may include:
#Reinforce the structural stability and reduce vibration
#Provide improved thermal insulation to the hive and reduce water loss
#Provides protection from pathogens, via anti-fungal and antibacterial properties
#Make the hive more defensible against parasites and predators by narrowing the existing entrance (in wild colonies) to a single "choke point"
#Mitigate putrefaction within the hive. Bees usually carry waste out of and away from the hive. However, if a small lizard or mouse, for example, finds its way into the hive and dies there, bees may be unable to carry it out through the hive entrance. In that case, they would attempt instead to seal the carrion, carcass in propolis, essentially mummifying it and making it odorless and harmless.
The composition of propolis varies from hive to hive, from district to district, and from season to season. Normally, it is dark brown in color, but it can be found in green, red, black, and white hues, depending on the sources of resin found in the particular hive area. Honey bees are opportunists, gathering what they need from available sources, and detailed analyses show that the chemical composition of propolis varies considerably from region to region, along with the vegetation. In northern temperate climates, for example, bees collect resins from trees, such as poplars and conifers (the biological role of resin in trees is to seal wounds and defend against bacteria, fungi, and insects). "Typical" northern temperate propolis has approximately 50 constituents, primarily resins and vegetable balsams (50%), waxes (30%), essential oils (10%), and pollen (5%). An analysis of propolis from Henan, China found sinapinic acid, isoferulic acid, caffeic acid, and chrysin.
In neotropical regions, in addition to a large variety of trees, bees may also gather resin from flowers in the genera ''Clusia'' and ''Dalechampia'', which are the only known plant genera that produce floral resins to attract pollinators. ''Clusia'' resin contains polyprenylated benzophenones. In some areas of Chile and Argentina Andes, Andean valleys, propolis contains viscidone, a terpene from ''Baccharis'' shrubs, and prenylated acids, such as 4-hydroxy-3,5-diprenyl cinnamic acid.
Overall, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and phenolic aldehydes are common constituents, while coumarins, stilbenes, and lignans are less common.
Secret behind the composition of the varnish on Stradivari violins revealed
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Propolis or bee glue is a resin
In polymer chemistry and materials science, resin is a solid or highly viscous substance of plant or synthetic origin that is typically convertible into polymers. Resins are usually mixtures of organic compounds. This article focuses on natu ...
ous mixture that honey bees produce by mixing saliva and beeswax with Exudate#Plant exudates, 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 or less), while gaps larger than the bee space (approximately ) 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 , 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.
Types
Mixed types of propolis found in European countries with a moderate climate include two or more sources of plant resins (plant species) identified by composition, such as aspen, Mediterranean, Populus, poplar, Pacific, Brazilian green, Brazilian red, and Mangifera types of propolis.Purpose
Bees seal the beehive with propolis to protect the colony from the elements, such as rain and cold winter drafts.
Propolis functions may include:
#Reinforce the structural stability and reduce vibration
#Provide improved thermal insulation to the hive and reduce water loss
#Provides protection from pathogens, via anti-fungal and antibacterial properties
#Make the hive more defensible against parasites and predators by narrowing the existing entrance (in wild colonies) to a single "choke point"
#Mitigate putrefaction within the hive. Bees usually carry waste out of and away from the hive. However, if a small lizard or mouse, for example, finds its way into the hive and dies there, bees may be unable to carry it out through the hive entrance. In that case, they would attempt instead to seal the carrion, carcass in propolis, essentially mummifying it and making it odorless and harmless.
Composition
The composition of propolis varies from hive to hive, from district to district, and from season to season. Normally, it is dark brown in color, but it can be found in green, red, black, and white hues, depending on the sources of resin found in the particular hive area. Honey bees are opportunists, gathering what they need from available sources, and detailed analyses show that the chemical composition of propolis varies considerably from region to region, along with the vegetation. In northern temperate climates, for example, bees collect resins from trees, such as poplars and conifers (the biological role of resin in trees is to seal wounds and defend against bacteria, fungi, and insects). "Typical" northern temperate propolis has approximately 50 constituents, primarily resins and vegetable balsams (50%), waxes (30%), essential oils (10%), and pollen (5%). An analysis of propolis from Henan, China found sinapinic acid, isoferulic acid, caffeic acid, and chrysin.
In neotropical regions, in addition to a large variety of trees, bees may also gather resin from flowers in the genera ''Clusia'' and ''Dalechampia'', which are the only known plant genera that produce floral resins to attract pollinators. ''Clusia'' resin contains polyprenylated benzophenones. In some areas of Chile and Argentina Andes, Andean valleys, propolis contains viscidone, a terpene from ''Baccharis'' shrubs, and prenylated acids, such as 4-hydroxy-3,5-diprenyl cinnamic acid.
Overall, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and phenolic aldehydes are common constituents, while coumarins, stilbenes, and lignans are less common.
Traditional medicine
Propolis has been used in traditional medicine, with insufficient evidence to rate its effectiveness in the treatment of any illnesses.Other uses
Musical instruments
Propolis is used by some luthier, string instrument makers (violin, viola, cello, and bass) as a varnish ingredient. A tincture of propolis may be used to seal the surface of newly made violin family Bridge (instrument), bridges, and may be used in the maintenance of the bores of pan flute tubes. Claims that Antonio Stradivari used propolis in the varnish of his instruments were disproven in 2009./ref>
References
External links
* {{Authority control Beekeeping Bee products Traditional medicine Xanthine oxidase inhibitors