Green propolis: Composition and biological properties

NUTRACEUTICALS 20 MARCH/APRIL 2013 SUMMARY Green propolis derives mainly from vegetative apices of Baccharis dracunculifolia (alecrim plants). However, wide variation detected in the chemical composition suggests contributions from alternative resin plant sources. Prenylated cinnamic acid-derived compounds bearing prenyl groups are predominant and pharmacologically active components of the resin of green propolis and represent its salient chemical features. Terpenoid compounds, such as sesqui, di and pentacyclic triterpenoids, have also been detected in green propolis. Recent studies on green propolis have disclosed potentialities of substances having a wide range of biological (and potentially pharmacological) properties. In fact, several biological activities, such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-mycotic, bacteriostatic, astringent, anti-ulcer, choleretic, spasmolytic and anaesthetic properties have been reported for green propolis and its constituents. In particular artepillin C [3-{4-hydroxy-3,5-di(3-methyl2-butenyl)phenyl}-2 (E)-propenoic acid] isolated from Brazilian green propolis possesses several well documented activities, such as anti-microbial, apoptosis-inductor, immunomodulator, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and, more important, anti-tumor properties. On the basis of available scientific literature, naturally occurring polyphenols and “acids” in green propolis are expected to help reduce the risk of various life-threatening diseases. However, standardized quality controls and good design clinical trials are essential before either propolis or its active ingredients can be adopted routinely in any future therapeutic application.