Recent progress in pharmacological research of propolis

Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various pla nt sources. It is a popular folk medicine possessing a broad spectrum of bi ological activities. It has also been used as a health drink in various Asi an, European and American countries. Several groups of researchers have foc used their attention on the biological activity of propolis and its active principles. Many scientific articles are published every year in different international journals related to the pharmacological properties of propoli s. This review article compiles recent findings (since 1995) on the pharmac ological properties of propolis focusing on its antihepatotoxic, antitumour . antioxidative, antimicrobial and antiinflammatory properties. The possibl e mechanism of action of propolis as well as the active compounds are discu ssed. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.