To bees, propolis is a miracle substance designed to fight off bacteria and infection. It is these bacteria fighting properties that can provide many benefits to humans. Studies have shown that propolis has the ability to boost the immune system and fight bacteria in the human body. Check out the therapeutic studies and cancer studies below for more information. Propolis Nutrition 7.5-35% waxes, 10% volatile oils, 3-10% fatty acids, 4-19% other compounds, minerals and vitamins Over 80 different compounds, minerals and vitamins Contains B1, B2, B6, C, and E vitamins Contains Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Calcium and Copper Nutritional Studies Propolis contains 7.5% to 35% waxes, 10% volatile oils, 5% pollen, 3 to 10% fatty acids, 4%-19% other compounds. In Feb. 2002, The Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, published a detailed report on the chemical composition of propolis. They identified over 80 different compounds. That would include several vitamins, and minerals such as B1, B2, B6, C, E, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Calcium and Copper. Many different flavonoids are found within these components. References: Justin O. Schmidt,Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS, http://gears.tucson.ars.ag.gov/ home/schmidt/jsbprod2.htm; Propolis Overview, Dr. Ahmend Hegazi, Prof. of Microbiology and Immunology, National Research Center of Egypt; Rita Elkins, MA, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly, Propolis and Honey 1996; www.znaturforsch.com /57c/s57c0530.pdf Therapeutic Claims & Studies Propolis is a highly studied natural product. Researchers report, "the ability of propolis to assist immune response was shown to be positive when used in appropriate quantity". In the past 40 years scientific studies have reported impressive healing properties attributed to propolis or some of the main ingredients commonly found in propolis. To name a few of the therapeutic benefits would include: antibiotic (especially gram-positive), antiviral, anti-fungal, and tumor (cancer) suppression properties, reduction of HIV and Herpes Simplex activity, and stimulates the immune system. Recent studies show it is particularly helpful in oral hygene including controlling the bacteria that lead to cavities. Carlson Wade and Joan Friedrich Phd, noted in there book Propolis Power, that "American researchers found that propolis had strong inhibitory activity against 25 of 39 bateria substances tested". They further note that "Propolis seems to have some antioxidant properties that can neutralize free radicals." The Argentina Guide to Commercial Bee Keepers has an impressive list of propolis studies from 1692 to 2000 in English, www.api-guia.com.ar/propoleos/propoleos_bibliographia.htm References: Focht, J., et al., Bactericial Effect of Propolis In itro against Agents Causing Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (Drugs Under Experimental & Clinical Research, 1997; AmorosM, LurtonE, Boustie J, Girre L, Sauvager F and Cormier M. Comparison of the anti-herpes simplex virus actifities of propolis and 3 methylbut2enyl caffeate. J. Natl. Prod., 57 (5), 1994; Dumitrescu M, E Sanu, and Crisan I, The mechanisms of the antiherpetic action of aqueous propolis extracts; The antioxidant action on human fibroblast cultures. Rev. Roum. Virol., 43, 1992; Qiao, Z and Chen, R., "Isolation and Identification of Antibiotic constituents of Propolis from Henan", China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica, Aug. 1991; Propolis Power Plus, C. Wade with J.A. Friedrich, Phd. 1996; www.cancerprev.org/Search/Abstracts?q=propolis. Cancer Studies The 50th presentation at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Assn., in 1991 in Japan, discussed scientific results of extensive propolis studies. Propolis contains caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) which has shown potential for fighting various cancer cells. This acid can inhibit the growth of the mutated cells without harming normal cells. Propolis extracts prevented the formation of pre-cancerous tissues in rats after exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. Studies also show that the propolis extracts inhibit tumor cell growth and boost the body's T-cell counts. "Previous work (from The Columbia University) established that caffeic acid esters, present in the propolis of honey bee hives, are potent inhibitors of human colon tumor cell growth"(1). References: Cancer Detection & Prevention, 1998, vol. 22, no. 6; Rao, C.V.,et al., "inhibitory Effect of Caffeic Acid Esters on Azoxymethane-Induced Biochemical Changes and Aberrant Crypt Foci Formation in Rat Colon"; Cancer Research, Sept. 1993, www.cancerprev.org/Search/Abstracts?q=propolis; (1)Guarini L, Su ZZ, Zucker S, Lin J, Grunberger D, and Fisher PB, Growth inhibition and modulation of antigenic phenotype in human melanoma and glioblastoma multiform cells by caffecic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), Cell Mol. Biol., 38 (5) 1992 Quality Measured Lead content can be high in propolis depending on location of the bee hives. It should not have more then 10 parts per million and flavonoids should be at least 5%. Our propolis must pass very high quality assurance tests before we sell it to you and you can be assured of it's quality. Propolis Storing and Care Room temperature away from direct sunlight. This information is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained from a medical professional, and has not been approved by the FDA. Bee products can cause allergic reactions.