Received: March 19, 2007.

Accepted: May 7, 2007.

Abstract published online: May 8, 2007.

Full paper published online: November 30, 2007.

PROPOLIS: A REVIEW OF ITS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND HEALING ACTIONS

RAMOS A. F. N. (1), MIRANDA J. L. (1)

(1) Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Basic Sciences, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

ABSTRACT: Tissue healing is an adaptive biological response by which the organism repairs damaged tissue. The initial stage of healing is represented by an acute inflammatory reaction, in which inflammatory cells migrate to damaged tissue and phagocyte debris. At a later stage, fibroblasts and endothelial cells proliferate and generate a scar. The occurrence of inflammatory processes and healing imperfections have been a concern for hundreds of years, especially for individuals with healing difficulties, such as diabetics and carriers of peripheral circulation deficiencies. A wide variety of natural products have been used as anti-inflammatory and healing agents, with propolis being a remarkable option. Propolis has been used in popular medicine for a very long time; however, it is not a drug intended for all diseases. Currently, the determination of quality standards of propolis-containing products is a major problem due to their varying pharmacological activities and chemical compositions. The aim of this review is to discuss the use of propolis with emphasis on its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

KEY WORDS: propolis, inflammation, anti-inflammatory action, healing properties, Apis mellifera.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: There is no conflict.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

JOÃO LUIZ DE MIRANDA, Laboratório de Patologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Rua da Glória, 187, Centro, 39.100-000, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Email: joaolumi@bol.com.br.