What is propolis, what are the physical and chemical properties of propolis

What is Propolis?

    Propolis is a gelatinous solid substance made by bees from the resin collected from the buds and trunks of plants and mixed with the secretions of their maxillary glands and beeswax. Propolis has been widely used in medicine, chemical industry, food and other fields.

Physicochemical properties of propolis：

    Propolis is an opaque solid, smooth or rough surface, broken surface is granulate, cut surface and marble shape similar. Yellow brown, gray brown, gray green, dark green and other colors, with a favorite special aroma, burning out frankincense, taste slightly bitter, slightly spicy, chewing sticky teeth. You can soften propolis by rubbing it with your hands. Propolis will become hard and brittle when the temperature is 5 degrees Celsius. It is soft, viscous and malleable above 36 degrees Celsius. When the temperature reaches 60-70 degrees Celsius, it melts into a thick fluid and separates the wax.

   The density of propolis varies with different plants and is generally between 1.112 and 1.136. Insoluble in water, slightly soluble in turpentine, partially soluble in ethanol, easily soluble in ether and chloroform, soluble in 95% ethanol transparent chestnut, and granular precipitation. Honeybees use propolis to fill gaps in hives, strengthen nests, polish nests, and wrap the carcasses of invasive animals.