Propolis: the Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of propolis varies from hive to hive, district, and from season to season. It is usually dark brown but can be found in shades of green, red, black and white, depending on the source of the resin in the particular area of ​​the hive.

The bees are opportunists, picking what they need from available sources, and a detailed analysis shows that the chemical composition of propolis varies considerably from one region to another, with the vegetation. In northern climates, for example, bees collect resins from trees such as poplars and conifers (the biological role of the resin of trees is to heal the wounds and defend against bacteria, fungi and insects).

Trigona sp. the Producer of Propolis

Trigona sp., commonly called Sugarbag bee, Stingless bee, Sweat bee or Meliponini are a large group of bees, including Meliponini tribe (or subtribe Meliponini by other authors). Belong to the family Apidae, and closely related to common bees, carpenter bees, bumble and orchid bees. The common name is somewhat misleading, since many other species of bees, especially in the family Andrenidae, are not capable of stinging, like all the male bees. Trigona sp have stingers, but they are very small and can be used for defense.