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Abstract
Propolis samples from different geographic origins were investigated for their antibacterial
(against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli), antifungal (against Candida
albicans) and antiviral (against Avian influenza virus) activities. All samples were
active against the fungal and Gram-positive bacterial test strains, and most showed
antiviral activity. The activities of all samples were similar in spite of the differences
in their chemical composition. In samples from the temperate zone, flavonoids and
esters of phenolic acids are known to be responsible for the above mentioned activities
of bee glue; tropical samples did not contain such substances but showed similar activities.
Obviously, in different samples, different substance combinations are essential for
the biological activity of the bee glue. It seems that propolis has general pharmacological
value as a natural mixture and not as a source of new powerful antimicrobial, antifungal
and antiviral compounds.