Review Article Received on: 03-11-2014 Accepted on: 19-11-2014 Published on: 15-12-2014 Chemoprevention of Oral Cancer by Saudi Arabian Propolis: An Overview

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by worker honeybees from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. The bees pack propolis on their hind legs, carry it to their colony, and use it as a sterilant & sealant for unwanted open spaces in the hive. It is one of the oldest known therapeutic agents that are used even today in traditional medicines. Saudi Propolis has numerous therapeutic properties like antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory etc. Although numerous researchers have been reported the antimicrobial activity of propolis from different countries and geographical regions but information about Saudi Arabian Propolis are still limited. The composition of propolis can vary according to the geographic locations from where the bees obtained the ingredients. Main chemicals constituents of Saudi propolis have been identified as caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and artepillin C, galangin, xanthomicrol, chrysin. CAPE or chrysin are the active ingredients having anti proliferative property. The ant