Chemical composition and characteristics of honey and propolis

Med je slatki gusti sok kojeg proizvode pčele medarice od cvjetnog nektara ili od medene rose. U kemijski sastav meda ulaze šećeri (fruktoza i glukoza u najvećoj mjeri), voda, organske kiseline, proteini, vitamini i minerali. Najvažnija svojstva meda su kristalizacija, vrenje, higroskopičnost meda i njegova specifična težina, viskozitet meda, boja, okus i aroma meda. Med se, prema podrijetlu, dijeli na nektarni med i medljikovac. Nadalje med se prema geografskom podrijetlu dijeli na planinski i poljski, i po botaničkom podrijetlu na monoflorni i poliflorni. Propolis je ljekoviti proizvod, smolaste konzistencije, žute do tamnosmeđe boje, slabog mirisa koji pčele medarice (Apis melifera L.) skupljaju s pupoljaka i kore drveća. Propolis sadrži, biljne smole, vosak ,eterična, ulja, vitamine, mikroelemente. Propolis pokazuje antibakterijsko, antivirusno, antimikrobno ,antikancerogeno imunostimulaciono i druga djelovanja. Najveća primjena propolisa je u liječenju medom i proizvodima meda.Honey represents a sweet, thick juice produced by honeybees from floral nectar or honeydew. Honey contents fructose and glucose in the largest amounts. Except glucose and fructose, in it is basic composition honey content water, organic acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals. The most important characteristics and specific weight, viscosity, color, taste and aroma. According to its origin, two types of honey can be distinguished: nectar honey and honey dewed. Furthermore, honey is classified to mountain and field according to geographic origin, and according to botanic origin to monofloral and polyfloral. Propolis is a healthy prooduct, resinous, yellow or dark brown, with a weak smell that honey bees ( Apis melifera L. ) collect from buds and tree barks. Propolis consists herbal resin, wax, ethereal oils, vitamins and microelements. Propolis shows antibacterial, antivirus and antimicrobial effect. It also helps in preventing of carcinogenic diseases and stimulates immune system. The area where it is used the most is apitherapy