On Thu, 3 Sep 2009 07:38:50 -0300, Stan Sandler <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Some of this discussion is based on the premise that old dark comb is propolized.  

RESPONSE

> According to the German researchers Kustenmacher & Phillipp and Weck and some 
others, propolis might be a resin residue coming from the first phase of pollen digestion 
in a small organ placed between the sac and the lower gut.

> All cells, and especially the newly built ones, are varnished with this interna propolis 
before the queen lays in them: this results from the experiments of Dr. Brunning. The 
greatest quantity of propolis produced by the bees seen to have this origin. It can be 
easily recognized under the microscope because of the pollen grains it contains.

> they use propolis to strengthen the natural combs adding it to the wax they secrete. 
For a long time people believed that these combs contained only pure wax. It was proved 
that it is not so: the reality is these combs also contain propolis and pollen. 

> Natural combs contain about 90-95% pure wax and 5-10% propolis which is added at 
the time the combs are built with a considerable amount of pollen grains. These could 
even come from propolis which always contains pollen, no matter where its origin.

A. Caillas writing in:

"A remarkable hive product: PROPOLIS. Scientific data and suggestions concerning its 
composition, properties and possible use in therapeutics"  Apimondia Publishing House 
1978

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