What is Propolis

What is Propolis

What is Propolis From the resin of the tree, to the hive of bees, nature gives us one of the most powerful immunity product. Carefully selecting plant resins from plants and blending them with beeswax, honeybees create propolis. Commonly known as bee glue, propolis is used by honeybees as the first line of protection and defence in their colonies. It is designed to provide wellbeing and long lasting health. Something which we all look for. Widely used by the ancient Egyptians, propolis is revered for its high anti-microbial properties. It is since been the world best kept secrets. Use of propolis in your daily life means building the very best natural immune system for you and your loved ones.

What’s inside propolis? When scientists looked closer into the exact composition of chemical compounds of propolis, they have found that it actually contains over 300 natural compounds; including caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), amino acids, flavonoids, coumarin, phenolic aldehydes, polyphenols, essential oils and various organic compounds. Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE), a natural polyphenolic substance; is one of the main components of propolis. Due to its multifaceted biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects, CAPE has received great attention during the last few decades Flavonoids- also known as Natural Immune System Booster in propolis works in our body by stimulating the white blood cells into producing interferon; which is central to a healthy immune system. Interferon is known to fight many diseases and also creating high resistance to infections. Scientists have suggested that propolis is the most promising immunomodulation (immune boosting) agent.(36)

Natural Antibiotics - Propolis is proven to create resistance to strains which are not treated by conventional antibiotics. Some of the key medicinal properties of bee propolis are: Anti-viral(1)(2) Anti-bacterial(3)(4) Anti-microbial(5) Anti-oxidant(6) Anti-inflammatory(7) Anti-influenza(8) Anti-tumour(9) Anti-cancer(10) Anti-allergic(11) Important Health Benefits of Propolis Skin Health fights skin infection, skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, allergies(11)(12) rejuvenates skin (anti-skin-ageing)(13) heals cuts, burns and wounds(14) Oral & Dental Health strengthens gum relieves toothaches hypersensitive tooth cures mouth ulcers chronic periodontitis(25)

Respiratory Care Its antibacterial activity against strains causing upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) is particularly important: propolis might be used as a therapeutic agent to prevent the bacterial infections that sometimes overlap viral infections. Propolis known to relief uncomplicated URTI such as sore throat, dry cough, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. Rheumatic Diseases (Joints & Muscular Health) Worldwide research has shown that the propolis helps in the alleviation of joints and muscular pains, including arthritis, rheumatism and even gout.(21) Cancer Treatment Propolis which is rich in caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and Chrysin, is scientifically proven to help combat cancer with its anti-tumour and anti-cancer properties. There are currently over 300 scientific studies focusing on cancer treatment using propolis. (22)(23) -chemo induced oral mucositis(24)

Diabetic Treatment Glycaemic Control - Propolis is proven to improve glycaemic control in patients with type2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis.(25) Reduces Insulin Resistance - Propolis treatment can be helpful as a diet supplement in patients with type 2 diabetes through reduction in insulin resistance and amelioration in antioxidant status. Propolis as supplement without side effects; can also increase the effectiveness of prescribing drugs in diabetes.(26) Diabetic foot wounds – regular application of propolis helps improve and promote healing of diabetic foot wounds(27)(28)(29) Chronic Vaginitis (Vaginal Infection)(30)(31) Genital Herpes / Herpes Simplex Virus (32)(33)(34) Ear Infections (Otitis Media)(35) Hypertension - lowers blood pressure

References: (1) Schnitzler P, Neuner A, Nolkemper S, Zundel C, Nowack H, Sensch KH, Reichling J. Antiviral activity and mode of action of propolis extracts and selected compounds. Phytother Res. 2010 Jan;24 Suppl 1:S20-8. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2868. Erratum in: Phytother Res. 2010 Apr;24(4):632. PMID: 19472427. (2) Labská K, Plodková H, Pumannová M, Sensch KH. Antiviral activity of propolis special extract GH 2002 against Varicella zoster virus in vitro. Pharmazie. 2018 Dec 1;73(12):733-736. doi: 10.1691/ph.2018.8672. PMID: 30522559. (3) Almuhayawi MS. Propolis as a novel antibacterial agent. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2020 Nov;27(11):3079-3086. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.09.016. Epub 2020 Sep 14. PMID: 33100868; PMCID: PMC7569119. (4) Przybyłek I, Karpiński TM. Antibacterial Properties of Propolis. Molecules. 2019 May 29;24(11):2047. doi: 10.3390/molecules24112047. PMID: 31146392; PMCID: PMC6600457. (5) El-Allaky HS, Wahba NA, Talaat DM, Zakaria AS. Antimicrobial Effect of Propolis Administered through Two Different Vehicles in High Caries Risk Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2020 Sep 1;44(5):289-295. doi: 10.17796/1053-4625-44.5.1. PMID: 33181849. (6) Kocot J, Kiełczykowska M, Luchowska-Kocot D, Kurzepa J, Musik I. Antioxidant Potential of Propolis, Bee Pollen, and Royal Jelly: Possible Medical Application. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 May 2;2018:7074209. doi: 10.1155/2018/7074209. PMID: 29854089; PMCID: PMC5954854. (7) Naito Y, Yasumuro M, Kondou K, Ohara N. Antiinflammatory effect of topically applied propolis extract in carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema. Phytother Res. 2007 May;21(5):452-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2093. PMID: 17262890. (8) Shimizu T, Hino A, Tsutsumi A, Park YK, Watanabe W, Kurokawa M. Anti- influenza virus activity of propolis in vitro and its efficacy against influenza infection in mice. Antivir Chem Chemother. 2008;19(1):7-13. doi: 10.1177/095632020801900102. PMID: 18610553. (9) Urushisaki T, Takemura T, Tazawa S, Fukuoka M, Hosokawa-Muto J, Araki Y, Kuwata K. Caffeoylquinic acids are major constituents with potent anti-influenza effects in brazilian green propolis water extract. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:254914. doi: 10.1155/2011/254914. Epub 2011 Mar 1. PMID: 21423687; PMCID: PMC3057164.

References: (10) Inoue K, Saito M, Kanai T, Kawata T, Shigematsu N, Uno T, Isobe K, Liu CH, Ito H. Anti-tumor effects of water-soluble propolis on a mouse sarcoma cell line in vivo and in vitro. Am J Chin Med. 2008;36(3):625-34. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X0800603X. PMID: 18543394. (11) Park SG, Lee DY, Seo SK, Lee SW, Kim SK, Jung WK, Kang MS, Choi YH, Yea SS, Choi I, Choi IW. Evaluation of anti-allergic properties of caffeic acid phenethyl ester in a murine model of systemic anaphylaxis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2008 Jan 1;226(1):22-9. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2007.08.003. Epub 2007 Aug 17. PMID: 17884125. (12) El-Gammal A, Nardo VD, Daaboul F, Tchernev G, Wollina U, Lotti J, Lotti T. Is There a Place for Local Natural Treatment of Psoriasis? Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018 May 18;6(5):839-842. doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.106. PMID: 29875856; PMCID: PMC5985880. (13) Kim DH, Auh JH, Oh J, Hong S, Choi S, Shin EJ, Woo SO, Lim TG, Byun S. Propolis Suppresses UV-Induced Photoaging in Human Skin through Directly Targeting Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase. Nutrients. 2020 Dec 10;12(12):3790. doi: 10.3390/nu12123790. PMID: 33322005; PMCID: PMC7764066. (14) Martinotti S, Pellavio G, Laforenza U, Ranzato E. Propolis Induces AQP3 Expression: A Possible Way of Action in Wound Healing. Molecules. 2019 Apr 19;24(8):1544. doi: 10.3390/molecules24081544. PMID: 31010117; PMCID: PMC6515181 (15) Strengthens gums (16) Relieves toothaches (17) Mahmoud AS, Almas K, Dahlan AA. The effect of propolis on dentinal hypersensitivity and level of satisfaction among patients from a university hospital Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Indian J Dent Res. 1999 Oct-Dec;10(4):130-7. PMID: 10865396. (18) Arafa MG, Ghalwash D, El-Kersh DM, Elmazar MM. Propolis-based niosomes as oromuco-adhesive films: A randomized clinical trial of a therapeutic drug delivery platform for the treatment of oral recurrent aphthous ulcers. Sci Rep. 2018 Dec 21;8(1):18056. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-37157-7. Erratum in: Sci Rep. 2020 Feb 7;10(1):2459. PMID: 30575794; PMCID: PMC6303391. (19) Khayyal MT, el-Ghazaly MA, el-Khatib AS, Hatem AM, de Vries PJ, el-Shafei S, Khattab MM. A clinical pharmacological study of the potential beneficial effects of a propolis food product as an adjuvant in asthmatic patients. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2003 Feb;17(1):93-102. doi: 10.1046/j.1472-8206.2003.00117.x. PMID: 12588635.

References: (20) Esposito C, Garzarella EU, Bocchino B, D'Avino M, Caruso G, Buonomo AR, Sacchi R, Galeotti F, Tenore GC, Zaccaria V, Daglia M. A standardized polyphenol mixture extracted from poplar-type propolis for remission of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection (URTI): A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2021 Jan;80:153368. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153368. Epub 2020 Oct 8. PMID: 33091857. (21) Síró B, Szelekovszky S, Lakatos B, Mády G, Szathmári E, Karányi Z. Mozgásszervi betegségek helyi kezelése propolisz készítményekkel [Local treatment of rheumatic diseases with propolis compounds]. Orv Hetil. 1996 Jun 23;137(25):1365-70. Hungarian. PMID: 8757085. (22) Sawicka D, Car H, Borawska MH, Nikliński J. The anticancer activity of propolis. Folia Histochem Cytobiol. 2012 Apr 24;50(1):25-37. doi: 10.2478/18693. PMID: 22532133. (23) Ishida Y, Gao R, Shah N, Bhargava P, Furune T, Kaul SC, Terao K, Wadhwa R. Anticancer Activity in Honeybee Propolis: Functional Insights to the Role of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester and Its Complex With γ-Cyclodextrin. Integr Cancer Ther. 2018 Sep;17(3):867-873. doi: 10.1177/1534735417753545. Epub 2018 Feb 2. PMID: 29390900; PMCID: PMC6142091. (24) Piredda M, Facchinetti G, Biagioli V, Giannarelli D, Armento G, Tonini G, De Marinis MG. Propolis in the prevention of oral mucositis in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy: A pilot randomised controlled trial. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2017 Nov;26(6). doi: 10.1111/ecc.12757. Epub 2017 Aug 25. PMID: 28840622. (25) El-Sharkawy HM, Anees MM, Van Dyke TE. Propolis Improves Periodontal Status and Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Periodontol. 2016 Dec;87(12):1418-1426. doi: 10.1902/jop.2016.150694. Epub 2016 Jul 29. PMID: 27468795. (26) Afsharpour F, Javadi M, Hashemipour S, Koushan Y, Haghighian HK. Propolis supplementation improves glycemic and antioxidant status in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Apr;43:283-288. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.03.001. Epub 2019 Mar 2. PMID: 30935545. (27) Mujica V, Orrego R, Fuentealba R, Leiva E, Zúñiga-Hernández J. Propolis as an Adjuvant in the Healing of Human Diabetic Foot Wounds Receiving Care in the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre from the Regional Hospital of Talca. J Diabetes Res. 2019 Sep 12;2019:2507578. doi: 10.1155/2019/2507578. PMID: 31612147; PMCID: PMC6757282.

References: (28) Henshaw FR, Bolton T, Nube V, Hood A, Veldhoen D, Pfrunder L, McKew GL, Macleod C, McLennan SV, Twigg SM. Topical application of the bee hive protectant propolis is well tolerated and improves human diabetic foot ulcer healing in a prospective feasibility study. J Diabetes Complications. 2014 Nov-Dec;28(6):850-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2014.07.012. Epub 2014 Aug 7. PMID: 25239451. (29) Pittalà V, Salerno L, Romeo G, Acquaviva R, Di Giacomo C, Sorrenti V. Therapeutic Potential of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) in Diabetes. Curr Med Chem. 2018;25(37):4827-4836. doi: 10.2174/0929867324666161118120908. PMID: 27855625. (30) Santana Pérez E, Lugones Botell M, Pérez Stuart O, Castillo Brito B. Parasitismo vaginal Y cervicitis agudoi tratamiento local an propoleo. Informe preliminar [Vaginal parasites and acute cervicitis: local treatment with propolis. Preliminary report]. Rev Cubana Enferm. 1995 Jan-Jun;11(1):51-6. Spanish. PMID: 8715223. (31) Imhof M, Lipovac M, Kurz Ch, Barta J, Verhoeven HC, Huber JC. Propolis solution for the treatment of chronic vaginitis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2005 May;89(2):127-32. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2005.01.033. PMID: 15847875. (32) Vynograd N, Vynograd I, Sosnowski Z. A comparative multi-centre study of the efficacy of propolis, acyclovir and placebo in the treatment of genital herpes (HSV). Phytomedicine. 2000 Mar;7(1):1-6. doi: 10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80014-8. PMID: 10782483. (33) Huleihel M, Isanu V. Anti-herpes simplex virus effect of an aqueous extract of propolis. Isr Med Assoc J. 2002 Nov;4(11 Suppl):923-7. PMID: 12455181. (34) Nolkemper S, Reichling J, Sensch KH, Schnitzler P. Mechanism of herpes simplex virus type 2 suppression by propolis extracts. Phytomedicine. 2010 Feb;17(2):132-8. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.07.006. Epub 2009 Aug 13. PMID: 19682876. (35) Marchisio P, Esposito S, Bianchini S, Desantis C, Galeone C, Nazzari E, Pignataro L, Principi N. Effectiveness of a propolis and zinc solution in preventing acute otitis media in children with a history of recurrent acute otitis media. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2010 Apr-Jun;23(2):567-75. doi: 10.1177/039463201002300219. PMID: 20646352. (36) Al-Hariri M. Immune's-boosting agent: Immunomodulation potentials of propolis. J Family Community Med. 2019 Jan-Apr;26(1):57-60. doi: 10.4103/jfcm.JFCM_46_18. PMID: 30697106; PMCID: PMC6335834.