Propolis

6 Propolis Benefits: The Brain-Boosting Nutrient That Comes from Bees

Bees are dedicated workers that make more than just honey.

Often called “bee glue,” propolis is a protective resin that lines beehives. It contains over 300 natural compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and healthy flavonoids, and is highly regarded for its ability to enrich brain health and provide immune support.

The word propolis comes from the ancient Greek words “pro-” (at the entrance) and “polis” (community or city); thus, bee propolis stands for the protection of the beehive or community.

Six Health Benefits of Bee Propolis

Research indicates that propolis offers many powerful health benefits.

Propolis is a highly absorbent extract with helpful medicinal properties capable of treating a variety of ailments.

Promotes Improved Cognitive Function

This natural extract supports the development of nerve tissue and provides protection for optimal brain health.

It has been clinically shown to increase the amount of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which is responsible for the growth of new brain cells and the resilience of current ones.

Supports Healthy Inflammation Response*

Propolis can reduce high levels of oxidative stress and detoxify the body. It cultivates natural energy for a balanced and active lifestyle.

Boosts Antioxidant Levels

Our environmental and lifestyle choices can alter our levels of free radicals.

Consuming a lot of foods high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can lower your antioxidant levels.

Continued exposure to cigarette smoke, alcohol, cleaning chemicals, and air pollution can spike your levels of free radicals.

Bee propolis contains helpful antioxidants to battle free radicals and prevents the impairment of bodily functions.

Protects Oral Health

Propolis offers antifungal properties.

It enhances oral hygiene and fights cavities by destroying bacteria and decreasing swelling around the gums.

It helps naturally soothe sore throats and reduce oral cavity infections.

Clinical trials with bee propolis indicated that it improved mouth ulcers and quality of life in over 100 participants.

Supports Wound Healing

Propolis can speed up wound healing time and help prevent infection and scarring

During the Boer War in South Africa in the late 1800s, propolis was sometimes used to regenerate tissue and treat combat wounds.

Boosts the Immune System

Propolis helps support body defenses by improving immunity to allergies.

It helps relax body reactions to seasonal allergies such as pollen, hay fever, and other common allergies.

It is suggested that propolis creates a harmonious and antiseptic environment, prohibiting the growth of bacteria. It helps shorten sore throat symptoms and can prevent colds.

Aids with Skin Healing

Applying propolis-based salves can be a therapeutic remedy for skin irritation and soothing minor burns.

Clinical trials suggest that applying propolis-based ointments can help relieve symptoms of cold sores and genital herpes.

Propolis extract triggers a growth response in body tissue, which helps skin heal more efficiently.

Bee Propolis Side Effects

Bee propolis is a safe nutrient-rich resin that may cause side effects, such as an allergic reaction.

It should be avoided if you are allergic to bees or bee products.

It has the potential to thin the blood, so it is not recommended for individuals taking blood thinners.

The likelihood of having contact dermatitis is greater for those who are sensitive to bee products.

Consult a healthcare professional before the use of propolis products. They can help provide other alternatives if you have experienced allergic reactions to honey, pollen, or other bee-related products.

Yamada Bee Farm Ⓡ

The leading manufacturer for bee propolis, along with many other bee products, is Yamada Bee Farm, located in Japan.

The folks over at Yamada Bee Farm are experts in apiculture (the art of beekeeping) and have transformed the many gifts that bees offer into health solutions for people around the world.

Even better, they are extremely conscientious about the care of their bees and the protection of bees against threats to their survival.

Yamada Bee Farm has high standards of quality and has even opened its own research institute, the Institute for Bee Products & Human Health.

Nutrients for Healthy Brain Function

Because many bodily functions are interconnected, they all play a role in regulating immune support for optimal brain health.

Propolis products are helpful and nutritious substances to improve cognitive function. This powerful ingredient offers many healing properties to greatly enhance brain health.

Are you looking for helpful nutrients to improve brain performance?

Always seek out pure and natural memory-boosting ingredients to include in your daily wellness routine.

BeeVital are World-Leaders in the Development of Propolis Products

World-Leaders in Propolis Research and Product Development

James Fearnley CEO of BeeVital has been researching the medicinal properties of propolis for over 30 years and has published two key works in English:

Propolis in Oral Health was co-authored with leading UK dentists Dr Philip Wander and Dr Munir Ravalia. James has also contributed to over 30 peer review scientific papers about propolis.

Building an International Movement

Apiceutical Research Centre Following breakthrough research into the relationship between the chemical and biological properties of propolis influenced by local climate and flora James created ARC Apiceutical Research Centre to explore the medicinal properties of all the bee products (apiceuticals) and to focus on sustainable beekeeping. International Propolis Research Group James founded the IPRG – International Propolis Research Group in 2016. IPRG organises international conferences about propolis bringing together researchers from round the globe to share research into this remarkable product.

Setting International Standards James represents the UK on the International Standards Organisation Bee Products committee (ISO/TC 34/SC 19). This committee sets global standards for propolis and all the other bee products. Building the BeeArc Working with the honeybee for over 30 years has led James to a much deeper understanding of the meaning and purpose of the honeybee including its relevance and importance for human beings especially in the medicinal field but also in many other ways. It is because of this wider understanding that James is planning the construction in North Yorkshire of The BeeArc – The Nature of the Future. This £7 million project will include the development of a Discovery Centre, Research Centre, and Sustainable Village Model.

Partnerships with UK Universities

James has over the last 20 years developed working partnerships with many leading UK Universities including Oxford, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds Becket, John Moore’s (Liverpool), York, Bradford and Strathclyde.

University of Oxford BeeVital’s research work began in 1996 with ground-breaking work at the University of Oxford (with Professor Philip Calder) looking at the anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties of propolis. University of Strathclyde BeeVital’s research work took a major step forward in 2004 when BeeVital were awarded a UK government’s first Smart Award for natural product research. The University of Strathclyde took the lead in this work which has produced over 25 peer reviewed papers exploring many aspects of the mechanism and function of propolis. Leeds Beckett University BeeVital is reaching the end of a 4-year PhD project at Leeds Becket University. The research has focussed on the synergistic effects of propolis and antibiotics. We believe this research shows promise in making a significant contribution to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Bradford University

This 15 years collaboration has supported the research and development base of BeeVital especially in the area of patent development and the development of unique product formulations.

This collaboration has been led by Professor Anant Paradkar, Director of the Pharmaceutical Engineering Science Department at the university. He has brought decades of research related to understanding and expressing the function and mechanism of natural products and is a world leader in understanding the multiple functions of turmeric.

Global BeePharma Project Research linking the unique chemicals collected by the honeybees in specific climatic zones has led to the discovery of a relationship between local disease in human beings and the biological properties of propolis from those regions. This startling discovery led to a 2 year research project in 5 African countries exploring links between specific diseases and the biological properties of propolis in those areas.

The BeeVital Team

At BeeVital itself James is building a research and development team and laboratory committed to novel ethical research and the development of science-based product formulations.

Professor Anant Paradkar

BeeVital Director of Research and Business Development

Anant is also Director of the Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Science at the University of Bradford and brings a lifetime of expertise to working with both bee products and other important natural products like Turmeric.

Dr Shankar Katekhaye

BeeVital Director of Research and Quality

Shankar graduated in Pharmacy with a Masters in Natural Products & holds a doctorate in Phytochemistry & Pharmacognosy. Shankar undertakes research into the biological activity of propolis and manages BeeVital’s quality control system Shankar has been responsible for developing the company’s in-house laboratory which is now able to offer analytical services and contract research in the field of apiceuticals.

Delivering quality medicine is at the heart or Shankar’s ethos, bringing together traditional knowledge and cutting-edge research. Shankar has been instrumental in taking forward product development in apiceuticals (medicines from the beehive) and also products combining the power of apiceuticals with herbal ingredients.

Dr Munir Ravalia

BeeVital’s Director of Dental Research

Munir brings 20 years of dental experience and research to his work with propolis as a potentially major new contributor to dental health .

Munir has published the most recent scientific review of the use of propolis in oral health.

Expanding the Research Team

BeeVital have just been awarded a £180K research grant (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) to develop products able to help combat the increasing global problem of antibiotic resistance.

Development of Innovative Evidence-Based Products

Over 25 years of research activity has enabled BeeVital to develop many innovative evidenced based products which include:

Patented Water Soluble Propolis Combining the resinous quality of propolis into other natural products has always been a challenge. BeeVital have developed a water-soluble product with additional de-odorization qualities which can be combined much more easily with a wide variety of formulations. Propolis Oral Patch Working with the university of Bradford, BeeVital have developed a prototype for a propolis impregnated patch able to stick to the oral mucosa whilst slowly releasing its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory propolis chemicals. BeeVital is now looking for major funding to develop this product commercially.

Propolis B-Gel

This is a ground-breaking oral healthcare product. Its formulation harnesses the power of nanotechnology to create a bio-adhesive gel for targeted action in the mouth.

B-Gel – Developed by BeeVital

Propolis is naturally antiseptic and antibacterial. It’s full of antioxidant flavonoids, chemicals found in plants and trees which provide a wide range of health benefits.

Dr Shankar Katekhaye explains “Propolis based bio-adhesive gel is a ground-breaking nanotechnology-based product, scientifically formulated for its targeted action. The natural ingredients such as mint help to reduce gingivitis & dental plaque. Propolis has antibacterial & anticaries properties, especially Pinocembrin which acts as an agent against the cariogenic (causing tooth decay) bacteria Streptococcus mutans.”

Propolis Syrup with Elderberry & Honey

This propolis syrup was formulated by the team led by Dr. Shankar Katekhaye. It contains ingredients specially selected for their specific properties which support health. Instead of masking symptoms, it helps your body to defend itself. It’s proved popular, especially in the winter months but is a good year-round support for your immune system and general health. This unique product contains an evidenced based combination of propolis and key active herbal products.

Processing Propolis Part II

By: Ross Conrad

In last month’s Bee Culture article we looked at the origins of propolis; how it is produced and used by honey bees; and how beekeepers can harvest and process propolis into various medicinal forms for market. This month we’ll explore the potent medicinal properties of this product from the hive that is among the most powerful antimicrobial compounds found in nature. Also included is just a small sampling of references to scientific research that backs up many of the medicinal and therapeutic claims made with regard to propolis.

Use of propolis for healing and health by humans has a long history, predated only by the discovery of honey. Propolis is one of the few natural products that has maintained popularity for a long time, although it is not considered a therapeutic agent by the conventional allopathic medical establishment.

Throughout their 6,000 year civilization, the Egyptians used propolis medicinally as well as for the mummification of cadavers. The ancient Greeks used propolis to speed up the healing of wounds and Aristotle recommended it for all afflictions of the skin. The Roman legionnaires reportedly carried small amounts of propolis with them into battle, not only to help speed up wound healing but for its analgesic (numbing) properties. The Incas used propolis for infections. During the Boer War, the British used it to keep wounds from becoming infected. Throughout history, propolis has played an important role in veterinary medicine since many of the human uses for propolis are applicable to animals.

Unlike some anti-microbial compounds, propolis exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria and fungi. (Melliou 2004, Grange 1990) This may be why propolis is reported to have been identified as one of the ingredients in the wood finish of Stradivarius violins built in the 17th and 18th century. Today the evidence suggests that the activity of propolis against microorganisms appears to be more related to the synergistic effect of flavonoids (and other compounds) than to any individual compound that may be extracted from propolis. This is probably why modern medicine does not take advantage of the benefits of propolis: it is a natural product available inexpensively to anyone with access to bees, and does not contain a single active ingredient that can be extracted, patented and sold for a lot of money.

Antibacterial

Since propolis is composed primarily of tree resins collected by honey bees, the properties and thus medicinal qualities of propolis will vary with the geographic location where honey bee colonies are located. While all propolis has been found to exhibit antibacterial properties, propolis from wet-tropical rain forest-type climates have shown the highest antibacterial activity. (Seidel, 2008) It makes sense that trees growing in hot, wet climates will have the greatest amount and variety of bacteria to fight off and, through evolution, have developed the world’s most powerful antibacterial tree resins to get the job done.

Antifungal

In 2011 propolis was tested with 40 yeast strains of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, and Trichosporon spp. (Koç 2011) Propolis inhibited the growth C. albicans, C. glabrata, Trichosporon spp., and Rhodotorula sp. and the most sensitive strain was Rhodotorula spp. The most resistant strain was C. Albicans. When it comes to wound healing, propolis from USA, Australia, and Turkey have all been found to have strong antifungal activity and aid wound healing. (Sonmez 2005)

Anti-viral

Both aqueous and ethanol extracts of propolis have been tested against the herpes virus and results indicate that it may help when used as a topical application against cold sores. (Schnitzler, 2009) Meanwhile studies have indicated that Brazilian propolis possess anti-influenza virus activity and ameliorated influenza symptoms in mice making it a possible candidate for an anti-influenza dietary supplement for humans (Shimizu, 2008). This suggests that propolis may speed the recovery from colds or flu by stimulating the immune system.

Antioxidant Activity

Cell damage can result when oxidation, the chemical reaction known to produce free radicals occurs. Antioxidants inhibit the oxidation of molecules and it turns out that propolis contains some powerful antioxidants. Of three bee products examined in 2009 (propolis, pollen, and royal jelly), propolis exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than even pollen, (Nakajima, 2009) and one component, Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), may be responsible for the majority of the antioxidant activity of propolis. (Chen, 2009)

AntiCancer Activity

Research on mice indicates that propolis may be able to help with over 70% of human cancer cases. (Messerli, 2009) Mexican propolis possess a strong antiproliferative activity on cancer cell lines. Alcohol based propolis tincture contains components that may prevent colon cancer. (Ishihara, 2009) Propolis shows promise as a chemotherapeutic agent as well as preventive agent against prostate cancer. (Hernandez 2007, Li 2007)

The use of propolis does not necessarily have to mean the abandonment of conventional chemotherapy or radiation therapy typical of conventional cancer treatment. In fact, it appears that propolis may be beneficial when taken in conjuction with standard cancer treatments, acting synergistically to increase the anti-cancer activity of chemotherapy agents, while at the same time it can help patients with the unpleasant side effects of chemo and radiation therapies. (Orsolić, 2005)

Synergy with Antibacterial Drugs

Alcohol based propolis has shown significant antimicrobial activity towards strains of Staphylococcus spp. and S. aureus, including strains of “superbugs” that are resistant to conventional antibiotic treatment. Propolis can also enhance the effects of many antibiotics by acting synergistically with antibiotic treatments to kill more bacteria in unison, than when either antibiotics or propolis are used alone. Among the antibiotics that researchers have shown to have increased antimicrobial effect by acting synergistically with propolis are ampicillin, gentamycin, streptomycin, netilmicin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, ceftriaxon and vancomycin. [Fernandez (2005), Scazzocchio (2006)]

It is important to note that whenever propolis it taken internally, it will tend to be fully metabolized by the body after eight hours. For best results, it is important to spread out therapeutic dosages and take them three times a day at a minimum. Taking propolis four times a day is preferred (every six hours) if possible.

Dental Benefits

The powerful antimicrobial benefits of propolis make it a potential tool in countering bacteria that effect cavities, gingivitis, and may help prevent infection during root canals or other dental procedures. [(Koru (2007), Hayacibara (2005), Al-Shaher (2004), Duailibe (2007)] Based upon experiments with rabbits, a dose of 0.012 g/kg, propolis is estimated to exhibit anesthetic properties that is three times that of cocaine and 5.2 times higher than procaine (novocaine). (Prokopovitch, 1957) Propolis is applied topically to the treatment area when used as an anesthetic, but may be used both topically and internally when utilized for its antibiotic/antibacterial properties.

Possible Negative Effects

As noted above, propolis is safe to use in combination with allopathic medicine (antibiotics, chemo-therapy, vaccines) and may in some instances, increase the effectiveness of the drugs taken. However, all treatments have potential side effects and while propolis appears to be generally safe and without serious side effects for most people, a small number of folks have expressed sensitivity to this hive product. While propolis sensitivity is rare and generally expresses itself as dermatitis, it quickly resolves itself without long-term impacts once propolis intake is discontinued. In large therapeutic doses, propolis can cause diarrhea for some people.

For more information about the medicinal benefits and uses of propolis or any of the products from the hive, contact the American Apitherapy Society (AAS)

References:

Al-Shaher, A., et al., (2004) Effect of Propolis on Human Fibroblasts From The Pulp and Periodontal Ligament, Journal of Endodontics; 30(5):359-61

Chen, Y.J., et al., (2009) Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester, an Antioxidant From Propolis, Protects Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Competitive Cyclists Against Hyperthermal Stress, Journal of Food Science; 74(6):H162-7

Duailibe, S.A., Gonçalves, A.G., Ahid, F.J., (2007) Effect of a Propolis Extract on Streptococcus Mutans Counts in Vivo, Journal of Applied Oral Science; 15(5):420-3

Fernandez, J.A., et. al., (2005) Propolis: Anti-Staphylococcus Aureus Activity and Synergism with Antimicrobial Drugs, Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz; 100(5):563-6. Epub

Grange JM, Davey RW, (1990) Antibacterial properties of propolis (bee glue) Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine; 83:159–160. [PubMed]

Hayacibara, MF., et al., (2005) In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Isolated Fractions of Brazilian Propolis on Caries Development, Journal of Ethnopharmacology; 101(1-3):110-115

Hernandez, J.A, (2007), Sonoran Propolis: Chemical Composition and Antiproliferative Activity on Cancer Cell Lines, Planta Medica; 73(14):1469-74. [PubMed]

Ishihara, M., (2009) Alcohol based propolis tincture contains components that may prevent colon cancer – Growth Inhibitory Activity of Ethanol Extracts of Chinese and Brazilian Propolis in Four Human Colon Carcinoma Cell Lines, Oncology Reports; 22(2):349-54

Koç, A. N., et al., (2011) Antifungal activity of the honeybee products against Candida spp. and Trichosporon spp, Journal of Medicinal Food, vol. 14, no. 1-2, pp. 128–134.

Koru, O., et al., (2007) In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Propolis Samples From Different Geographical Origins Against Certain Oral Pathogens, Anaerobe; 13(3-4):140-5 Epub

Li, H., (2007) Propolis extract had a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human prostate cancer cells. – Antiproliferation of Human Prostate Cancer Cells by Ethanolic Extracts of Brazilian Propolis and its Botanical Origin, International Journal of Oncology; 31(3):601-6

Melliou, E., Chinou, I., (June 2004) Chemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Greek Propolis, Planta Medica; 70(6):515-19. DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-827150

Messerli, SM, (2009) Artepillin C. (ARC) in Brazilian Green Propolis Selectively Blocks Oncogenic PAK1 Signaling and Suppresses the Growth of NF Tumors in Mice, Phytotherapy Research; 23(3): 423-427

Nakajima, Y, (2009) Comparison of Bee Products Based on Assays of Antioxidant Capacities, BMC Complementary Alternative Medecine; 26:9:4

Orsolić N, Basić I., (2005) Antitumor, Hematostimulative and Radioprotective Action of Water-Soluble Derivative of Propolis (WSDP), Biomedicine Pharmacotherapy; 59(10):561-70

Prokopovich N.N. (1957) Propolis a new anaesthetic, Vrach. Delo 10, 1077–1080 (in Russian).

Scazzocchio, F., et al., (2006) Multifactorial Aspects of Antimicrobial Activity of Propolis, Microbiology Research, 2006; 161(4):327-33.

Schnitzler, P., et al., (2009) Antiviral Activity and Mode of Action of Propolis Extracts and Selected Compounds, Phytotherapy Research, (http://Pubmed.gov)

Seidel, V., et al., (September 2008) Comparative Study of the Antibacterial Activity of Propolis From Different Geographical and Climatic Zones, Phytotherapy Research; 22(9):1256-63. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2480

Shimizu, T., et al., (2008) Anti-Influenza Virus Activity of Propolis in Vitro and its Efficacy Against Influenza Infection in Mice, Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy; 19(1):7-13

Sonmez, S., et. Al., (2005) The effect of Bee Propolis on Oral Pathogens and Human Gingival Fibroblasts, Journal of Ethnopharmacology,; 102(3):371-6. Epub DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2005.06.035

Ross Conrad is the author of Natural Beekeeping: Organic Approaches to Modern Apiculture, 2nd Edition.

Eric Carter

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