Propolis (english Ver)

Propolis

By Gene Bruno, MS, MHS – Dean of Academics, Huntington College of Health Sciences. Posted May 4, 2011

The common honey bee is a fascinating little insect that offers us humans some valuable natural foods with health-promoting benefits. These “super foods” include propolis.

Propolis

Propolis is a resinous substance collected from various plants by bees. It is used in the construction of, and to seal the cracks in, the bee hive. For this reason, propolis is often referred to as “bee glue.” It is a mixture of resin, essential oils and waxes, and also contains amino acids, minerals, ethanol, vitamin A, B complex, E, and flavonoids.[1] In addition to its construction adhesive application, propolis also has antimicrobial properties, which helps to prevents microorganisms from entering the hive and causing illness.

Antibacterial/antifungal activity

In-vitro (i.e., “test tube”) research has demonstrated that propolis has significant antibacterial activity, and also helps to reduce oxidation potential.[2] Other research has also verified that the growth of bacteria (particularly Gram-positive bacteria) is inhibited by propolis.[3] [4] [5] In addition to its antibacterial properties, propolis has also been found to have antifungal effects against Candida albicans.[6] Furthermore, research has shown that propolis has specific antibacterial activity against several strains isolated from patients with infections in their upper respiratory tracts.[7]

Dental research

Some interesting dental studies have also been conducted on the value of propolis, including its antibacterial properties. In one study, propolis was found to inhibit certain enzymes and bacteria that are chief culprits in the formation of dental caries (cavities).[8] Other research on propolis has also demonstrated a similar antibacterial effect, including a reduction of bacteria in saliva.[9]

Another dental-related value of propolis is its desensitizing properties for teeth. In one study, propolis was administered to 26 women over a period of four weeks. The women were tested for teeth sensitivity by two methods: 1) cold air stimuli, and 2) subjective reporting of pain. Eighty five percent of the subjects in this study reported that they were highly satisfied; the propolis had significant desensitizing effects on their sensitive teeth.[10]

Anti-viral activity

Besides its antibacterial properties, propolis has also demonstrated significant antiviral propertiesCparticularly where cold viruses are concerned. For example, in one study, preschool and school children were treated with propolis during the cold season. Favorable effects of propolis treatment were observed, including a lowering of the number of cases common cold with acute or chronic symptoms, and decrease and suppression of the viruses and other microbes in the upper airways.[11] Other research demonstrated that propolis was effective in shortening the duration of a cold. Specifically, regression of symptoms occurred in the first day of propolis therapy, and the complete recovery followed in 1 day in 5 patients, in 2 day in16, and in 3 day in 3. The placebo group had full recovery in 4.80 days. In the propolis-treated group the symptoms lasted 2.5 time shorter than in placebo one.[12]

Propolis also has promising antiviral properties against herpes viruses.[13] In-vitro research has shown that propolis has activity against herpes simplex virus type 1, reducing viral activity and replication.[14] Other in-vitro research has also shown that the flavonoids found in propolis caused a reduction of intracellular replication of herpes‑virus strains.[15]

Finally, in one in-vitro study propolis was found to suppress the replication of HIV‑1 virus, as well as modulate immune responses.[16]
Two to four tablets of propolis daily are typically used.

References:

1. Mahmoud AS, Almas K, Dahlan AA, Indian journal of dental research (1999) 10(4):130‑7.
2. Drago L, et al, Journal of chemotherapy (2000) 12(5):390‑5.
3. Kobayashi N, et al, In vivo (2001) 15(1):17‑23.
4. Marcucci MC, et al, Journal of ethnopharmacology (2001) 74(2):105‑12.
5. Grange JM, Davey RW, Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (1990) 83(3):159‑60.
6. Koo H, et al, Archives of oral biology (2000) 45(2):141‑8.
7. Focht J, et al, Arzneimittel‑Forschung (1993) 43(8):921‑3.
8. Park YK, et al, Current microbiology (1998) 36(1):24‑8.
9. Steinberg D, Kaine G, Gedalia I, American journal of dentistry (1996) 9(6):236‑9.
10. Mahmoud AS, Almas K, Dahlan AA, Indian journal of dental research (1999) 10(4):130‑7.
11. Crisan I, et al, Romanian journal of virology (1995) 46(3‑4):115‑33.
12. Szmeja Z, et al, The Polish otolaryngology (1989) 43(3):180‑4.
13. Esanu V, Virologie (1981) 32(1):57‑77.
14. Amoros M, et al, Journal of natural products (1994) 57(5):644‑7.
15. Debiaggi M, et al, Microbiologica (1990) 13(3):207‑13.
16. Harish Z, et al, Drugs under experimental and clinical research (1997) 23(2):89‑96

source :http://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/nhri/?p=5308

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