Propolis

TRADE NAMES

• A.P. Propolis
• Cigna Propol
• Creolin
• Enrico Rossi Propolis
• Brazilian Green Propolis
• Helixin
• Immu-Max
• Prop-A-Plex
• Proposanal
• PropoSpanal
• Tanac

Bees gather propolis, which resembles resin, from tree buds and bark. In addition to using it as a natural defense against parasites and predators, they use it to construct and repair their hives.

Propolis is gathered by some beekeepers from their hives and used medicinally. In addition to having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, propolis is high in antioxidants. It has been used to treat infections, wounds, ulcers, and conditions of the skin.


Propolis may help fight cancer and strengthen the immune system, according to some evidence. These potential health advantages will, however, need to be confirmed by additional research.

Consult your doctor before using propolis for medical purposes if you're interested. It's critical to pick a high-quality product and to stay away from those that have impurities.

When used as instructed, propolis is generally safe. Some individuals, though, might be allergic to it. Propolis should be stopped and a doctor should be consulted if any side effects occur.

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

The flavonoid content of propolis has been implicated in the majority of its pharmacologic effects.

• Microbial Resistance.

Propolis has antimicrobial activity, according to in vitro studies, against a range of bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, as well as some fungi. Propolis typically has a lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Gram-positive bacteria than for Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, propolis seems to work in concert with some antibiotics to combat specific bacteria.

• Inflammation-reducing effects.

Studies on animals and in vitro indicate that propolis may have anti-inflammatory properties. An in vitro study discovered that an ethanolic extract of propolis was more potent than the NSAID diclofenac at reducing the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).

• occurrence of cancer.
  Studies on animals and in vitro indicate that propolis may have anticancer properties. An ethanolic extract of Brazilian green propolis, according to one in vitro study, caused human leukemia cells to undergo apoptosis. An ethanolic extract of Russian black propolis, according to results of another in vitro experiment, prevented the growth of human hepatoma cells. Brazilian green propolis inhibits lung cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis, according to animal studies.
  immune system function.
  Studies on animals and in vitro indicate that propolis may have immune system-stimulating properties. An ethanolic extract of Brazilian green propolis was found to increase interleukin-12 (IL-12) production in human monocytes in an in vitro experiment. Russian black propolis methanolic extract was found to boost the production of natural killer (NK) cells, according to another in vitro study. Brazilian green propolis has been shown in animal studies to boost the production of IL-4, IL-10, and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), as well as the quantity of macrophages and T lymphocytes.
  
  
• Wound healing activity.
  According to studies on animals, propolis may aid in the healing of wounds. According to one study, propolis-containing ointment helped rats with experimental burns heal more quickly. A cream made of propolis and honey, according to a different study, helped rats' skin wounds heal faster.
• Antioxidant Activity
  Antioxidant activity in propolis has been demonstrated in vitro. Propolis is thought to have antioxidant properties because of its flavonoid content.
  
  

CLINICAL STUDIES

The authors came to the conclusion that 5% propolis once daily intranasal spray is a successful treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis.

In 60 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, a once-daily intranasal spray containing 5% propolis was tested for effectiveness in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

34 patients received treatment for 4 weeks, and they were assessed at the beginning, 2, and 4 weeks. The Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) score change from baseline to week four was the main outcome measure. Changes in nasal symptoms (measured using a visual analog scale), daily medication use, and peak expiratory flow rate were considered secondary outcome measures.

At week 4, the mean RQLQ score fell in the propolis group by 1.94 points and in the placebo group by 0.77 points (P=0.002). In the propolis group, the mean VAS score for nasal symptoms dropped by 2.00, while in the placebo group, it dropped by 0.79 (P=0.002). In the propolis group, the mean daily medication use decreased by 0.54 puffs, whereas in the placebo group, it decreased by 0.19 puffs (P=0.048). Peak expiratory flow rate did not significantly differ between the groups.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

A byproduct of bee hive activity is propolis. It is made of beeswax and bee saliva combined with plant resins and waxes. One can take propolis as medicine.

There isn't enough solid scientific evidence to support the use of propolis for treating conditions like eye inflammation, cold sores, canker sores, and other mouth and throat infections.

Propolis is also used as an immune system stimulant and antioxidant. Additionally, it is employed as a mouthwash to avoid dental plaque.

Treatment of prostatitis, stomach ulcers, Crohn's disease, bladder infections, skin wounds, and burns are among its additional uses.

Propolis is used as a flavoring in both food and drink.

For cold sores, psoriasis, acne, and eczema, propolis is sometimes applied topically.

Propolis is produced for use in cosmetics.

SIDE EFFECTS

People who are allergic to bees or bee products may experience an allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis) after consuming propolis. Before taking propolis, be sure to consult your doctor if you have any allergies.

The safety of taking propolis while you are expecting or nursing is not well-established enough. Avoid use to be on the safe side.

DOSING CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROPOLIS

The right amount of propolis to take depends on a number of variables, including the user's age, health, and other conditions. An appropriate dose range for propolis cannot currently be determined due to a lack of scientific data. Keep in mind that dosages can be crucial and that natural products aren't always safe. Prior to using, make sure to read and follow all applicable instructions on product labels and speak with your pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare professional.

For cold sores: Five times a day for five days, a 3% propolis ointment was used. It has also been used to apply 2% cream six times per day for ten days, 4% cream three times per day for seven days, and a 1.5% propolis lip balm.

For canker sores: The patient applied a gel containing 0.2% triethyl citrate and 0.5% propolis four times per day for five days, or until the patient's symptoms disappeared, whichever came first.

For preventing dental plaque: 0For four weeks,.2 mL of a 2% (20 mg/mL) propolis extract solution in water was used as a mouthwash once daily for 30 seconds, swished, and then spit out.

For gingivitis: A 1% propolis extract in glycerin has been applied to the gums three times daily for 2 weeks.

For gum inflammation after dental surgery: A The gums have received four daily applications of 3% propolis ointment for seven days.

For sore throat: For four days,.2 mL of a 2% (20 mg/mL) alcohol-free propolis extract solution in water was gargled three times a day and then swallowed. Additionally, a 200 mg lozenge of dried propolis was taken four times per day for five days.
For stomach ulcers: For eight weeks, 500 mg of propolis extract in capsule form was taken three times per day.

For Crohn’s disease: For four weeks, 3 grams of powdered propolis were taken orally three times per day on an empty stomach.

For bladder infections: For one week, 500 mg of propolis extract in capsule form were taken four times per day.

For skin wounds and burns: The affected area has received two to three applications of a 0.5% to 2% propolis ointment or cream per day until it has recovered. Topical applications of a gel containing 0.5% propolis, 10% glycerin, and 1% carbomer 940 have been made for up to 21 days.

For skin inflammation due to radiation therapy: Topical applications of a gel containing 0.5% propolis, 10% glycerin, and 1% carbomer 940 have been made for up to 21 days.