Presentation
Propolis, like honey, is a natural product of the beehive.
It is composed of 50% resin, 30% wax, 10% essential oils, 5% pollen and more than 300 other compounds, including vitamins, minerals, trace elements and antioxidants.
There are 3 varieties according to their geographical and botanical origin: brown, red and green, each with different immunomodulating properties.
Brown or black propolis is antibacterial and antifungal. The Egyptians used it to mummify their pharaoh.
Red propolis is very antiviral and anti-inflammatory and green propolis is anti-tumour and antioxidant.
It has therefore a wide spectrum of action for all the pathologies related to the immunity.
Green propolis from Brazil is the one whose properties have been most studied.
Properties
- Anti-inflammatory
- Bactericidal
- Fungicidal
- Hepatoprotective
- Cicatrizant
- Anti-ulcer
- Anti-caries
- Anaesthetic
- Antiviral
- Antiprotozoal
- Cicatrizant
- Tissue regeneration
- Antiseptic
- Hypotensive
- Immune system stimulator
- Inhibition of tumour cell proliferation
Indications
It owes its benefits to its natural bioactive ingredients.
Its action goes far beyond disinfection.
It is also recognised as an antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-plaque agent.
Respiratory infections, bronchitis, laryngitis, colds, angina, fever, cough, sore throat, flu or feverish conditions of viral origin are cured with propolis.
During a viral infection, the virus attaches itself to the cell and sends its genetic material to be duplicated. After cell lysis, a new cohort of viruses is released into the body.
Propolis prevents the release of viruses and their multiplication.
Children with rhinitis had their symptoms disappear after 4 days of using propolis nasal spray, 3 times a day.
Skin care
Propolis is recognised in dermatology for its disinfecting and healing properties.
It is therefore widely used in the treatment of skin pathologies.
In the case of acne, antibiotics are often used to suppress the germ responsible for the inflammation of the sebaceous glands.
Due to the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, it is an effective alternative for the treatment of acne.
After 15 days of application of a cream containing 20% propolis, 3% essential tea tree oil and 10% aloe vera, erythema, papular and scarring lesions were significantly reduced.
In second-degree burns, the application of a propolis-based cream shows better efficacy in terms of inflammation and wound healing than a silver sulfadiazine-based drug.
Similarly, wound ointments work wonders in healing and closing wounds such as pressure sores, diabetic foot or even herpes.
The reason for this is the stimulation of collagen synthesis and its anti-inflammatory effect.
The mouth is home to a rich bacterial flora. An excess or imbalance of this flora can lead to various conditions such as gingivitis, plaque and tooth decay.
The antibacterial properties of propolis reduce the formation of plaque and protect against periodontitis.
Daily use of propolis mouthwash or to disinfect toothbrushes and toothpaste is a preventive solution for gingivitis, tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath).
It also has interesting properties for people with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers observed that taking 900 mg/day of propolis supplements for 12 weeks significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Has a positive effect on antioxidant protection. It prevents the hepatorenal damage observed in diabetics, as well as the phenomena of glycation and lipid oxidation, factors of accelerated ageing.
Propolis is effective against certain parasites. It reduces the adhesion to intestinal cells and the growth of Giardia intestinalis with a success rate of up to 60%.
In gastric ulcers, its use has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antacid and anti-Helicobacter pylori properties.
The antifungal activity of propolis has been compared with that of itraconazole (an antifungal drug) in patients with mycoses.
Propolis was found to be as effective as the drug without the side effects.
In diabetic patients suffering from recurrent vaginal fungal infections caused by Candida albicans, a 5% solution improved the quality of smears and relieved discomfort due to its anaesthetic properties.
The different forms
The importance of organic and preserved propolis
Propolis is naturally very lipophilic. This means that it easily absorbs fat-soluble substances such as pesticides and heavy metals. Laboratories are expected to provide analyses on request.
Also, for reasons of quality and purity, it is preferable to choose propolis of organic origin, harvested in boxes, rather than supers. These can be oxidised, contain impurities and more wax than propolis.
As far as geographical origin is concerned, France, but also Romania, offer quality propolis.
Propolis extraction and its consequences
Pure propolis is obtained after purification of wax or by extraction. It is present in different forms depending on the process used:
- Solid forms (purified propolis paste for capsules or powder): obtained by extraction with alcohol or other solvent + centrifugation to separate the pure propolis from the wax and part of the resin. The compounds extracted are particularly interesting for the immune system (especially flavonoids and polyphenols).
- The liquid form with alcohol: the propolis is macerated in alcohol and the residues (wax + a resinous part) are filtered. A concentrated propolis is thus obtained. It contains the same compounds as the solid form.
- The oily form: it is extracted with oil. This type of extraction recovers collagen and elastin. This form is ideal for wound and skin care.
- The aqueous form: Propolis extracted with water is not interesting. In fact, its components are lipophilic, i.e. they are soluble in fats (or alcohol). Water does not extract the beneficial molecules from propolis.
Contraindications
It has no toxicity limit.
However, as a precaution against sensitivity to bee products, it is preferable to limit the use of propolis to cures of 3 weeks to a maximum of 3 months.
In some cases, the use of propolis is not recommended:
- Allergy to bee products, honey, pollen, bee stings
- Asthma: propolis can increase asthma attacks
- Taking anticoagulants
- Avoid before surgery: propolis is thought to increase clotting time
- For pregnant women, during pregnancy and breast-feeding: there is no reliable data
- Children under 3 years of age
Side Effects
May be associated with an allergic reaction to bee products: asthma, hives, respiratory or mild renal insufficiency.
Interactions with other medicines
No interactions.
However, there may be a risk of cross-allergy to balsam poplar, tiger balm or Peru balsam preparations.
Dosage and administration
Internal use:
- Dry extract: 200 to 1000 mg daily. Take capsules preferably on an empty stomach.
- Tincture: 50 drops up to 3 times daily.
Solutions:
- 30 drops daily is recommended for prevention of colds and flu.
External use:
- Glycolic extract: 5% in phytocosmetics