Propolis: properties, benefits and contraindications

Propolis is produced by bees: it is made up of a resinous substance which coats the hives and protects them from external agents such as moulds, fungi, bacteria and insects .

Like honey and royal jelly , propolis is also produced by bees : it is made up of a resinous substance which coats the hives and protects them from external agents such as moulds, fungi, bacteria and insects.

It is no coincidence that its name means “in front of the city” (from the Greek “pro” and “polis”): it describes the function for which it is used, that is to defend the hive .

Bees use this substance both for its biological properties (antibacterial and antifungal) and to close holes and cracks, to repair the combs and strengthen their thin edges, as a thermal insulator and to repair the hive from drafts, to restrict the access points to the nest in order to avoid the entry of invaders and to prevent the decomposition of the corpses of slain invaders, mummifying them.

Propolis, therefore, can boast countless characteristics and benefits , which make it a real panacea not only for the life of insects, but also for us human beings. In fact, most of the effects of propolis can be extremely useful in the treatment  of various ailments and problems of the body: from skin protection  to the well-being of the throat .

Insects collect it from plants , in temperate zones mainly from species belonging to the poplar genus , but also from:

• eucalyptus ;
• Birch;
• Beech tree;
• alder;
• oak ;
• willow ;
• horse chestnut ;
• cypress;
• pine and from various conifers;
• fruit trees;

The propolis is then partially digested thanks to the enzymes present in their saliva ( beta-glycosidases ).

Once combined with beeswax, it gives rise to a substance with an aromatic scent and a variable color from green to red, passing through brown and other shades.

Propolis is made up of:

resins	50%
Cera	30%
Essential oils	10%
Pollen	5%
Minerals and organic compounds, such as phenolic acids (e.g. cinnamic acid and caffeic acid) and their derivatives, flavonoids, terpenes, aldehydes and alcohols, fatty acids, stilbenes and beta-steroids	5%

Currently it is estimated that the substances present in propolis are more than 300. Among them, resins and volatile compounds are the products of various biological processes which take place in different parts of the plant.

By itself it has a firm, crumbly consistency , similar to that of wax, but when heated it becomes pliable and very sticky; for this reason propolis is also called “ bee glue ”.

To obtain it, it is necessary to immerse the walls of the hives in alcohol or to induce the bees to deposit the substance on sheets from which it can be detached more easily.

Washing in alcohol allows you to remove the wax and other waste substances and to obtain a propolis balm (or mother tincture ) rich in organic substances with antibacterial , antifungal, antiviral , anti-inflammatory , antioxidant properties , and more.

In fact, the substances present in propolis are also active against ulcers , act as immunostimulants and regulate the activity of the immune system , act as local anesthetics and spasmolytics, protect the liver , exert an antitumor action and fight the formation of caries.

All these and the other effects of propolis depend on its chemical composition and therefore on that of the vegetable substances from which it derives; this means that its biological activities are closely linked to its origin.

Furthermore, the chemical composition of propolis also depends on the season in which it is harvested , the species of bees that harvest it and the solvents used during the washing process.

The extraction of the propolis and the alcoholic preparations used to isolate and obtain the resin can vary not only the composition but also the quality  of the product . It is no coincidence, in fact, going to the pharmacy  or herbalist’s shop , to run into many types of products, all apparently similar to each other.

This extreme variability of the active ingredients present in propolis (such as pinocembrin and galangin ) is at least partly responsible for the scarce presence of propolis-based preparations among the remedies proposed by official Western medicine.

In fact, the standardization of the chemical composition is an indispensable requirement for a substance to be accepted by official medicine .

Nonetheless propolis is widely used as a natural remedy in folk medicine .

The activity

The action of propolis is similar to that of a broad spectrum antibiotic . Its effects include inhibition of the motility of bacteria and the activity of their enzymes, a bacteriostatic effect and, at high concentrations, a bactericidal action ; it also affects the state of the cytoplasmic membrane of microbes .

Among the bacteria on which its effectiveness has been tested are well-known germs such as:

• Escherichia coli , which can be associated, for example, with the appearance of gastrointestinal disorders and cystitis ;
• Helicobacter pylori , the bacterium associated with gastric ulcer and stomach cancer ;

This natural antibiotic acts on bacteria and fungi and its action depends on the concentration of microbiologically active substances.

The main one is galangin , which has antimicrobial activity. The higher its concentration in the preparations, the higher their effectiveness.

Propolis of European origin , obtained by bees from poplars, owes its antibacterial and antifungal properties above all to flavonoids and other polyphenols. In that of Brazilian origin, however, other substances seem to come into play, such as diterpenes .

But in addition to being an antibacterial, propolis is also an antiviral that acts on many strains of viruses , such as flu, colds and herpes . Those responsible for this action seem to be the flavonoids and vitamin C present in the substance.

Obviously, propolis should not be seen as a replacement therapy for antibiotics and antivirals, which remain the most effective weapon against infections . Conversely, propolis can be used to effectively combat the resulting symptoms, such as cough , sore throat  and gastroesophageal reflux  . In addition, it turns out to be ideal for a preventive action and a protective effect .

In this regard, read the in-depth analysis Seasonal ailments, keep them away in a natural way .

Why is it used

Man has been exploiting the properties of propolis for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt it was used to embalm corpses ; in fact it could be said that the Egyptians learned the art of embalming from bees.

Its first use for medical purposes was instead described by Aristotle. The Greeks and Romans used it for the treatment of wounds , as an antiseptic , as a healer and as a disinfectant of the oral cavity .

The Persians , on the other hand, used it as a remedy for eczema , myalgia and rheumatism and the Incas as an antipyretic agent .

Testimonies dating back to the 12th century describe the use of preparations based on this substance to treat tooth decay and infections of the throat and oral cavity. And in the 1600s it was used to treat wounds and to protect the skin in the absence of bandages .

In the former Soviet Union the use of propolis was accepted in both medicine and veterinary medicine and was proposed in the treatment of tuberculosis . And during the Second World War it was exploited to promote wound healing.

Today propolis represents a complementary remedy and an ingredient for food supplements used both for treatment purposes and as a preventive weapon in different parts of the world.

It is usually used in autumnal diseases and colds of the upper respiratory tract such as sore throat and colds, because it is able to damage and kill many bacteria and its effect is proportional to the concentration used. Propolis is also useful for finding relief  from the typical symptoms of seasonal flu, in the form of syrup  or candy . Perfect for relieving an itchy throat , which tends to cause discomfort and make the voice hum.

It is also widely used in the treatment of various disorders affecting the digestive system , such as:

• mucositis ( an inflammation of the lining of the mouth);
• in gastritis ;
• peptic ulcer disease ;
• ulcerative colitis ;

It is also used in the dermatological field , for example for the treatment of:

• ulcers;
• burns;
• afte;
• warts;
• atopic dermatitis ;
• psoriasis ;
• genital herpes;

Very often, propolis-based creams are used in daily skincare, in skin care and to combat cellulite . It is possible to find various types of products, often accompanied by other natural ingredients, such as aloe , with refreshing and emollient properties, and milk, with a moisturizing and rejuvenating action.

Gels with propolis are also used for the treatment of varicose veins , and to improve the circulation of the  superficial capillaries of the legs. Furthermore, it is considered a disinfectant and healing remedy .

It has the advantage of being broad-spectrum, i.e. of being effective on many types of pathogens and of not being subject to bacterial resistance .

How to use

The market offers various propolis-based products , which in some cases are combined with other ingredients from the hive, such as bee pollen and honey , or with essential oils or herbs (as in the case of hydroalcoholic propolis extract and echinacea ).

It can be used locally, with sprays to be sprayed at the level of the throat or systemically, in chewable tablets or liquid preparations , or in the form of drops , syrups , candies , chewing gums , creams and ointments.

Within a food supplement, the dry extract must be titrated in total flavonoids expressed as minimum 8% galangin and 300 to 500 mg should be taken a day away from meals .

Furthermore, propolis is an ingredient widely used by the cosmetic industry as well , which adds it to shampoos, conditioners, lotions, lip balms, toothpastes and even nail polishes.

It is not uncommon to find propolis extracts in detergents , shower gels, bath  and hygiene products . This is due to its protective effect on the skin , which finds an ally in fighting infections and attacks from external agents. In cosmetics , on the other hand, it is possible to find face masks and moisturizing creams , with a pleasant aroma and an unmistakable scent.

Finally, it is also used as an additive (both as a preservative and as a flavouring ).

Side effects

In general, propolis, even when taken orally, is considered a safe substance ; however its intake has been associated with possible side effects , in particular the appearance of gastrointestinal symptoms , convulsions and a suspicion of renal insufficiency .

In sensitive subjects it can cause dryness of the oral mucosa and pain or heartburn or diarrhea , which disappear with the suspension of the treatment.

In allergic subjects it can cause skin reactions and dermatitis which subside with the suspension of the treatment.

Because of these and other possible side effects, the use of propolis should be supervised by a doctor or an expert nutritionist. Although it is possible to find this supplement for sale even in supermarkets , without the need for a prescription, taking an excessive amount of propolis could lead to the onset of temporary ailments, such as those mentioned above. In particular, the dosage must be evaluated on the basis of the patient’s body weight  , as well as on the presence of allergies , on the frequency of digestive problems , and also on the conditions of the immune system.

Furthermore, the use of chewing gum, toothpastes, mouthwashes and other oral products can be associated with the appearance of:

• allergic stomatitis (sometimes also with ulcer formation)
• swelling of the lips and mouth
• eczema around the mouth
• respiratory difficulties
• cheilitis (an inflammation of the lips starting from the corners of the mouth).

Precautions

Like all substances containing bioflavonoids , propolis should not be used during pregnancy and lactation , and should not be given to children under one year of age .

It is also important to pay attention to the daily diet  : some foods and food supplements may contain traces of propolis, mainly used to flavor and improve the taste of herbal teas , sweets and throat candies .

Interactions

No interactions between propolis and other drugs have been found. However, especially if you have experienced side effects with other supplements in the past , such as intestinal disorders  or gastroesophageal reflux, it would be good to consult your doctor before taking propolis.