Bee propolis's therapeutic uses
Bee propolis is a natural substance made by bees, known for its potential therapeutic uses. Historically utilized for over 2,300 years, propolis has been applied to wounds due to its antiseptic properties, attributed to biologically active compounds called flavonoids. These compounds are thought to provide antimicrobial effects, which have prompted research into propolis’s efficacy against various health conditions. Propolis is available in numerous forms, including ointments, creams, tablets, and extracts, typically used topically or orally.
Studies suggest that propolis may accelerate healing for conditions like genital herpes and oral surgery recovery. It has shown promise in treating periodontal disease and may reduce cavities based on animal studies. Additionally, preliminary research indicates potential benefits for conditions like giardiasis and endometriosis, although more robust clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings. While propolis is considered safe for most, it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. As interest in propolis grows, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing investigations aim to explore its broader therapeutic applications, including its role in cancer prevention and immune system support.
Bee propolis's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural substance used as a supplement to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES:
•Topical: Genital herpes, oral surgery, skin wounds, tooth decay, vaginal infections
•Oral: Cancer prevention, giardiasis
Overview
Although honey is the most famous bee product of interest to humans, bees also make propolis, which humans have used for thousands of years. Bees coat their hives with propolis, similarly to how humans use paint and caulking on their homes. People began using propolis more than 2300 years ago for many purposes, the most popular of which was to fight infection by applying it to wounds. It is a resinous compound made primarily from tree sap, and it contains biologically active compounds called flavonoids, which come from its plant source. Propolis has antiseptic properties; the flavonoids in propolis may be responsible for its antimicrobial effects and other alleged health benefits.
Requirements and Sources
Propolis is available in a wide assortment of products found in pharmacies and health food stores, including tablets, capsules, powders, extracts, ointments, creams, lotions, and other cosmetics.
Therapeutic Dosages
Topical propolis ointments, creams, lotions, balms, and extracts are usually applied directly to the area being treated. However, it is not recommended to apply bee propolis directly to the eyes.
Propolis intended for oral use comes in a wide variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, and extracts. Because products vary so much, the proper dosage is best determined by following the directions on the label.
Therapeutic Uses
Test tube studies have found propolis to be active against a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoans. These findings have been the basis for most propolis research in humans and animals. The results of a small controlled study suggest that propolis cream might cause attacks of genital herpes to heal faster.
A preliminary controlled study found that propolis mouthwash following oral surgery significantly speeded healing time compared with a placebo. Propolis extracts may also have value in the treatment of severe periodontal disease, according to a study that evaluated the use of propolis extracts as part of an irrigation procedure performed twice-weekly by dentists.
In one study, rats given propolis in their drinking water developed fewer cavities than rats given regular water. However, no human studies have been performed. Animal studies also suggest that topical propolis may be of benefit in healing wounds.
One group of researchers compared a propolis extract against the standard antiprotozoal drug tinidazole in 138 people infected with the parasite giardiasis. The extract appeared to work about as well as the drug therapy.
Several clinical trials have tested the use of propolis for eye infections and vaginal infections. However, these were poorly designed; better trials are necessary before propolis can be determined to be effective for treating any of these conditions.
One isolated study, published only in abstract form, tested bee propolis in women with mild endometriosis and infertility. Researchers reported that using 500 milligrams twice daily of bee propolis resulted in a pregnancy rate of 60 percent compared with 20 percent in the placebo group, a difference that was statistically significant. It is unclear why propolis should have this effect.
Test-tube studies suggest that propolis has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-preventing properties. Again, without actual human studies, these results indicate the need for future research but do not prove propolis effective for any particular condition.
During the 2020 COVID-19 global pandemic, researchers became interested in propolis because they believed it could interfere with host cell invasion by SARS-CoV-2. They also believed that propolis may aid in treating illnesses caused by COVID-19, such as respiratory diseases. Unfortunately, like other therapeutic alternatives, propolis would have to undergo extensive clinical trials before it could be widely used.
The medical community continues to investigate propolis for its efficacy in treating other conditions, including diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory infections, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and as an immune system booster. Propolis may also inhibit cancer cell growth and lessen the side effects of chemotherapy, though more human studies are needed.
Safety Issues
Propolis is an ingredient commonly consumed in small quantities in honey. Safety studies have found it to be essentially nontoxic when taken orally, and it also appears to be nonirritating when applied to the skin. However, allergic reactions to propolis are relatively common. It is a known “sensitizing agent,” meaning it tends to induce allergies to itself when it is taken for an extended time.
Bibliography
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El-Sakhawy, M., et al. "Applications of Propolis-Based Materials in Wound Healing." Archives of Dermatological Research, vol. 316, no. 1, 2024, p. 61. Springer Link, doi.org/10.1007/s00403-023-02789-x. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.
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Perez, Alexandra. "Propolis: Benefits, Uses, Risks, and How to Use it." Medical News Today, 11 Mar. 2021, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/propolis. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.
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