PROPOLIS
Propolis (royal jelly) is a natural substance based on the resin of pines, collected by bees. Propolis is a nutrient said to stimulate function of a healthy immune system and protect against certain adverse health conditions. Propolis is one of nature's most versatile substances with a wide range of accepted health benefits. It has a long history of medicinal use, and modern research has found that it does indeed inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, and may even help prevent cancer.
Propolis is a green to brownish glue-like material with an aromatic smell and slightly bitter taste. Chemically, propolis is exceedingly complex and contains a rich variety of potent terpenes and benzoic, caffeic, cinnamic,and phenolic acids. It's also high in flavonoids, which by themselves may account for many of the benefits attributed to propolis-and some researchers refer propolis as a type of flavonoid. Propolis has anti-ibiotic, antibiotic, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-septic, and antiviral properties.
Propolis is rich in vitamins. It is high in B-complex vitamin and contains prominent quantities of vitamin C, E and Pro-vitamin A. It also contains minerals and trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, silica, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, cobalt and copper. Over two hundred components in propolis have already been identified. Among the most interesting are Amino acids, flavones and flavoniods, fatty acids, terpenes, acids and aromatic esters, various forms of alcohol, sterois and numerous carbohydrates in a variety of forms. Bee propolis also contains many antioxidant chemicals, including terpenes and bioflavonoids, as well as cinnamic, phenolic, and caffeic acids. However, propolis is best known for its natural antibiotic effects.
USES AND BENEFITS OF PROPOLIS
Propolis has a degree of antimicrobial action against fungi such as Candida albicans, and some bacteria including a range of oral microorganisms and viruses, and may be as effective as aciclovir against herpes simplex virus. It also has immunomodulatory activity with augmentation of non-specific anti-tumor resistance. Some major uses of propolis are
- Propolis may be used for assisting the treatment of ulcers in the mouth, thrush or skin infections.
- Propolis protect against several allergies.
- Propolis has been associated with protection against cancer.
- Propolis helps in curing fatigue and chronic fatigue symptoms.
- Propolis may help protect against sunburn, acne and skin conditions.
- Propolis helps with ulcers, cold flu, respiratory infections and nasal congestion.
SIDE EFFECTS OF PROPOLIS
Propolis is generally nontoxic. Some allergic reactions which are typically limited to skin rashes have been reported. However there are no well known drug interactions with propolis.
