The Health Benefits of Bee Propolis
In order to see the health benefits of propolis, we dig scientific journals. Let’s see how modern medical science conforms with ancient folk wisdom.
Improving Immune System
Professor S. Scheller, the head of a team of four doctors at the Institute for Microbiology at the Medical Academy in Poland found that propolis is able to stimulate the immune system.
It works by increasing the formation of antibodies to build our body resistance to diseases and by stimulating our body to release chemicals that protects us from cellular deterioration.
He also concluded that other propolis benefits include improved physical, intellectual and sexual performance as well as making injured tissue heal faster.
The study also concluded that propolis is not a toxic substance.
Treat Burns
Another benefit of propolis is in treating second degree burns. Research showed that propolis cream gave about the same result as normally prescribed cream.
But it also reduces inflammation of the burnt skin.
Believed to be a result of a substance called arginine, other studies have also supported this finding.
These studies have also concluded that propolis also stimulates enzyme systems, cell metabolism, circulation and collagen formation.
Increase Fertility
One isolated study had tested the benefit of propolis on women with infertility and endometriosis. The study indicated that consumption of 500mg of propolis twice daily resulted in pregnancy rate of 60% as opposed to 20% for women not given propolis.
How propolis would give this effect is still unclear.
Potential Cancer Drug
A report published in the Cancer Research (Sep 15,93;53 1482-88) stated that caffeic acids in propolis might help prevent colon cancer.
The study expose rats to cancer chemical agents and study the effects of rats given propolis and those without the propolis diet. It found that caffeic acids in propolis were prevented the formation of pre cancerous tissues in rats that were given the substance.
Another study done in 1990 had also reported that propolis chemicals could act against ovary cancer in hamster and sarcoma-type tumors in mice.
Read some studies done on propolis and it’s ability to fight cancer here.
Bowel Problems
Propolis could also help patients suffering from inflammatory bowel problems — like Chron’s disease and ulceration colitis.
In June 2001, Dr. Ralph Golan in his article published in the Townsend Letters For Doctors reported that ulceration colitis responded well to propolis therapy.
Dental care
One useful application of bee propolis is in dental care. Propolis mouthwash used after an oral surgery appears to shorten the healing time.
A study done in 1991 showed that rats given propolis in their drinking water had less caries compared to other rats.
Another study done in 1986 also proposed propolis as a subsidiary treatment for gum infection and plague.
You can read the latest study on the use of Brazilian Propolis to treat periodontitis here.
Protecting Liver
Two studies done in 1986 and 1987 showed that propolis may help in protecting our liver. In these studies, propolis was effective in protecting the liver against alcohol and tetrachloride.
Improve Antibiotic Effectiveness
Australian scientists, E.L Ghisalberti of the Department of Organic Chemistry at the University of Western Australia showed that propolis increases the effectiveness of penicillin or other antibiotics from 10 to 100 folds.
This finding could help reduce the number of side effects associated with antibiotics and lower the over dependency on antibiotics by doctors.
Veterinary Applications
Propolis offers some benefits to breeders by improving weight gain and reduce diarrhea in their animals.
A study done in 1987 showed that 5 ml of propolis solution given to milk-fed calves can help achieve the above results.
Studies done to rabbits have also showed that propolis could help treat coccidiosis and eimeria. It is also beneficial at treating mastitis.
Other medical benefits of propolis
Studies done in rats and mice had shown that concentrated propolis given to the rodents reduced their blood pressure, produces sedative effect as well as protects the liver and stomach against tetrachloride and ulcers.
All these were achieved without any side effects.
Related posts:
- The chemicals in propolis
- Modern history
- Propolis and Fertility
- Propolis and it's effects on fungus or candida
- Will propolis interact with any other drug ?