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 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.

It can also be used in treating second degree burns. Research showed that propolis cream gave about the same result as normally prescribed cream.

But it also has another added benefit. It 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.

One isolated study had tested the benefit of propolis on women with infertility and endometriosis. The study indicated that consumption of 500mg of the substance twice daily resulted in pregnancy rate of 60% as opposed to 20% for women not given propolis.

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 the bee product prevented the formation of pre cancerous tissues in rats.

Another study done in 1990 had also reported that propolis acted 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.

This bee substance 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 was found to respond well to bee propolis therapy.

One useful application of 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 the bee product 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.

Two studies done in 1986 and 1987 showed that it may help in protecting our liver. In these studies, propolis was effective in protecting the liver against alcohol and tetrachloride.

Australian scientists, E.L Ghisalberti of the Department of Organic Chemistry at the University of Western Australia showed that bee 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.

The bee product also offers some benefits to breeders by improving livestock 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 helped achieve the above results.

Studies done on rabbits have also showed that the bee substance also helped treat coccidiosis, eimeria and mastitis.

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.

If you fall under the groups listed below, you could be allergic to propolis :-

• Asthma Patients:
  If you have asthma, you should avoid propolis because some chemicals or impurities in it may induce an attack.
• Those Allergic To Bee Stings:
  If you’re allergic to bee stings, the bad news is propolis could induce a similar side effect.
• Those Already Allergic to Bee Pollen:
  Pollens in propolis may come from any plants – and not just plants in surrounding areas where you buy your product. So, if you’re already allergic to bee pollen or evergreens, you are advised not to use propolis.
• Pregnant Women:
  There are not many published clinical trials on the effect of propolis on pregnant women. Because the information in this area is limited, avoid using propolis if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Others at risk :
  If you know that you’re allergic to black poplar (also populas nigra), poplar buds, honey and balsam of Peru, forget about propolis. There are around 8 to 13 compounds that propolis and balsam of Peru have in common. Some of these compounds are benzyl benzoate, cinnamyl cinnamate, and benzyl cinnamate. Several studies have suggested that patients who are sensitive to propolis also may react to balsam of Peru.

In propolis, a substance called the B1 is believed to be the reason behind these side effects.

Allergic reaction from this substance was first documented in 1915 when a beekeeper suffered from dermatitis on his fingers and wrists. But the case was classified as an occupational effect.

And because propolis is also used as the coating on Italian varnish, instrument makers and musicians have also been reported to get contact dermatitis. Here are some cases of allergies suffered by those who use violins coated with propolis.

Right now it is seen mainly on those who :-

1. use cosmetics containing propolis, or
2. those who use propolis as their daily supplement.

If you’re allergic to propolis, it may cause your skin to

• Redden.
• Develop rashes.
• Swell.
• Itch, or
• Crack.

It could also induce :-

• Eczema.
• Lesions.
• Psoriasis, or
• Mouth sores.

Even if you’re not listed as those at risk, you should always take some precautions when using any form of medications.

The best way to start taking propolis is to try it gradually. Use small quantities of propolis for the first few days. If there are no side effects, increase your propolis intake gradually to the full outlined dosage.

This way you would be able to test your comparability with the propolis product you’re taking and avoid embarrassing (and painful) reactions to the substance.

Similarly, if you decide to stop the medical treatment prescribed by your doctor, do it gradually (after his okay, of course).