What is propolis
Propolis is known as a resinous substance that bees can produce from materials collected from the buds of trees. Also rich in flavonoids, a class of antioxidants, propolis has a long history of use as a natural method to treat many health problems. Studies have shown that propolis has numerous benefits, including antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antitumor properties.
It is used as an ingredient in some cosmetic products such as propolis, creams and ointments applied directly to the skin. Additionally, propolis is found in mouthwashes and toothpastes, and in some cases nasal and throat sprays. Propolis is commonly used as a natural treatment for the following health conditions and problems;
- Acne,
- Bacterial infection types,
- Burn types
- Painful sores
- Cold and flu
- Diabetes (diabetes),
- Types of herpes
- Giardiasis infection,
- Types of inflammation
- Peptic ulcer problem
In addition to all these, it is believed to prevent tooth decay and strengthen the immune system.
What are the bioactive compounds in propolis?
The chemical structure of propolis is closely related to its vegetation, geographical origin and bee diversity. It can even vary from hive to hive. Organic propolis is usually dark brown or green in color and has a sweet aroma. Propolis;
- Resin (50 to 70%)
- Beeswax (30% to 50%)
- Pollen (5% to 10%)
- Essential oils (5 to 10% per area)
- Certain compounds (vitamins B, C and E) (5% to 7%), such as sugar, acid and vitamins
The main active ingredients in propolis are flavonoids like crisin, which are very powerful antioxidants that bees get from flowers and plant parts. Bees mix their saliva thoroughly with pollen, plant material, and beeswax to create propolis. To date, more than 400 biologically active ingredients have been identified in propolis. These include acids, fragrant chemicals, carbohydrates, vitamins and vegetable oils.
What are the benefits of propolis?
Let’s take a closer look at what are the benefits of propolis;
- Propolis kills bacteria
A clinical study investigated the antibacterial properties in the mouth and more specifically in the root canals. The researchers compared propolis with calcium hydroxide, a seemingly very potent antimicrobial, and found that it was much more potent than calcium at killing some microbes. Propolis has traditionally been used to treat colds and flu, and this research clearly shows how its powerful bactericidal properties work in the body.
- Propolis lowers blood pressure
Nitric oxide is an essential component for heart health. Nitric oxide is used by the inner lining of blood vessels to signal to relax surrounding smooth muscles and increases blood flow by vasodilation (dilation of blood vessels). This decrease in the bioavailability of nitric oxide plays an important role in the development of high blood pressure. Otherwise, the risk of heart attack is triggered. There is an enzyme called tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) that limits the level of nitric oxide that can be produced. Researchers have uncovered a clue that propolis may lower tyrosine hydroxylase and then lower blood pressure.
- Propolis helps to treat bone diseases
Another health benefit of propolis is the creation and full preservation of healthy bone tissue. Scientists recently investigated whether caffeic acid phenethyl ester, a very potent compound found in propolis, could halt and completely reverse osteolytic bone diseases. This compound has been shown to be highly effective in suppressing inflammatory compounds that cause bone problems, and even propolis can be a potential treatment for bone loss problems such as osteoporosis.
- Propolis reduces allergy symptoms
An outstanding health benefit of propolis is that it soothes the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Scientists found that propolis significantly inhibited histamine release from mast cells. Histamine is a compound that makes you sneeze and makes your eyes watery and fluid. The results clearly showed that propolis could be effective in blocking histamine release to relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms.
- Propolis reduces the risk of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer that can occur in men. One of the benefits of propolis is that it prevents and suppresses this type of cancer. Scientists studied the anticancer effects of propolis tincture on 2 deadly types of prostate cancer. They concluded that propolis significantly improves cell death in prostate cancer cells and plays an important role in prostate cancer chemoprevention.
- Propolis kills colon cancer cells
Propolis shows very strong antimicrobial activity. Scientists tested propolis against colon cancer cells. They found that it caused cancer cells to die through necrosis. This means that the cell interrupts blood flow and only causes local cancer cells to die and not live healthy. Chemotherapy does the opposite. It kills both healthy and cancer cells. This is why chemotherapy has such serious and devastating side effects.
- Propolis fights food poisoning
Experts found that propolis inhibits the growth of three common bacteria, C. jejuni, Enterobacter faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus, in cases of food poisoning. Propolis preparations have been shown to be used in addition to traditional infection treatment, especially when antibiotics do not show activity against these microorganisms.
- Propolis protects teeth to a great extent
Propolis can affect very strong anti-inflammatory activity in many parts of the body. It is responsible for inflammation, arthritis, heart problems, Alzheimer’s disease and many more. Most of the recent research shows that one of the main health benefits of propolis is its anti-inflammatory effects. It is inevitable that people who regularly consume propolis will have less inflammation in their bodies and less disease as a result.
- Propolis improves athletic performance
One of the reasons why propolis has such great health benefits is that it is loaded with antioxidants. Studies have revealed how beneficial these special antioxidants can be for athletes and protect them from overheating. An active ingredient in propolis known as caffeic acid phenethyl ester or CAPE triggers a broad spectrum of biological activity as an antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. The main factor underlying dehydration and early fatigue that can be seen during prolonged exercise in hot weather is considered to be the problem known as heat stress. The researchers examined the blood values of 30 cyclists who had previously received 2-4 years of resistance training. As a result of their research, they showed that CAPE (the powerful agent found in propolis) can support athletic performance. It is recommended that athletes consume propolis, especially during the summer months, to improve their athletic performance and to treat heat stress problems.
- Propolis treats genital warts
Applying a propolis-based ointment will help heal genital herpes-related wounds completely. Studies have concluded that an ointment containing flavonoids derived from propolis may be much more effective than placebo or acyclovir ointments or creams at healing wounds associated with the genital herpes virus.
- Propolis protects the liver
Propolis can significantly protect the liver from injury, especially from alcohol, and it also reduces the risk of liver disease by preventing possible liver scarring, according to cell-based studies. One study found that propolis reduced liver damage from chronic alcohol use.
Propolis benefits for the skin
Propolis, which has been actively used since ancient times, has both health and skin benefits. The benefits of propolis to the skin are as follows;
- Protects the skin from external factors
- Propolis prevents skin irritations
- It provides rapid healing of wounds and burns on the skin.
- It is effective in acne and acne.
- Used for mushrooms
- It balances the moisture content of the skin.
- Delays the effects of aging
Using propolis on the skin
Propolis is available in powder form and should be a paste to be applied to the skin. It can be used after mixing propolis with water and turned into a paste, or you can apply it as a paste to answer the question of whether it is asked or not, or you can apply it by adding it to the mask recipes you use.
How to drink propolis
Propolis, which is sold in medicinal herbs, is sold in the form of powder and drops. Generally, the preferred propolis is gout. It is enough to consume a few drops of propolis sold in liquid form by adults without exaggeration.
The nutritional value of propolis
Minerals and vitamins with high nutritional value in propolis are calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, potassium, magnesium, manganese, silica, sulfur, sodium, nicotinamide, iodine, chlorine, boron and molybdenum. There are also vitamins A, B1, B3, B5, B6, C, E and K.
Side effects and harms of propolis
When used correctly and in its dosage, propolis has some harms that do not end with its side effects and benefits. Here are the harms of propolis;
- Overuse causes stomach problems
- Allergic problems may occur in people prone to allergies.
- Prolonged use causes skin irritation, redness and itching.
- Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women should never use it without consulting a doctor.
- Asthma patients should never use
- Taken with alcohol, it can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Medication users and patients are not recommended to use it without consulting a doctor.
In this article, I tried to give you information about what is propolis, the benefits of propolis and the harms of propolis. You can ask the questions you have in mind by writing in the comments section.
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