Reviewed by Dr.Vijaykumar Kamat & written by
Dr. Vijay Kumar Kamat.
We all know that bees provide us with honey. But did you know that honey is not the only thing it makes? Yes, you read it right! Bees also provide us with a compound which is known as Propolis. Propolis, a sticky greenish-brown product, is formed when the sap on the needle-leaved trees or evergreens mixes with the discharges of the bees.
Propolis is like a glue that helps to stick things together and thus is used to build beehives. It is used to seal the inside and outside of the hives. In the beginning, Propolis was thought to just provide protection to the beehive from external conditions such as cold wind, rain, snow, etc. But, it additionally strengthens the structure and stability of the hive, is used as a protective substance for the eggs and larvae inside the honeycomb cells and it mummifies small intruders who meet their death inside the hive.
Propolis is mainly a mixed resin compound composed of sap, saliva, beeswax, and botanical products from the trees and flowers in the surrounding area. Thus, the composition of Propolis depends upon the location and type of trees and flowers in the surrounding area. For instance, Propolis from the USA would be different from the one available in Europe and Asia. This can make it difficult to research the health benefiting properties of Propolis. However, experts have been successful in researching some health benefiting properties of Propolis. Read further to know about its various health benefits.
Health Benefits of Propolis:
Studies have suggested that Propolis can help to provide resistance against infections due to the presence of a high amount of Flavonoids.1
Researches have identified more than 250 compounds in Propolis, most of which are Polyphenols that help to fight free radicals and detoxify the body.
Nitric oxide plays a significant role in the development of high blood pressure. Thus, the presence of nitric oxide is important for the proper functioning of your heart. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is a compound that limits the amount of nitric oxide you can produce. A study suggests that Propolis may help to reduce the amount of TH, thus helping to regulate the blood pressure.2
It is known that Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester compound found in Propolis may help build and maintain healthy bone tissue.3 It also helps to strengthen the teeth.
It is known that Propolis inhibits the growth of Campylobacter jejuni, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus; the three bugs that are commonly found in food poisoning cases.
Propolis is known to possess numerous antioxidants, which may help to reduce stress and improve energy.
Propolis may help to boost the immune system and improve the functioning of skin along with other herbs.4
Propolis is a complete compound on its own, but adding some other herbs may enhance its effectiveness. Biogetica has utilized this quality and mixed Propolis with other herbs like Echinacea purpurea, Calendula officinalis, Curcuma longa, Reishi and Zingiber officinale amongst many other herbs to improve metabolic processes.
To make the most of this amazingly beneficial ingredient with numerous clinically verified therapeutic properties, we’ve included this natural extract in several of our protocols that help support the functioning of various systems of your body. Some of them include:
1. Respiratory Support Products:
2. Immune Boost Products:
Reference links:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1292560/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22471835
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3655583/
- http://ijpsr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/9-Vol.-5-Issue-4-April-2014-IJPSR-RE-1206-Paper-9.pdf
