General Description
Bee propolis (also known as "bee glue") is the resinous material
used by bees to seal their hives. It consists of resins, pollen,
and other materials gathered from the bark and leaf buds of various
trees, combined with salivary secretions and wax provided by the
bees. Propolis is usually brown or greenish-brown in color, with
a pleasant honey or vanilla-like odor. Currently available as a
dietary supplement, propolis has been used for a variety of medicinal
purposes for several centuries.
Health Applications
- Immune system support
- Antibacterial
- Antiviral
- Antifungal
- Antitumor
- Antiparasitic
Primary Uses
Propolis is used primarily as a dietary supplement to promote
immune system function. In numerous in vitro and animal studies,
propolis has been shown to exert antiinflammatory,1
antibacterial,2-9 antifungal,7-9 antiviral,8-10
and antitumor effects.9,11,12 In some studies, researchers
found that flavonoid compounds in propolis exerted direct antimicrobial
activity,2-8 while other researchers attributed propolis'
effects to its ability to enhance immune responses.13
Although few propolis studies have been conducted on human subjects,
one small human-based study suggests propolis extract may be helpful
in fighting certain intestinal parasites.14
Dosage/Toxicity
Because propolis supplements are found in a variety of forms and
potencies, dosage recommendations vary. Although propolis appears
to have very low toxicity, with no adverse effects observed in
mice at daily doses as high as 1400 mg per kg (2.2 lb) of body
weight,9 severe allergic reactions have been reported
in some individuals. |
