This is a sticky
resinous substance collected by honeybees from various plants
and mixed with wax to sterilize their hives against infections.
For instance, if a mouse gets into the hive and it is stung to
death by the bees, the carcass is embalmed and mummified with
propolis to prevent decay and serious bacterial infection. In
fact, the reputation of beehive as the cleanest and most sterile
place on earth is due to the power of propolis to ward off infections.
The first report on the use of propolis as a folk medicine dates
back to 300 B. C. and many scientists have investigated the biological
properties of propolis extract and its components were found to
possess versatile pharmacological actions.
The
International Beekeeping Technology and Economy Institute said
that propolis has bactericidal and bacteriostatic action that
is unparallel among natural substances. Propolis contains 55 percent
resin and balms, 30 percent wax, 10 percent enteric oil and 5
percent pollen. Rich in amino acids and trace elements, propolis
popularly known as Russian Penicillin in Eastern Europe also has
high vitamin content including the valuable bioflavonoid. Like
the other bee products, the utilities of propolis span human health,
veterinary application, beauty care, and food processing. But
the most broadly investigated and widely accepted attribute of
propolis is its immune - boosting activity. It is a natural, broad-spectrum
antibiotic that activates the thymus gland and as such, propolis
not only prevents infectious diseases, but also clears them from
the system.
The
unparalled antibiotic power of propolis was confirmed by a study
done by an Australian Scientist, E. L. Glisaiberti of the Department
of Organic Chemistry at the University of Western Australia. According
to Ghisalberti, when propolis is administered along with penicillin
and other antibiotics, it increases the latter's effectiveness
by as much as 10 to 100 folds. And even alone, propolis has the
ability to destroy viruses, fungi and bacteria including penicillin
resistant staphylococcus. Numerous studies and experiments have
also confirmed that the bioflavonoid present in propolis have
a protective effect against viral infections because falvonoids
maintain the protective coating around the virus, thus rendering
it inactive.
A
study done by Professor Yong Park of state University of Campinas,
College of Food Engineering, Laboratory of Food Biochemistry,
Campinas, Brazil and H. Koo of Center for Oral Biology and Eastern
Department of Dentistry, University of Rochester, Medical Center
Rochester N. Y. USA confirmed that some constituents of Brazilian
propolis demonstrated anti-HIV and anti - AIDS activities. It
has also been clinically established that propolis has anti-cancer
properties. A study conducted by a term of scientists of the Department
of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Suzuka University
of Medical Sciences, Suzuka, Japan indicated that water soluble
propolis orally administered in combination with chemotherapeutic
agents significantly increased tumour regression and ameliorated
the cytopenia induced by the chemotherapeutic agents alone.
The
efficacy of propolis has also been proven against, non-insulin
dependent diabetes, hypertension ulcers, Tuberculosis, liver problems,
infertility, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, dental caries, coronary heart
diseases malaria, wounds, and leprosy. Propolis has also shown
excellent results in treating bronchial asthma and neuro- psychiatric
disorders.
