5 Bee Propolis Benefits
Published March 25, 2022
Propolis is a resin produced by bees. It is composed of beeswax, bee saliva, and plant and tree substances. Bees use it to plug the holes in the hive and keep out intruders. Additionally, propolis contains antibacterial properties, which may help protect bees from pathogens.
Propolis may provide some health benefits to the people, but additional large-scale research is needed. Sometimes referred to as “bee glue,” bees use it as a sealant. Historically, humans have applied it topically or taken it orally. It is, however, not suitable for everyone.
What Propolis Is Made Of
Propolis is composed of a variety of substances. Propolis has around 300 distinct compounds, according to scientists. The exact composition varies according to the beehive’s location.
Propolis is often composed of the following components:
- Resins from trees and plants: 50%
- Beeswax: 30%
- Essential oils: 10%
- Pollen: 5%
Additionally, bee propolis contains polyphenols like flavonoids, which act as an antioxidant.
Bee Propolis Benefits
Modern research indicates that propolis benefits the following:
1. Oral Health
Propolis appears to help prevent the production of calcium phosphate, the primary component of dental plaque, according to a 2015 study.
Additionally, propolis is antibacterial, making it potentially beneficial as an additive in dental care products.
According to a small study included in the review, propolis greatly reduced the bacteria found in the saliva of persons suffering from periodontitis.
2. Minor Wound Healing
According to another 2015 study, propolis may aid with wound healing. Propolis was shown in an animal study on diabetic rats to assist the skin in growing new cells to repair itself.
Due to the fact that patients with diabetes may experience slower wound healing, this shows that propolis may be beneficial in promoting better skin healing. In addition, because propolis also destroys certain types of bacteria, it may aid in preventing infection.
3. Herpes
Propolis, according to a systematic journal review, may be used as an alternative solution for oral or genital herpes.
Herpes is an oral or genital infection caused by HSV, commonly known as the herpes simplex virus. HSV-1 is frequently associated with oral herpes, which can appear as cold sores. HSV-2 is transmitted sexually and can cause blisters on the genital area.
The review compared the effects of honey and propolis to those of acyclovir, a typical HSV treatment. Propolis was more successful than acyclovir in treating HSV skin lesions — notably cold sores — in four of the six trials.
4. Inflammation
Propolis’ antioxidants may help reduce inflammation, like the one caused by arthritis.
Propolis has been tested in animal trials as an anti-inflammatory drug in rats and mice with rheumatoid arthritis. Propolis decreased swelling in both experiments and showed an effect on how inflammation developed.
Propolis, according to scientists, may act as a regulator of the body’s inflammatory substances, such as prostaglandins.
5. Cancer
Propolis has also been suggested to play a role in the treatment of certain cancers. According to a study, the substance has the following anti-cancerous properties:
- preventing cancerous cells from reproducing
- lowering the likelihood that cells may develop into cancer
- preventing cancer cells from communicating with one another by blocking pathways
Additionally, the study indicated that propolis might be used as a supplemental therapy — but not as the only treatment — for cancer.
The Takeaway
A number of studies have found that bee propolis benefits several health-promoting properties. Individuals can apply it to their skin, use it as a mouthwash, or take it as a supplement to address a number of health conditions.
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About The Author
Krizzia Paolyn, is an SEO Specialist and author. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She started her career as a content writer for various digital magazines and renowned publications. It has always been her passion to share her voice, and at the same time, to encourage others to share their voices as well.
