What is Propolis? How does propolis benefit us?

POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF
PROPOLIS

Propolis has attracted much attention in recent years as a popular ingredient
used in food and cosmetic products. It is now extensively used in foods and
beverages with the claim that it may benefit human health. Propolis is also
applied in a number of daily products, including lip balms, cosmetics, lotions
and ointments, shampoos, conditioners, and toothpastes. [1,2]

Potential Health Benefits of Propolis

Propolis is a natural product derived from plant resins collected by
honeybees. It is used by bees as glue, a general-purpose sealer, and as
draught-extruder for beehives. Propolis has been used in folk medicine for
centuries. Propolis has been shown to have benefits of blood pressure and
cholesterol lowering. [3] Propolis was found to have benefits of activities
against a range of commonly encountered cocci and Gram-positive rods,
including the human tubercle bacillus, but only limited activity against
Gram-negative bacilli. [7] In addition, because of its antiinflammatory,
antioxidative, anti-ulcer and anti-tumor activities, intake of propolis may
further benefit the health of the users. [1-6]

The chemical composition of propolis is quite complicated. It has more than
300 compounds such as polyphenols, phenolic aldehydes, sequiterpene
quinines, coumarins, amino acids, steroids and inorganic compounds. [6] The
contents depend on the collecting location, time and plant source.
Consequently, biological activities of propolis gathered from different
phytogeographical areas and time periods vary greatly. [1,4]

Side Effects of Propolis

Reports of allergic reactions are not uncommon. More 200 cases of dermatitis
of propolis have been reported, including the first description of 'poplar bud'
contact dermatitis from 1887. [7] 1.2 to 6.6% of patients who are patch-tested
for dermatitis are sensitive to propolis. The main allergens are
3-methyl-2-butenyl caffeate and phenylethyl caffeate. Benzyl salicylate and
benzyl cinnamate are less frequent sensitizers. [2] Propolis is relatively
non-toxic, with a no-effect level (NOEL) in a 90-mouse study of 1400 mg/kg
body weight/day. [5]

THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, PLEASE, CONSULT
WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. MORE RESEARCH STUDIES ARE NEEDED TO CONFIRM
CHONDROITIN SULFATE BENEFITS ON OSTEOARTHRITIS AND OTHER CONDITIONS. ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED @2008. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER THIS ARTICLE TO OTHER WEBSITES OR OTHER
PUBLICATIONS WITHOUT PERMISSION.

REFERENCE [1] Khalil ML. Biological activity of bee propolis in health and disease. Asian Pac J
Cancer Prev. 2006 Jan-Mar;7(1):22-31. [2] Walgrave SE, et al, Allergic contact dermatitis from propolis.
Dermatitis. 2005 Dec;16(4):209-15. [3] Castaldo S, Capasso F. Propolis, an old remedy used in modern
medicine. Fitoterapia. 2002 Nov;73 Suppl 1:S1-6. [4] Banskota AH, et al, Recent progress in
pharmacological research of propolis. Phytother Res. 2001 Nov;15(7):561-71. [5] Burdock GA. Review of
the biological properties and toxicity of bee propolis (propolis). Food Chem Toxicol. 1998
Apr;36(4):347-63. [6] Gallo FR, Savi G. Propolis: its use in technology and researchBoll Chim Farm.
1995 Oct;134(9):483-91. [7] Grange JM, Davey RW. Antibacterial properties of propolis (bee glue). J R
Soc Med. 1990 Mar;83(3):159-60. [7] Hausen BM, et al, Propolis allergy. (I). Origin, properties, usage
and literature review. Contact Dermatitis. 1987 Sep;17(3):163-70.

Research Notes on Food
Supplements and Medicine
This site shares information on research findings on food, supplements,
diseases and medicine.