Propolis is a hard resinous substance that honey bees collect from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. It is used as a sealant for unwanted open spaces in the hive.
Propolis is believed to prevent diseases and parasites from entering the hive, and to inhibit bacterial growth.
The name of “propolis” came from the Greek words “pro”- before and “polis”- city. The meaning was assigned when Geek naturalists noticed that bees are using that substance to seal their “cities”, or hives, from unwanted intruders. Some sources attribute the word “propolis” to Aristotle dating back to 350 B.C. Propolis has a long history of medicinal use. Greeks have used propolis for abscesses; Assyrians have used it for healing wounds and tumors; and Egyptians have used it for mummification. It still has many medicinal uses today.
Propolis also called Bee Glue, is rarely available in its pure form. It is usually obtained from beehives and contains mixture of other bee products: beeswax, bee pollen, and royal jelly. It also contains 22 amino acids, B-complex vitamins, and aromatic oils.
Natural medicine practitioners use Propolis for the relief of various conditions, including inflammations, viral diseases, ulcers, and burns. It is also believed to promote heart health, strengthen the immune system and reduce the chances of cataracts. Many beekeepers recommend a piece of Propolis kept in the mouth as a remedy for a sore throat.
Propolis shows powerful local antibiotic and antifungal properties. Propolis, the natural antibiotic, works against harmful bacteria without destroying the friendly bacteria the body needs.
Scientific studies were conducted regarding properties of Propolis. Results have shown that Propolis completely inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus auerus, Staph. Epidermidis, Enterococcus spp., Corinebacterium spp., Branhamella catarrhalis, and Bacillus Cereus. It is partially inhibited growth ofPseudomonas
aeruginosa and Escherichia coli but had no effect on Klebsiella pneumonia. It appeared to have a preferential inhibitory effect on cocci and Gram-positive rods. (From Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Volume 83 March 1990) rods. Scientists believe that some components of Propolis such as flavonoids and various Estes of caffeic acid play role in their antibacterial properties.
References: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Volume 83 March 1990, “Antibacterial properties of Propolis (bee glue)”J M Grange MSc MD R W Davey MFHom Department of Microbiology.
