What is Propolis and what is it used for?
Propolis
Propolis is a resinous mixture 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 used for small gaps (approximately 6 millimetres (0.24 in) or less), while larger spaces are usually filled with beeswax. Its colour varies depending on its botanical source, the most common being dark brown. Propolis is sticky at and above room temperature, 20 °C (68 °F). At lower temperatures, it becomes hard and very brittle.
For centuries, beekeepers assumed that bees sealed the beehive with Propolis to protect the colony from the elements, such as rain and cold winter drafts. However, 20th century research has revealed that bees not only survive, but also thrive, with increased ventilation during the winter months throughout most temperate regions of the world.
Propolis is now believed to:
1. reinforce the structural stability of the hive;
2. reduce vibration;
3. make the hive more defensible by sealing alternate entrances;
4. prevent diseases and parasites from entering the hive, and to inhibit fungal and bacterial growth;
5. prevent putrefaction within the hive. Bees usually carry waste out of and away from the hive. However, if a small lizard or mouse, for example, finds its way into the hive and dies there, bees may be unable to carry it out through the hive entrance. In that case, they would attempt instead to seal the carcass in Propolis, essentially mummifying it and making it odourless and harmless.
Composition
The composition of propolis varies from hive to hive, from district to district, and from season to season. Normally it is dark brown in colour, but it can be found in green, red, black, and white hues, depending on the sources of resin found in the particular hive area. Honey bees are opportunists, gathering what they need from available sources, and detailed analyses show that the chemical composition of propolis varies considerably from region to region, along with the vegetation. In northern temperate climates, for example, bees collect resins from trees, such as poplars and conifers. (The biological role of resin in trees is to seal wounds and defend against bacteria, fungi and insects.) "Typical" northern temperate propolis has approximately 50 constituents, primarily resins and vegetable balsams (50%), waxes (30%), essential oils (10%), and pollen (5%).
Medical uses
Propolis is marketed by health food stores as a traditional medicine, and for its claimed beneficial effect on human health.
Natural medicine practitioners use propolis for the relief of various conditions, including inflammations, viral diseases, ulcers, superficial burns or scalds.
Propolis is also believed to promote heart health and strengthen the immune system.
One study has shown that it reduced the chances of cataracts in rat pups.
Old beekeepers recommend a piece of propolis kept in the mouth as a remedy for a sore throat. Propolis lozenges, oral sprays and tinctures can be bought in many countries. Though claims have been made for its use in treating allergies, propolis may cause severe allergic reactions if the user is sensitive to bees or bee products.
Some of these claims are being clinically investigated and several studies are published in the biomedical literature. Since the chemical composition of propolis varies depending on season, bee species and geographic location, caution must be applied in extrapolating results.
Propolis is used for many different purposes:
As an antimicrobial
Depending upon its composition, propolis may show antibacterial and shows antifungal activity.
As an emollient
Studies also indicate that it may be effective in treating skin burns.
As an immunomodulator
Propolis also exhibits immunostimulant effects.
As a dental antiplaque agent
Propolis is a subject of recent dentistry research, since there is some evidence that propolis may actively protect against dental cavities and other forms of oral disease, due to its antimicrobial properties. Propolis can also be used to treat cancer sores. Its use in canal debridement for endodontic procedures has been explored in Brazil.
As an antitumor growth agent
Propolis' use in inhibiting tumorigenesis has been studied in mice in Japan. In pre-clinical models of human breast cancer, propolis induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and reduces expression of growth and transcription factors, including NF-κB. Notably, caffeic acid phenethyl ester down-regulates mdr-1 gene, considered responsible for the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents.
As a radio protector
Propolis can reduce by half the damage inflicted on chromosomes by ionizing radiation.
Commercial uses
In musical instruments
Propolis is used by most stringed instrument makers (violin, viola, cello and bass) to enhance the appearance of the wood grain. It is a component of some varnishes and its distinctive smell is easily recognizable in a Luther’s shop. Propolis was undoubtedly used by Antonio Stradivari and his Luther colleagues of the time.
In food
Propolis is used by some chewing gum manufacturers to make propolis gum.
Car wax
Propolis is used to bring about a chemical reaction to convert fats and oils into automobile wax during application.
As the medical properties of Propolis have been known about for many many years worldwide it has many other names - Propolis is also knopwn as;
Acide de Cire d’Abeille, Baume de Propolis, Bee Glue, Bee Propolis, Beeswax Acid, Cire d’Abeille Synthétique, Cire de Propolis, Colle d’Abeille, Hive Dross, Pénicilline Russe, Propóleos, Propolis Balsam, Propolis Cera, Propolis d'Abeille, Propolis Resin, Propolis Wax, Résine de Propolis, Russian Penicillin, Synthetic Beeswax.
