Superfoods Handbook

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Bee Propolis

With Permission of Beehive Botanicals

Topic: Propolis
Scientific names: Propolis balsam, propolis resin, propolis wax
Common names: Propolis, bee glue, hive dross

BOTANY: Propolis is a natural resinous product collected from the buds of conifers and used by honey bees to fill cracks in their hives.1 It is a sticky mass that is greenish brown in color with a slight aromatic odor and is important in the defense of the hive.2

HISTORY: Propolis displays strong antimicrobial activity and has been used as a chemotherapeutic agent since ancient times Its use was found in folk medicine as early as 300 B.C. for medical and cosmetic pumoses, as well as an anti-inflammatory drug and wound-healing agent.4'5'6 More recently, it has been reported to possess versatile biologic activity as an antibacterial, antiviral, tungicidal, local anesthetic, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, hypotensive and cytostatic properties in vitro. 7.8 Proponents of the use of propolis suggest that it stimulates the immune system, thereby raising the body's natural resistance to intection.1 It has been advocated for both internal and external use.

CHEMISTRY: The composition of propolis continues to be elucidated and appears to vary with its vegetation source. The alcohol extract of the resin is called propolis wax; the residue is called propolis resin. Extraction of the resin with hot petroleum ether is called propolis balsam. Propolis contains 50% resin and vegetable balsam, 30% wax, 10% essential and aromatic oils, 5% pollen and 5% other substances (minerals).9 Several tlavonoids have been isolated and may be responsible for its antibacterial and tungicidal eftects.6 The flavonoids pinocembrin, galangin and pinobanksin, in addition to p-coumaric acid benzyl ester and a caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), demonstrate antimicrobial activity.1 The extract contains amino acids, flavonoids, terpenes and cinnamic acid derivatives.10 The water extract also contains lectin.11 Propolis balsam is described as having a hyacinth-like odor due to its cinnamyl alcohol content.

PHARMACOLOGY: Romanian and other Eastern European researchers have published numerous reports of successful clinical trials in which propolis was given to aid wound healing and to treat tuberculosis, fungal and bacterial infections.12 More recently, Western researchers have investigated the antibacterial properties of this material. Propolis was active in vitro against some gram-positive bacteria and tubercle bacillus; it also demonstrated limited activity against gram-negative bacilli. Some propolis flavonoids have demonstrated antiviral activity in vitro.13 Propolis inhibits bacterial growth of Streptococcus agalactiae by preventing cell division as well as disorganizing the cytoplasm, cytoplasmic membrane and the cell wall. It also causes a partial bacteriolysis and inhibits protein 14 synthesis. None of the chemical constituents, however, are as effective anti-infective agents in vitro as streptomycin, chioramphenicol, oxytetracycline, nystatin and griseofulvin.15'16 No antibacterial activity was observed in the urine of three volunteers who ingested propolis 500 mg 3 times a day for 3 days.16


Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of propolis indicate anti-inflammatory and antibiotic activities in vitro and in vivo. The exact mechanism for these effects is not clear. An aqueous extract of propolis has been shown to inhibit the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase. This activity may be partially due to the content of caffeic acid in propolis. This may explain some of the protective functions of propolis, similar to those shown for several non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDS). 17


A 13% aqueous extract of propolis was tested orally in three doses (1, 5 and 10 mI/kg) on the carrageenan rat paw edema model and on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. The extract showed potent dose-related anti-inflammatory activity comparable to diclofenac (as the reference standard).10 Diethyl ether extracts of propolis were shown to possess cytostatic activity against cultured human KB (nasopharynx carcinoma) and HeLa (carcinoma cervicis uteri) cells in vitro.7 Ethanolic extracts resulted in a 55% survival rate for mice bearing Ehrlich carcinoma and compared well with a 40% survival rate after bleomycin therapy. The investigators noted, however, an interaction between the agents that resulted in a reduction in survival rate when used as a combination therapy.15 The ethanolic extracts have also been shown to accelerate bone formation, regenerate tissue and induce some enzyme systems in vitro. 1

The effect of the active component of propolis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) was studied on the growth and antigenic phenotype of a human melanoma cell line (HO-i) and a human glioblastoma multiforme cell line (GBM-1 8). The growth of both cell lines was suppressed by CAPE in a dose-dependent way, with HO-i cells being more sensitive than GBM-1 cells. The results suggest a potential role for CAPE as an anti-tumor agent.19

Another study explored whether CAPE inhibits the tumor promoter processes associated with carcinogenesis. The treatment of SENCAR mice with very low doses of CAPE (0.1-6.5 nmoVtopical treatment) strongly inhibits the oxidative processes that are essential for tumor promotion. The findings show CAPE as a potent chemopreventive agent, which may be useful in combating diseases with strong inflammatory or oxidative stress components.6

Propolis extracts also possess weak free radical scavenging 20 This activity has been associated with an extended longevity among mice that had been pretreated with propolis and exposed to high doses of radiation.21

Propolis was studied in albino rats of various ages with toxic liver damages of various duration. The drug was found to have moderate antioxidative properties (30%-60%) and showed improvements in the hepatic secretion of bile, cholic acids and cholesterol. However, the membrane-stabilizing effect of the drug was not exerted in all models.22

Ethanolic extracts of two propolis types showed a similar scavenging action against the different species of generated oxygen radicals. The antioxidative properties of propolis may be attributed to their free radical scavenging activity against alkoxy radicals.23

Activity tests prove the high antioxidative and inhibitory capacities of propolis in vitro. Experiments documented the photodynamic quenching properties of propolis extracts.4 Topical application of propolis extract to dental sockets have been shown to enhance epithelial growth.24 Propolis decreases dental caries of rats infected with Streptcoccus sobdnus 671 52 Propolis prepared as a mouth rinse aids repair of intra-buccal surgical wounds and exerts a small pain-killing and anti-inflammatory effect on patients who underwent sulcoplasty.25

TOXICOLOGY: While reports of toxicity are rare, propolis has long been recognized by apiary workers as a potent skin sensitizer. Several cases of propolis-induced dermatitis have been reported. These have occurred after the topical use of cosmetics containing propolis and, in one case, after the application of a 10% alcoholic propolis solution for the treatment of genital herpes.26 Acute oral mucositis with ulceration following the use of propolis-containing lozenges has also been reported.27

SUMMARY: Propolis is employed in a variety of topical and systemic preparations. Claims range from the treatment of wounds to improvement of the immune response. A number of in vitro . investigations have found a variety of activities to be associated with propolis. Significant studies have shown the anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antioxidant effects of propolis. These three capacities of the drug may contribute significantly to the medical field in the future. However, more studies are needed to confirm these effects.

REFERENCES:

1 Tyler VE. The New Honest Herbal. Philadelphia: G.F. Stickley Co., 1987.
2 Ikeno k et al. Effects of propolis on dental caries in rats. Caries Res 1991: 2(5):347.
3 Higashi KO, de Castro SL. Propolis extracts are effective against Trypanasoma cruzi and hove on impact an its interaction with host cells. J Etilnapharmacol 1 994:43(2):1 49.
4 Volpert R. Elstner EF. Biochemical activities at propolis extracts. II. Phytadynamia activities. Z naturforsch 1993:48(11.12)858.
5 Volpert R, Elstner EF. Biochemical activities Or propolis extracts. . Standardization and antiaxidative properties at etharlolic and aquecus derivatives. Znaturforsch 1993:48(11-1 2):85 1.
6 Frenkal K, etal. Inhibition of tumor promoter-mediated processes in mouse skin and bovine lens by caffeic acid phenethyl ester. Cancer Res 1 993:53(6):1 255.
7 Hladan B. etal. In vitro Studies on the Cytostatic Activity at Propolis Extracts. Arzneim-Farsch
1980:30(11 ):1 847.
8 Bankava vs, etal. A study on flavanaids of propolis. j nat Prod 1 983:46(4):471
9 Metzner J, schneidewind EM. (Studies an the question of patentiating effects of propolis constituents). (Geman) Pharmazie 1978:33(7):465.
10 khayyal MT, etal. Mechanisms involved in the antlinflammatory effect of propolis extract. Drugs Exp clin Res 1993:19(5):197.
11 Dumitrescu M, etal. (The mechanism of the artiherpetic action of an aqueous propolis extract. II. The action of the lectins of an aqueous propolis extract.) (French) Rev Roum Viral 1 993:44(1-2):49.
12 New Research in Apitherapy. Second International symposium of Apitherapy. September 2~7, 1976: Bucharest, Romania, Bucharest, Romonia: Apimondia Press, 1976.
13 Debiaggi M, etal. Effects of propolis flavonoids an virus infectivity and replication. Micrabiolagica 1990:1 3(3):207.
14 Ta kaisi-kikuni NB, schilaher H. Electron microscopic and micraoalarimetric investigations of the possible mechanism of the antibacterial action of a defined propolis provenance. Planta Medico 1 994:60(3):222.
15 Metzner J, etal. (On the Antimicrobial Activity of Propolis and Propolis constituents). (German)
Pharmazie 1979:34:97.
18 Brumfitt etal. Antibiotic activity of natural products: I. Propolis. Micrabias 1990;62(250):19.
17 strehi E, etal. Biochemical activities at propolis extracts. Ill. Inhibition of dihydratalate reductase. Z naturforsch 1 994:49(1-2):39.
18 Scheller S, etal. Antitumoral prapertv of ethanolic extract of prapoiis in mice-beaning Ehrlich carcinoma, as compared to bleomycin Znaturfarsch 1989:44(11-1 2):1063.
19 Guarini t, etal. Growth inhibition and modulation at antigenic phenotype inhuman melanoma and gliablastoma multiforme cells by catfeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). Cell Mal Biol 1 992:38(5):5 13. 20 Scheller S, etal. Free radical scavenging by ethanol extract of propolis. Int J Radiat Biol
20 990:57(3):461 .
21 Scheller S, etal. The ability of ethonolic extract of propolis (EEP)to profeot mice against gamma irradiation. Znaiurfarsch 1989:44(1 1-1 2):1049.
22 Drogovoz SM, etal. (The liver-protective properties of the pediatric dnug farm of propolis in animals of different age groups). (Russian) Eksperi Kiln Farmakalogiia 1 994:57(4):39.
23 Poscual C, etal. Scavenging action of propolis extract against oxygen radicals. J Ethnopharmoool 1994:41 (1-2):9.
24 Magra FiIho 0, de Corvoiho AC. Application of propolis to dental sockets and skin wounds. J Nihon Univ Sch Dent 1990:32(1 ):4.
25 Magro Fihilo 0, de Carvahlo AC. Topical effect of propolis intherepairofsulcoplastiesbythe modified kazonjion technique. Cytological and clinical evaluation. J Nihon Univ Sch Dent 1 994:36(2):1 02.
26 Pincelli C, etal. Contact dermatitis from propolis. Contact Derm 1984:11 (1):49.
27 Hay KD, Greig DE. Propolis allergy: a cause of oral mucositis with ulceration. Dralsurg Oral Med Oral Pathal 1 990:70(5):5B4.

What is Propolis?

Propolis is a resinous material gathered by bees from the leaf buds and bark of trees, especially poplars, birch and conifers. In the hive bees mix propolis with wax. Propolis also contains small amounts of pollen and other bee materials. The bees use propolis to protect the hive against bacteria or viral infection and dangerous toxins.

In raw form (hive scrapings) propolis is approximately 50-80% resins, 30-50% wax, 5-10% pollen, and 10% essential oils. Propolis is a very sticky substance with a sharp ahnost bitter taste with aroma of honey or vanilla.

Propolis can be used internally or externally. Propolis contains minerals and trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, silica, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, cobalt, and copper. Propolis is extremely high in bio-flavonoid content (vitamin P).

Processing of Propolis:

Beehive Botanicals has been refining propolis for 24 years. We have a network of over 300 beekeepers in the U.S. that send us unrefined hive scrapings.

Over the years we have developed a process for cold water washing of the propolis to remove most of the extrinsic wax, bee parts, wood chips, etc. that commonly occur in raw propolis. We then use this to make propolis extracts.

For extracts the washed propolis is put into vats with food grade alcohol. The extract is put through a leeching process and then filtering process to obtain different strengths. We stock a 25%, 50%, and 65% propolis extract. We have the capabilities to custom make extracts to your strength requirements.

The final process is our Ethanol Extracted propolis Powder 2X concentrate(EEP). We use the propolis extract and remove the alcohol and we are left with a solid form of propolis. This is a very clean, pure propolis that we recommend FOR encapsulation or tableting use. We have been using this propolis in our Beehive Botanical branded products since 1989.

Justifying a 2X concentrate:

It has taken several years to perfect the 2X concentrate. We start with clean hive scrapings which removes about 25% of the wax in the washing process. Then in the extraction process we remove the rest of the wax and any foreign material concentrating only pure propolis. Approximate calculations are 2 pounds of raw material (minimum) is used to make 1 pound of concentrated propolis. We have found that with removing the extraneous materials we are concentrating the bio flavonoids (see test results). 

BEE PROPOLIS

Bee propolis has protective, antibacterial, antibiotic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and soothing, healing effects when taken. Like bee pollen and royal jelly1 it is being rediscovered and put to use by athletes and other health-conscious people today.

What is bee propolis? It begins as a resinous mate4al, gathered by bees from the leaf buds and bark of trees, especially poplars, birch, conifers, and horse chestnut. The bees gather this sap, remetabolize it with the nectar of their own secretions, and take it back to the hive. The final propolis is a mixture formed by the bees from this bee resin and wax, plus pollen1 beebread, and other bee materials. Propolis is derived from the Greek pro (before) and polis (city). Bees place propolis before their hive to sterilize the hive and to protect it from intruders. It is placed behind the entryway so that all entering bees cross over and brush up against it and are "immunized" This protects the hive's inhabitants from infection. It is a sealant and tightener for the hive, and it acts to protect bees from bacterial or viral infection and dangerous toxins. Propolis is also used to line the interior cells in preparation for the queen's laying of eggs.

In fresh condition, propolis is sticky, aromatic, soft, and tastes somewhat burningly bitter. It has a peculiarly pleasant aroma similar to birch or poplar buds, or sometimes to honey or vanilla. To be taken internally, propolis is often administered in the form of a purified alcohol or water extract, in a gelatin capsule, lozenge, or directly as the dried resin. Externally, it can be applied either as a solution or a salve.

According to researchers at the Second Leningrad Scientific Conference on the Application of the Products of Apiculture [bee culture) in Medicine and Veterinary Medicine in 1960, "Bee propolis is rich in pro-vitamin A [carotene), B1, B2, B3, biotin, other B vitamins, C, E, H, P [bioflavonoids], and others. It also contains up to .40 percent albumin substances."1

Bee propolis also contains a large number of protective minerals and trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, silica, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, cobalt, and copper. Propolis is composed of 50-70% resins and balsams, 30-50% wax (good bee propolis is high in resin content and lower in wax), 5-10% pollen, and 10% essential oils. It contains 500 times more bioflavonoids (vitamin?) than is found in oranges. Bioflavonoids are essential in the assimilation of vitamin C, strongly benefit the circulatory and respiratory system, strengthen immunity, and are anti-inflammatory. There are many other substances and derivatives found in propolis, and several scientific tests show that it contains a whole complex of not-yet-identified components.

Like vitamin A, bee propolis has a tonifying and healing effect upon the important epithelial tissue of your body. Epithelial tissue is a membrane-like protective tissue that covers free surfaces such as the outer layer of the skin. It also forms the surface layer of mucous and serous membranes, lining your body's organs, glands, cavities, and ducts from the mouth to the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. In other words, these nutrients fortify and protect the internal and external "castle walls" of your body. Considered your body's first line of defense, epithelial tissue is involved in all infections, inflammations, and immunological problems due to internal or external harmful agents. It serves the general functions of enclosing and protecting1 producing secretions and excretions, and acting to absorb nutrients. It also has specialized functions such as movement of substances through ducts, production of cells, and reception of stimuli.

Drs. F. C. Porchum and A. J. Borovaja have conducted clinical investigations into the use of bee propolis. They researched both its bactericidal properties and the effect propolis has on radioepithelitis (inflammation of epithelial tissue due to radiation).2 It is important to remember that exposure to radiation is known to be the single most severe stressor to the human body. They found propolis to be effective at the clinical stage of radioepithelitis. Alcohol solutions of propolis produced a therapeutic effect mainly in the first three stages of epithelitis. Propolis salves were therapeutic in more advanced cases of confluent epithelitis (conditions of merging sores) and in the stage of inflamed epithelial erosions.

Besides toning and healing epithelial tissue, bee propolis immobilizes infectious bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other harmful foreign agents. Propolis acts by surrounding the agent, sealing it up, and making it useless. In the human body, the propolis-wrapped pathogen (an agent--such as a bacteria, virus, or fungi-that can cause pathology) can be destroyed and eliminated. Unlike penicillin and other drugs, propolis is consistently effective because bacteria, viruses, and fungi cannot build a tolerance to it. Propolis produces anti-inflammatory effects and stimulates cell regeneration over wounds. It strengthens your body's resistance to infections, and has been proven effective in alleviating colds, flus, ulcers, pharyngitis, and yeast infections. Also, propolis seems to have minimal side effects.

Bioflavonoids are natural substances found in foods and function as companions to vitamin C. The rich concentration of bioflavonoids in propolis helps to protect against infections. How? Think of toxins as being enclosed in a protein coat. As long as the coat remains unbroken, the infectious and dangerous material remains imprisoned and is harmless to the organism. Bioflavonoids act to inihibit an enzyme which normally removes the protein coat, and thus the dangerous material is kept locked in. Bioflavonoids from such substances as propolis thus help strengthen immunity.

Bent Havsteen, M.D., formerly of Cornell University and now with Kiel University in West Germany, has made a thorough study of propolis and bioflavonoids. According to Havsteen, bee propolis also stimulates interferon production. Interferon is an important natural protein substance that has been shown to combat many diseases. Havsteen notes that bioflavonoids stimulate white blood cells to produce interferon. And with this substance in the body, there is

increased resistance to many cancers and viral infections induding hepatitis, AIDS, and Epstein-Barr virus.

Bee propolis is widely known to be antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial. As a folk remedy, bee propolis has been used in many common disorders induding:

· bruises and burns

· sore throat

· nasal congestion and respiratory distress

· skin blemishes such as acne and pimples

· flus, fevers, colds, and coughs

· increasing stamina and physical strength

Propolis was used as a wound dressing during the Boer war in South Africa. It has been referred to as "Russian penicillin" because it was used by the Soviet army during WW II to treat difficult wounds. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, prescribed propolis to heal sores and both internal and external ulcers. It has been used in the Soviet Union as an alternative to novocaine in treatment of mouth disease because of its anesthetic properties. It also has uses in salves, ointments, perfumes, oils, and as a preservative.

Bee propolis appears to be a remarkable antibiotic that helps fight disease reactions within the body. It even helps control runaway cell breakdown, a condition symptomatic of cancer. I have frequently used bee propolis for many years both personally and recommended its use, often along with other herbs, to many clients.

Remy Chauvin, MD, of Sorbonne, Paris and K Lund Aagaard, the two men most responsible for the widespread use of propolis today, also testify to the versatility of the applications of propolis. Dr. Chauvin spoke of propolis, "100 percent killing effect of bacteria" and said that "propolis works by raising the body's natural resistance to infection through stimulating one's own immune system.

Many people with allergies and hay fever safely and effectively ingest bee pollen. 73% of patients with hay fever averaged a 75% improvement when given bee pollen orally. 78% of asthma patients averaged a 75% improvement in taking bee pollen orally. 17.8% of hay fever patients and 33.3% of asthma patients showed a complete, 100%, improvement with oral bee pollen-usually the sooner bee pollen treatment began pre-seasonally the greater the rate of healing.5,6,7,8 Quercetin in bee pollen inhibits the release of histamine in the body. It may be one of the contributing factors in decreasing allergic and hay fever responses.9,10,11,12

Bee pollen improves fertility. It can reduce cholesterol levels. Bee pollen improved the condition of men with prostatitis. It produced therapeutic benefits in patients with glycohaemia (abnormal amount of blood sugar), low hemoglobin, and bleeding ulcers.

Bee pollen, royal jelly, and vitamin C were given to menopausal women for 30 days, after which 82% were symptom-free. Patients with kidney insufficiency were fed bee pollen and showed great improvement. Bee pollen promotes healing of a wide variety of other health problems.

Regarding safety, I have observed that a small percent of people who initially ingest large amounts may occasionally experience minor gastro-intestinal irritation and a laxative effect or a rare allergic reaction. One 1983 research study corroborates my clinical experience. It is unclear whether this effect is due to the person being very sensitive; or due to poor quality pollen such as gathered from commercially-sprayed flowers; or improperly cleaned, dried, or stored pollen which therefore may contain debris or mold-causing moisture. I have also clinically observed that large amounts of bee pollen may be contraindicated for some people with gout as it may elevate purine or uric acid levels.

For preventive purposes, a common initial adult dosage of bee pollen granules is initially 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon once per day. The dosage is gradually increased to 1-2 teaspoons one to three times per day. Adults suffering from allergies are best advised to start off with one to three granules daily, and then to gradually increase.

 

BIO

Steve Schediter, N.D., is an internationally respected naturopathic doctor, health therapist, author, and speaker. He is a featured speaker each year at the 11 largest consumer health symposiums, and he has given featured solo presentations on nutrition and herbology each of the last eight years at the three foremost health industry trade conventions

He is the author of the best~selling book FIGHTING RADLITION & CHEMICAL

POLLUTANTS wilil FOODS, HERBS, & VITAMINS - Documented Natural Remedies that

Boost Your Immunity & Detoxify. He regularly writes for and is on the Medical Advisory

Boards of both Hea!th Foods Business and Let's Live magazines, has been published in ten

other prominent national health journals, and he and his book are listed in Who Is Who In

Service To the Earth.

Dr. Schechter advises individuals, corporations, and health care providers on vitality, immunity, detoxification, clinical nutrition, medical herbology, and optimal health. He also provides individualized telephone health consultations. He can be reached through, and copies of his book are available from, Vitality, Ink, in Encinitas, CA, (619) 943~8485(VITL).

1 R. B. Keller and E. K. Prudnicenka. On the Composition of Propolis and Its Bactericidity, Thesis of the Lectures of the Second Leningrad Scientific Conference on the Application of the Products of Apiculture in Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Leningrad, 1960. p. 53.

2 F. C. Prochum and A. J. Borovaja. Bactericidal Effects of Propolis and Its Use in Clinical Practice, Military Medican Journal, 1970, no.9, p.65.

(BPA) Bee Propolis Handout - NNFA - Copyright ©1995 Steven R. Schechter, N.D. page 3

5 Maurer, Murray L. and Strauss, Margaret, "A New Oral Treatment for Ragweed Fever." Journal of Allergy, 32:343 (1961).

6 Sternberg, Louis, "Seasonal Somnolence, As Possible Pollen Allergy," Journal of Allergy, v.14, p. 89, 1


BEE PROPOLIS:

This substance is gathered by bees from various plants. Together with beeswax, it is used to construct the hive. It contains anti-bacterial properties, which accounts for the complete sterility inside the hive. Use of propolis stimulates the white blood cells to destroy pathogens inside the body. It is documented to have a good effect on swollen mucou


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