The word propolis (pro+polis), means the means of defending the city of bees. Propolis is not food for bees, it is resinous secretions from the buds of plants where they collect and process them, adding wax and some substances that they secrete themselves. They use it to disinfect the cells of the honeycomb where the brood (their babies) will grow and the honey and pollen will be stored and to seal the cells.
Propolis has been used for at least two millennia by the traditional medicine of many peoples and, a few decades ago, was rediscovered by Western medicine and veterinary medicine.
Humans use propolis for the following properties – actions:
• Anesthetic/analgesic: For topical use on wounds, burns and especially on mouth ulcers
• Anti-allergic: The flavonoids of propolis block the allergic reaction by inhibiting the action of acids that dissolve cells.
• Antibiotic and Antifungal, Antiviral and immunostimulant: Also known as Russian penicillin, propolis has actions that are not limited to bacteria but also fight fungi and even viruses.
• Anti-inflammatory: In a survey conducted among propolis consumers in 1995, almost 70% used it for problems related to inflammation (arthritis, rheumatism and muscle pain, asthma, bronchitis, eczema and psoriasis)
• Antioxidant: Propolis neutralizes free radicals that destroy cells and DNA structure, causing cell death, aging and carcinogenesis. The antioxidant activity of propolis is much greater than that of vitamin E.
• Anti-cancer. Many studies have been conducted showing that propolis has anti-cancer activity. It is believed that the anti-cancer activity of propolis is both preventive and therapeutic.
• Anti-diabetic. It appears that propolis can control blood glucose and regulate blood glucose and lipid metabolism, leading to a reduction in lipid peroxidation and neutralization of free radicals in diabetic rats. (Fulianq H. et al., 2005)
