Scientific Benefits of Propolis

The beekeeper woman who introduced me to propolis always said, "This substance is a treasure from the heart of nature that bees collect from the heart of trees to protect their hive." And now, science confirms this. Propolis, with its diverse bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes, exhibits amazing properties. Scientific studies have proven that this substance can be effective in maintaining human health by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, reducing various inflammations in the body, and even inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. In particular, propolis has shown significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (PubMed ID: 31146392). Propolis can also help improve gut health, accelerate wound healing, maintain cardiovascular health, and treat oral and dental diseases. These properties make propolis a natural and promising option for promoting health. I will mention some of these properties based on the documents available in the world of medical science below.

Treatment of Bacterial, Fungal, and Other Infections

Propolis, as a natural substance, has powerful antimicrobial properties that can be effective against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Studies have shown that bioactive compounds in propolis, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, can inhibit the growth and reproduction of harmful microorganisms through various mechanisms, including cell membrane destruction, inhibition of protein and DNA synthesis, and disruption of essential enzyme function. In particular, propolis has shown significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli. These properties make propolis a natural and effective option for treating and preventing various infections.

Reduction of Inflammatory Diseases

Propolis, with its diverse bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes, exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can help reduce acute and chronic inflammations by inhibiting various inflammatory pathways in the body. Studies have shown that propolis can control inflammation by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, and inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes. These properties make propolis a natural and effective option for treating various inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and skin diseases. Propolis can also be effective in reducing inflammations caused by infections and tissue damage.

PubMed ID: 36500579

Cancer Prevention

Propolis, as a natural source rich in bioactive compounds, exhibits significant anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that the compounds present in propolis, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and Artepillin C, can be effective in preventing and treating certain types of cancer through various mechanisms, such as inhibiting cancer cell growth and proliferation, inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death), inhibiting angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels to nourish the tumor), and modulating the immune system. Specifically, propolis has shown significant anti-cancer activity against colorectal, breast, prostate, lung, and liver cancers. These properties make propolis a natural and promising option for cancer prevention and treatment, although more research is needed to prove its effectiveness in humans.

PubMed ID: 28814983, 39177837, 36142391

Improved Digestive Health and Function

Propolis can help improve digestive function. This substance has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce bowel inflammation. Research has shown that Brazilian green propolis, by modulating the gut microbiota, can improve digestive health. Studies have shown that propolis can improve gut dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) by increasing the diversity and richness of the gut microbiota and reducing the ratio of pathogenic to beneficial bacteria. These positive changes in the gut microbiota can help improve digestive function, reduce bowel inflammation, and prevent bowel-related diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Propolis can also protect against sarcopenic obesity, a condition associated with decreased muscle mass and increased fat mass.

PubMed ID: 36162824

Improved Wounds and Skin Inflammations

Propolis, due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, can help improve wounds and skin inflammations. Studies have shown that propolis-based materials can help improve various wounds, including burn wounds, diabetic wounds, and surgical wounds, by accelerating the tissue repair process, reducing inflammation and pain, and preventing infection. Also, propolis nanofibers, due to their high contact surface and controlled release of active compounds, can help improve chronic and complex wounds.

PubMed ID: 38151671, 34577172

Maintaining Cardiovascular Health

Propolis, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic properties, can help maintain cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that propolis can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke, by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol, increasing HDL (good) cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and preventing blood clot formation. Also, propolis can help improve blood vessel function by protecting endothelial cells (cells lining blood vessels).

PubMed ID: 38556227

Treatment of Oral Diseases

Propolis, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, can be effective in treating oral and dental diseases. Studies have shown that propolis can help treat gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, by reducing gum inflammation, preventing dental plaque formation, and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Also, propolis can be effective in treating mouth ulcers, oral wounds, and oral fungal infections.

PubMed ID: 33573540

Strengthening the Immune System

Propolis, with its numerous bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes, can help strengthen the immune system. Studies have shown that propolis can improve immune system function by increasing the production of immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, and stimulating antibody production. Also, propolis can help strengthen the immune system by reducing chronic inflammations, which can weaken the immune system. These properties make propolis a natural and effective option for preventing infections and various diseases.

PubMed ID: 29990592, 32018597

Increasing Energy and Vitality

Propolis, due to its numerous nutritional compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, can help increase energy and vitality in the body. Studies have shown that propolis can increase the body's energy level by improving the function of mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy in cells. Also, propolis can help increase the body's vitality by reducing oxidative stress, which can cause fatigue and lethargy. These properties make propolis a natural and effective option for increasing energy and improving quality of life.

PubMed ID: 30041175, 32151322

Improving Allergies

Propolis, due to its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, can help improve allergy symptoms. Studies have shown that propolis can reduce the severity of allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing, by inhibiting histamine production, which is responsible for creating these symptoms. Also, propolis can help improve allergy symptoms by reducing inflammations caused by allergies. These properties make propolis a natural and effective option for managing allergy symptoms.