International Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2012, 3, 159-162

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International Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2012, 3, 159-162

http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ijcm.2012.33033

Published Online May 2012 (http://www.SciRP.org/journal/ijcm)

159

Health from the Hive: Potential Uses of Propolis in General

Health

Eshwar Shruthi

*

, B. S. Suma

Department of Public Health Dentistry, K.L.E. Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore, India.

Email:

drshruthi_80@rediffmail.com

Received January 13

, 2012; revised February 20

, 2012; accepted March 20

, 2012

ABSTRACT

The health industry has always used natural products as an alternative, to the conventional allopathic formulations

available for the treatment of various afflictions. Propolis, a natural antibiotic is a resinous yellow brown to dark brown

substance that honey bees (Apis mellifera) collect from tree buds, sapflows, shrubs or other botanical sources to seal

unwanted open spaces in the hive, protecting it from outside contaminants. The main chemical classes present in propo-

lis are flavonoids, phenolics and other various aromatic compounds. Flavonoids are well known plant compounds that

have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Propolis has been used in general

for various purposes and has a promising role in future medicine as well as in dentistry. This paper is an attempt to re-

view various applications of this compound in medicine.

Keywords: Propolis; General Health; Safety & Precautions

1. Introduction

There is a great trend nowadays to use natural materials

as cure for many diseases. Alternative medicine has made

a lot of contributions to modern medical practice [1]. Pro-

polis was used at the time of Egyptian and Greek civili-

zations which recognized its healing qualities. Hippo-

crates, the founder of modern medicine, used it for heal-

ing sores and ulcers internally and externally. The word

Propolis (Russian Penicillin) is derived from the Greek

word “pro” before, polis “city” or defender of the city.

This non-toxic resinous substance was classified into 12

types according to physicochemical properties and related

to geographic locations; however, the botanical origin of

only three types were identified (Wander, 1995). A new

type of propolis, named Brazilian red Propolis (BRP)

because of its color, it has attracted the attention of in-

ternational business [2]. Propolis is the glue that honey

bees (Apis mellifera) use to seal up their hives. Propolis

is a sticky filler substance with the aroma of poplar honey

and vanilla that is collected by bees from the buds and

barks of trees and plants such as horse chest, nuts, poplar

and fir trees. The bees take the resin back to their hives

and work on it, producing a glue like substance with

which they fill cracks, smooth over the interior of the

nest, strengthen comb attachments and cover and em-

balm intruders and other objectionable objects in the hive

that are too large to carry out. [1] In nature, or when in

room temperature, it is a sticky substance, but becomes

hard and brittle at low temperature. It is composed of

resin and balsams (50% - 70%), essential oils and wax

(30% - 50%), pollen (5% - 10%) and other constituents

which are amino acids, minerals, vitamins A, B complex,

E and the highly active bio-chemical substance known as

bioflavonoid (Vitamin P), phenols and aromatic com-

pounds [2]. The main chemical classes present in propo-

lis are flavonoids, phenolics and other various aromatic

compounds. Flavonoids and caffeic acid present in pro-

polis are known to play an important role in reducing the

inflammatory response by inhibiting lipoxygenase path-

way of arachidonic acid. Flavonoids and caffeic acid also

aid the immune system by promoting phagocytic activi-

ties and stimulates cellular immunity. Propolis is avail-

able in the world markets in different forms as capsules,

lozenges, tincture and cream in Europe and America. It is

already available in Russia as toothpaste. Further, re-

search is being carried out at Oxford University, on the

benefits of Propolis [3].

2. Synonyms

Apis mellifera L., bee glue, bee propolis, bee putty, Bie-

nenharz (German), Brazilian green propolis, Brazilian pro-

polis, Bulgarian propolis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester

(CAPE), cera alba, chizukit, cinnamic acid, flavonoids, ga-

langin, Greek propolis, hive dross, Propolin H, propolis

balsam, propolis resin, propolis wax, propolisina (Spanish),

Corresponding author.

Health from the Hive: Potential Uses of Propolis in General Health

160

Russian penicillin, Taiwanese propolis, terpenes, WSDP.

The aim of this review was to draw the attention of

dental health care workers to propolis as a natural rem-

edy and its plausible use in dental diseases.

3. Potential Actions of Propolis

(The Use of Propolis in Medicine)

3.1. In Medicine

General medicinal uses of propolis include treatment of

the cardiovascular and blood systems (anemia), respiratory

apparatus (for various infections), dental care, dermatology

(tissue regeneration, ulcers, eczema, wound healing—

particularly burn wounds, mycosis, mucous membrane

infections and lesions), cancer treatment, immune system

support and improvement, digestive tracts (ulcers and in-

fections), liver protection and support and many others [4].

3.2. Anti-Bacterial Effect

In a study by Grange and Davey, they used a Propolis

dilution of 1:20 in nutrient agar which completely inhib-

ited the growth of S. aureaus, S. epidermidis, Entero-

coccus spp. Corynebacterium spp. B. catarrahlis and B.

cereus. This dilution partially inhibited the growth of P.

aeruginosa and E. coli but had no effect on K. pneumo-

nia. Thus it appeared to have an inhibitory effect on cocci

and gram positive rods. Tube dilution studies showed that

it was bactericidal for B. cereus and the gram-negative

cocci at dilutions of 1:160 to 1:320, and that growth of

the H37RV reference strain of Mycobacterium tubercu-

losis was totally inhibited at 1:320 and partially inhibited

at 1:640 dilution [5].

Koo et al. in Brazil found antibacterial effect of Pro-

polis on S. mutans, S. sanguis and A. naeslundaii in addi-

tion to the inhibition of glycosultransferase [6].

3.3. Anti-Viral Effect

Serkedjieva conducted an in vitro study on the antiviral

activity of six synthetic substances which were esters of

substituted cinnamic acids, identical with or analogous to

some of the constituent fractions of Propolis. One of them,

isopentyl ferculate, inhibited significantly the infectious

activity of influenza virus A in vitro and the production

of hemalutinins in vivo. In diverse experimental studies,

it was found that the maximal inhibition of viral repro-

duction was observed when test substances were present

in the medium during the whole infectious process [7].

3.4. Anti-Fungal Effect

Propolis and nine anti-fungal drugs were tested on four

fungi that cause infections in humans. It was as effective

as (or more effective than) some of the other preparations

against three of the fungi, and in some tests, its activity

was enhanced in the presence of propylene glycol. Pro-

polis and propylene glycol gave better results against

Scopulariopsis breveicaulis than any of the drugs tested

[8].

3.5. Anti-Oxidant Effect

Krol et al. described the remarkable medical property of

the ethanolic extract of Propolis (EEP), that is the protec-

tion against gamma radiation. They performed their ex-

periment on mice and found that the anti-oxidative effect

could be attributed to its radical scavenging ability. They

also demonstrated the ability of increasing amounts of

EEP to inhibit luminol H202 chemiluminescence in vitro,

and suggested that its anti-oxidative capacity was partly

due to its high content of flavenoids [9].

An Italian Study investigated the antioxidant activity

of a propolis extract deprived of caffeic acid phenethyl

ester (CAPE). Propolis extract (with and without CAPE)

and its active components showed a dose-dependent free

radical scavenging effect, a significant inhibition of xan-

thine oxidase activity, and an antilipoperoxidative capac-

ity. Propolis extract with CAPE was more active than

propolis extract without CAPE. The experimental evi-

dence, therefore, suggests that CAPE plays an important

role in the antioxidant activity of propolis [10].

3.6. Protective Action of Propolis on Cartilage

An Italian study states that this natural compound and its

active principle, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), were

able to contrast the harmful effects of IL-1beta.Our data

clearly demonstrated the protective action of propolis in

cartilage alteration, that appears greater than that elicited

by indomethacin, commonly employed in joint diseases

[11].

3.7. In Vaccines

To be effective, most vaccines typically depend on the

inclusion of substances known as adjuvants that stimulate

an immune response. Researchers seeking to develop a

vaccine against Suid herpesvirus type1 (SuHV-1), which

causes an infectious disease among swine, combined

green propolis with an ethanol extract and tested it on

mice. The mice showed an increased cellular immune

response and increased protection against SuHV-1. This

response did not occur with propolis alone, but only

when the antigen was absorbed in a particulate adjuvant,

like aluminum hydroxide. Thus, when associated with

auxiliary substances like aluminum hydroxide, green

propolis extract may increase the potency of vaccines,

especially those that depend on the cellular immune re-

sponse for protection [12].

Health from the Hive: Potential Uses of Propolis in General Health

161

3.8. Effect on Cancer

Scheller demonstrated the anti-tumoral effect in mature

mice bearing Ehrlich carcinoma. Survival rate after EEP

treatment was compared to that of bleomycin, given alone

or in combination every 2 days for thirty-six days and

followed up for fourteen additional days. The survival

rate at fifty days was 55% after EEP and 40% after

bleomycin, while all the mice treated with EEP plus ble-

omycine combination demonstrated shorter survival than

the controls. It was concluded that while the in vivo ac-

tivity of bleomycin was reduced in the presence of cyto-

chrome-c-reductase inhibitors (as some of the EEP com-

ponents) are the anti-tumoral property of EEP in the ex-

perimental animal model studied was significant and

lasting [13].

A literature review finds that propolis’s pharmacol-

ogical properties make it safe and effective as an adjunct

for patients receiving cancer treatment:

• Biological therapy. Biological therapy works hand in

hand with the immune system. Propolis’s biological ac-

tivities such as antitumoral activity, DNA protection,

free-radicals scavenging, and immune stimulation act in

synergy with each other and with conventional chemo-

therapy medication.

• Synergy with chemotherapy. Antioxidants may boost

the effects of anti-carcinogenic drugs, thus enabling a

decrease in the administered dose and in turn leading to a

reduction in side effects. They may also influence the

response to chemotherapy.

• Anti-inflammatory activity. This results from propo-

lis’s inhibitory effect on prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and

histamine release.

• Healing activity. Propolis promotes epithelial forma-

tion as well as vascular and fibroblastic neoformation of

the connective tissue.

• Antimicrobial activity. Propolis’ flavonoids and phe-

nolic acids are pharmacologically active compounds that

have effects on bacteria, fungi, and viruses [14].

3.9. Effect on Upper Respiratory Infections

German study investigated the bactericidal effect against

several strains isolated from patients with infections in

their upper respiratory tracts [15].

3.10. In Cosmetics

Dermatological and cosmetic applications are at this time

probably the most common uses for propolis and its ex-

tracts. Its effects on tissue regeneration and renovation

have been well studied. Together with its bactericidal and

fungicidal characteristics it provides many benefits in

various applications in cosmetics [4].

4. Safety & Precautions

4.1. Bee Propolis—How Safe Is It?

In general, propolis is safe. It is a non toxic substance

and for most people, will not caused irritation when used

as supplements or applied to skin. However, like other

honey bee products, there are people who are allergic to

propolis. Allergic reaction due to this substance was first

reported in beekeepers as an occupational effect but is

now seen mainly in individuals who use propolis in cos-

metics and supplement to treat various health conditions.

It is believed that a substance called caffeic acids to be

one of the causes of allergies to propolis.

4.2. Who Can Be Allergic to Propolis?



Those allergic to pollen;



Asthma patients;



Allergic to bee stings;



Pregnant women.

There have not been many published clinical trials on

the effect of propolis on pregnant women. Because the

information in this area is limited, it has been advised to

avoid using propolis during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

4.3. The Symptoms of Allergies

If allergic to propolis, it may cause redness of skin, de-

velop rashes, swelling, itching, fluid collection, fever and

may even lead skin to crack (including a severe allergic

reaction called anaphylaxis). Apart from that, it may also

irritate the skin area where it is applied on, cause eczema,

lesions, psoriasis or mouth sores [16].

4.4. Interactions with Drugs

Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and may

cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole

or disulfiram. Propolis may produce additive effects when

taken with antimicrobial drugs.

Propolis may interact with the following: anticoagu-

lants, H. pylori agents, antibiotics, anti-cancer agents (anti-

neoplastics), antifungals, anti-inflammatories, infertility

agents, anti-HIV agents (antiretrovirals), immunosuppres-

sants, and osteoporosis agents.

4.5. Interactions with Herbs and Dietary

Supplements

Balsam of Peru and propolis are both known to cause

allergic sensitization in some people and have multiple

compounds in common, such as benzyl benzoate, benzyl

cinnamate, benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid,

caffeic acid, cinnamic alcohol, and vinallin. An increased

risk of allergic sensitization may occur if both products

are used together [17].

Health from the Hive: Potential Uses of Propolis in General Health

162

5. Summary and Conclusion

The evidence on bee propolis is very promising. Not only

can it be applied topically it may also be considered as an

alternative to antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti in-

flammatory, antibiotic, antioxidant property in treatment

of low grade infections. Allergy and sensitivity to propo-

lis is uncommon but patients should be asked about ad-

verse reactions to bee stings, allergy to bee products and

sensitivity to pollen. In conclusion, propolis is a natural

medication with a promising future but further studies

should be conducted to investigate its merit and demerits

in clinical medicine.

6. Recommendations



Studies should be conducted on the effects of propo-

lis and these studies should meet the requirements of

basic principles of clinical research and trial.



Both clinical trials and demonstration studies should

be carried out to determine the efficacy and effec-

tiveness of propolis in human subjects.



The primary health care notion of appropriate tech-

nology should be encouraged through.



Controlled trials of native natural herbal products as

alternative medicine for good general and dental

health of the community.

REFERENCES

[1]

K. Almas, A. Dahlan and A. Mahmoud, “Propolis as a Na-

tural Remedy: An Update,” Saudi Dental Society, Vol. 13,

No. 1, 2001, pp. 45-49.

[2]

A. Parolia, M. S. Thomas, M. Kundabala and M. Mohan,

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[3]

C. Scully, “Propolis: A Background,” British Dental Jour-

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doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4813435

[4]

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[6]

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