Effective mixture of many substances?

Propolis has a distinctive scent, a bitter, pungent taste and changes its consistency depending on the temperature: above 30 degrees Celsius, the material is supple and sticky, while below 15 degrees Celsius it is firm and brittle. Due to its fat-soluble, resinous properties, propolis can absorb environmental toxins such as the heavy metals lead and cadmium as well as residues of veterinary medicines from beekeeping.

People have been using the multi-substance mixture for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. In ancient times, the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent was used to treat wounds and embalm mummies in ancient Egypt.

Today, bee resin is promoted as a natural remedy for strengthening the immune system, preventing and treating infectious diseases and relieving skin and mucous membrane inflammation. However, clear evidence of its effectiveness is lacking and is made more difficult by the fact that propolis is not a uniform product. It basically consists of resins and balsams (50 to 55 percent), waxes (20 to 35 percent), essential oils (10 percent), pollen (5 percent) and other organic substances.

However, the exact chemical composition varies depending on the geographical location, plant species growing there and environmental conditions. This is reflected, among other things, in the varying colour palette of the mixture of substances, which ranges from yellow-brown to dark brown to greenish. The main active ingredients among the 300 constituents are polyphenols, flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol and chrysin, hydroxycinnamic acids such as caffeic or ferulic acid, coumarins and esters such as caffeic acid esters.

Propolis is usually offered in the form of food supplements. These products are often enriched with other ingredients such as flower pollen, royal jelly or plant extracts such as echinacea. The products are intended to promote the immune system and general health. There is indeed evidence that propolis can stimulate the activity of immune cells such as macrophages and T-cells. The extent to which these immunomodulating effects are clinically relevant is still unclear.

The growth-inhibiting effect on some microorganisms has also been demonstrated in experiments. Particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, an effect was observed in cell or animal experiments. If the antibiotic effectiveness is confirmed in humans, propolis could possibly play a therapeutic role in the future in view of the growing threat posed by antibiotic-resistant germs.

Effects on chronic diseases are also postulated in some cases and are derived either from the properties of the ingredients contained or from small-scale experiments. The high concentration of polyphenols and flavonoids gives propolis strong antioxidant properties. These substances neutralize free radicals and thus prevent oxidative damage, which is associated with the development of numerous chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

There is no approved health claim, i.e. a permitted health-related statement for food supplements containing propolis. Although the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has examined numerous advertising claims submitted by manufacturers, it has found no causal link between these and the consumption of propolis. Claims that indicate effects for propolis such as supporting the health of the respiratory tract, intestines, liver, immune system, normal blood circulation and oral health or an antibacterial and antifungal effect are therefore misleading and inadmissible. Health-related advertising claims, for example to support the immune system or to have an antioxidant effect, generally refer to added vitamins (such as vitamin C) or minerals (such as zinc) and not to propolis itself.

Propolis is also used in dermatological products due to its skin-caring and anti-inflammatory effects. Its antioxidant properties contribute to the regeneration of the skin barrier. The wound-healing effects of propolis are used in ointments, tinctures and plasters to treat wounds. Bee resin is particularly popular as a natural remedy for minor wounds and skin abrasions.

Homeopathic medicines such as potentized propolis tinctures, mother tinctures, drops, dilutions or globules are used for skin problems such as acne, cold sores (herpes labialis) or hives. Other uses include recurrent colds, rhinitis, coughs, sore throats, earaches and headaches. Propolis is also popular among beekeepers as a therapeutic agent. They produce preparations for their own use according to certain recipes, but are not allowed to advertise or sell them as medicines. However, the sale of raw propolis is permitted, allowing buyers to make the preparations themselves.

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