Last week we investigated some of the medicinal properties of honey, especially in wound care. Recent advancements in research have bettered our general understanding of the benefits of hive products in supporting human health. This week we will explore potential human health-benefits of propolis.
Opportunity for PEI beekeepers: ATTTA will be hosting
a limited series of monthly informative discussion sessions with the PEI
beekeeping industry beginning October 20, 2021. These sessions are offered
through the PEI Beekeepers’ Association. See the infographic at the end of this
week’s blog for all the details!
A reminder for the NSBA Fall Technical
Session! This session will be held virtually. We hope to “see” you there to
join in on some great beekeeping discussions this Saturday from 10AM – 12PM.
Experimental Evidence for Therapeutic Potentials of Propolis
Propolis is a sticky substance produced by honey bees
which they often use as a glue within the hive and around hive entrances. Bees
collect resinous materials from certain plants they visit (e.g., birch trees,
pine trees, & alder trees) and then mix in their own enzymes, and varying
amounts of beeswax, to modify the collected materials into a product the bees
can use as a construction material. Beyond this use, propolis also contains
components which lend antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to the hive
where it has been applied. Due to this, an interest is building into the
development of natural and novel human health products and treatments.
As highlighted in a recent review (Bhargava et al.,
2021), it is important to note that the quality and composition of propolis
depends on its geographic location, climatic zone and local flora (Bhargava et
al. 2021). In other words, not all propolis is created equally and
therapeutic potentials vary, just as with honey! In the propolis world, New
Zealand and Brazilian green propolis have been the focus of recent studies. Results
from these studies have contributed experimental evidence to support the
therapeutic bioactivities of active compounds found in these two kinds of propolis
which include:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antitumor
- Antimetastatic
- Hepatoprotective
- Antimicrobial
Some other types of propolis that have undergone
experimental investigations to determine therapeutic potentials of their
components and extracts include:
- Taiwanese propolis – antioxidant and antitumor activities
- Chinese propolis – antiproliferative effect
- Canadian propolis – radical scavenging activity
- Greek propolis – antimicrobial
- Cuban propolis - antioxidant
A recent publication
(Shaldam et al., 2021) demonstrates additional, possible medicinal effect
of propolis. This study investigated the
use of propolis as an inhibitor of COVID-19. Interactions of 14 honey and propolis
compounds (including certain flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes) with the
target enzymes of the causative agent of COVID-19 were analyzed. Of the 14
compounds, four were highlighted to be potential effective inhibitors of COVID-19.
Throughout the
COVID-19 pandemic, many drugs have been repurposed and analyzed as potential
treatments and preventatives of this viral infection. This also facilitated an
opportunity to progress knowledge, understanding, and evidence of the
healthcare potentials of hive products. Overall, this theoretical study
supports further research to assess the potential of using compounds found in
honey and propolis as a COVID-19 inhibitor.
Experimental
evidence suggests that propolis has potential health benefits. We will revisit the topic of health benefits
of hive products in subsequent blogs to learn more about the broader benefits of
these products not only for their own sake, but also beekeeping enterprises.
Connecting with ATTTA Specialists