Propolis Strengthens the Immune System

Due to the coronavirus Covid-19, specialists often emphasize the strengthening of the immune system.
Propolis, which is among the oldest healing sources for human beings, has attracted more attention in the scientific world in recent years. Propolis draws attention with its feature of making a positive contribution to the immune system in the prevention of diseases, especially by strengthening the immune system.

Stating that propolis can play a role in the prevention of many diseases by strengthening the immune system, Yeditepe University Hospitals Internal Medicine and Nephrology Specialist Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı say that the healing properties of honey and other bee products (apitherapy) have been used for various purposes for thousands of years, from ancient Egypt to the Assyrians. 

Stating that propolis has also been the subject of scientific studies in recent years and that it has attracted the attention of the scientific world, Kantarcı says, “It has been proven that propolis strengthens the immune system, kills germs, protects the liver, and has supportive and protective effects in many diseases such as herpes, colds, rheumatic diseases, and cancer. It has protective effects on the cardiovascular system, asthma, bronchitis, and eye health.

Stating that there is scientific evidence that propolis can also be effective in ulcerative colitis and helicobacter pylori-related stomach ulcers, Prof. Dr. Gülçin Kantarcı answers frequently asked questions about propolis as follows:

• What is Propolis?

Propolis is a bee product produced by bees by processing resinous substances collected from the buds and stems of plants. Bees produce propolis to repair cracks in the hive in order to protect the hive against microorganisms and external factors. While producing it, bees mostly use the resins of poplar and pine trees. Propolis contains 45% resin, 30% wax, phenolic compounds, and 5% minerals and vitamins.    

• What is the mechanism of action of propolis? Are there scientific studies and demonstrated results about the usefulness of propolis?

The cytotoxic effects of propolis on microorganisms have been proven. Its healing effects on microbial diseases and wounds of the lips, mouth, throat, and stomach ulcers have also been proven by experimental and clinical studies. With this feature, when used together with antibiotics, it can help treatment or reduce the need for antibiotics by reducing the risk of infection. Propolis can be protective against tumor formation by preventing the structural change of the cell by neutralizing free oxygen radicals with its antioxidant property in cellular damages caused by oxidation. Its effects on the cardiovascular system and eye health are also attributed to this feature. Basically, propolis also supports the immune system with its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. 

Propolis Cannot Be Consumed as It Is Taken from The Hive

• How is propolis used? Should it be used as a supplement, or is it possible to obtain natural propolis?

Propolis produced by bees to protect their hives from external factors cannot be consumed as it is taken from the hive. When taken from the hive, it may contain high levels of wax and parasites trying to reach the honey in the hive. For this reason, it is necessary to separate the active substances in their structure from these pollutants through the extraction process. Different solvents such as water and alcohol can be used during the extraction process. It is available in pharmacies as drops, capsules/tablets, creams, or powders.

• Does propolis have any harm?

The use of some solvents that are in propolis extraction may be inconvenient, especially in children. In the case of using water as a solvent, the expected benefits cannot be achieved because caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAFE) and some important flavonoids (galangin, chrysin, pinobanksin, pinocembrin) in the content pass into water at very low rates. It has a bitter taste when taken directly, and it can be mixed with honey or fruit juices. In high doses and when taken with alcohol, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. Depending on the amount of coumarin in its content, its use should be discontinued in cases where there is a risk of bleeding and before surgery.

• How should children use propolis?

Water-based products can be used in children, but we know that some of them have fewer active substances. Recently, thanks to the special extraction method developed within the scope of a TÜBİTAK-supported project, propolis is purified by physical methods without using any alcohol derivatives, and standardized, water-based pure propolis with a maximum active substance in terms of CAFE and effective flavonoids is obtained. Water is used as a carrier in such products.

• It is stated that propolis has positive effects on the skin, what can you say about it, is it beneficial for the skin?

Propolis has wound-repairing and tissue-regenerating properties. It is also used in the treatment of burns due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal effects. It has been shown that this effect is provided by pinocembrin in its content. It can also be effective in the treatment of fungal diseases of the skin due to its antifungal effect, and in the treatment of herpes-like diseases of the skin due to its antiviral effect. In addition, it has positive effects on the treatment of gum diseases.

Those at Risk of Bleeding Should Not Use Propolis

• For whom would it be inconvenient to use propolis and why?

İçeriğinde bulunan kumarin miktarına bağlı olarak kanama riski olan durumlarda ve cerrahiden önce kullanımı sakıncalı olabilir. Arı ürünlerine allerjisi olanların da kullanması uygun değildir. Alkol ile beraber alınmamalıdır, bulantı ve kusmaya neden olur.

• Propolis is especially recommended for cancer patients. What is your comment on this?

Cancer is a disease of uncontrolled atypical cell proliferation. Propolis prevents this atypical cell proliferation with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The substances called polyphenols in their content have an antitumor effect, making cells atypical, and blocking the pathways that allow cancer cells to transmit signals to each other in order to proliferate. I recommend it to be used by patients who are genetically predisposed to the development of cancerous cells and who have received cancer treatment and are at risk of recurrence..

• What should the consumer pay attention to when buying propolis?

When buying propolis, it is absolutely necessary to choose products that are well-analyzed, have high active substances, and do not contain toxic residues.

Press Coverage:  ntv.com