How Propolis Changes Your Body

Propolis is a unique product that is a biological collaboration between nature and bees. This resinous structure, which can adapt to protect, repair and defend itself against many environmental exposures, has gained a place as a targeted mechanism of action with its benefits observed in today's modern medical research.

Propolis Description

Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees from materials collected from various plants and is also known as bee glue. Propolis is a complex formation of resins, waxes and bee enzymes. Bees use propolis to seal cracks and gaps in their hives, providing structural stability and protection against microbial infections.

Propolis has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its diverse biological properties. Propolis contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenes, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anticancer activities. The composition and efficacy potential of propolis can vary significantly depending on its geographical origin, local flora and the type of bee involved in its production.

Health Effects of Propolis

The health benefits of propolis have been studied in various clinical contexts. Propolis supplementation has shown promise in many areas:

• Antioxidant Effects:
  Propolis supplementation suggests its potential role in the management of conditions where oxidative stress is a contributing factor.
• Anti-Allergic Properties:
  Propolis has been found to have anti-allergic effects that may be beneficial in conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis.
• Glycemic Control:
  In patients with type 2 diabetes, propolis supplementation improved glycemic control, had a positive effect on blood glucose levels.
• Cardiometabolic Health:
  Propolis has been associated with positive effects on triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure.
• Liver Health:
  In patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), propolis supplementation has the effect of improving liver function and liver disease scores.
• Chronic Kidney Disease:
  Propolis can improve quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Things to Consider When Buying Propolis

• Chemical Composition and Biological Activity:
  The chemical composition and biological activity of propolis varies greatly depending on the plant species from which it was collected and its geographical origin. For example, some types of propolis from more untouched geographies are noted for their high content of antioxidant compounds and biological potential.
• Extraction Method:
  The biological activities of propolis may vary according to the extraction method used. Traditional ethanolic extraction methods may be more effective to obtain higher concentrations of antioxidant compounds.
• Standardization and Quality Control:
  It is important that Propolis undergoes strict controls to ensure the consistency of its biological activities. Certain compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids can be used as markers for quality assessment of Propolis.
• Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties:
  The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of propolis support a variety of biological activities. These properties increase the usability of Propolis in the treatment of infections and in general health promoting products.
• Geographical Origin and Herbal Resources:
  The biological activities of propolis vary depending on the vegetation and bee species of the region where it is collected. For example, European propolis is rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids and these compounds can be used in the standardization of Propolis.

Health Statistics on the Use of Propolis

Propolis has been researched for a variety of health benefits and here are some key statistics and findings on its use:

Heart and Metabolic Health

Propolis consumption;

• Triglyceride levels 10.44 mg/dL,
• LDL-cholesterol levels 31 mg/dL,
• Fasting blood glucose levels of 7.30 mg/dL,
• HbA1c levels0.32%,
• Insulin levels 1.36 μU/mL,
• HOMA-IR levels of 0.39 and
• It provided a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure of 2.24 mmHg.

All of these changes were significant and meaningful. Propolis use also increased HDL-cholesterol levels by 2.03 mg/dL. All these effects are recognized as important effects that increase human life span and quality of life.

Antioxidant Status

Propolis supplementation significantly increased the levels of important antioxidant enzymes and compounds such as glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and similarly increased the levels of total antioxidant capacity. However, its effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) was not significant. These effects classify propolis as an effective antioxidant supplement.

Inflammatory Biomarkers

An analysis of multiple control group comparative studies showed that propolis supplementation significantly reduced levels of inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-α. A significant reduction in CRP levels was seen with 10 weeks or more of supplementation.

Infectious Diseases

Propolis has shown antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi and viruses. In clinical trials, it has been successfully used as an adjunct in the treatment of infectious diseases, especially in the treatment of COVID-19.

Dental Practice

Propolis has shown potential in dentistry for plaque control, reduction of pathogenic microbial numbers and control of periodontal tissue inflammation thanks to its antimicrobial properties. However, better designed clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.

Bibliography:

1. Alghutaimel H, Matoug-Elwerfelli M, Alhaji M, Albawardi F, Nagendrabababu V, Dummer PMH. Propolis Use in Dentistry: A Narrative Review of Its Preventive and Therapeutic Applications. Int Dent J. 2024 Jun;74(3):365-386. doi: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.01.018. Epub 2024 Feb 19. PMID: 38378400; PMCID: PMC11123522.
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4. Bahari H, Shahraki Jazinaki M, Goudarzi K, Namkhah Z, Taheri S, Golafrouz H, Pahlavani N. Effects of propolis consumption on blood pressure, lipid profile and glycemic parameters in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Br J Nutr. 2025 Jan 14;133(1):13-36. doi: 10.1017/S000711452424002010. Epub 2024 Nov 29. PMID: 39610126.
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