What Is Propolis: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage

What is Propolis?

Propolis is a compound produced by bees, which is the result of combining the sap and its feces with beeswax. Propolis is greenish brown, sticky, and is used as a honeycomb coating.

The benefits of propolis have been widely felt by the wider community. For example, the Greeks used propolis to treat abscesses, the Assyrians used it to help heal wounds and fight infection, and the Egyptians used it for embalming mummies.

Benefits of Propolis

Propolis has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, propolis is widely used in protection against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Here are some of the benefits of propolis:

Wound

Propolis has a special compound, namely pinocembrin. Pinocembrin itself is a type of flavonoid compound that functions as an antifungal. Propolis is known to heal burns, by accelerating the growth of healthy new cells.

A study stated that topical propolis alco**hol extract, known to be more effective than steroid cream, in reducing mast cells in oral surgical wounds.

Cold Sores and Genital Herpes

Treatment using ointments containing 3% propolis, can accelerate healing and reduce symptoms in cold sores or wounds due to genital herpes.

Cancer

Propolis is known to have a role in treating certain types of cancer, such as: breast cancer. However, keep in mind that propolis is not the sole treatment for cancer. The anti-cancer effects produced by propolis are:

1. Keep cancer cells from multiplying
2. Reduces the chance that the cells will become cancerous.
3. Blocking pathways, so cancer cells don’t signal each other
4. Heart disease

Propolis is a compound that is known to contain lots of flavonoids and polyphenols. Both can help reduce certain medical risks, such as heart disease.

Reduce Boils

One of the most studied effects of propolis is its antimicrobial activity, which can help solve internal problems as a supplement. A study shows that taking propolis, with or without honey, can help reduce symptoms gastritis and stomach ulcer significantly. Propolis can even promote healing.

Reduces Inflammation

Propolis can help relieve the symptoms of several chronic conditions, which have potential health benefits such as heart disease, diabetes, intestinal inflammation, and arthritis. This is possible, because propolis can help reduce inflammation.

Controlling Blood Sugar Levels

Based on experiments on a study, it is known that propolis can significantly reduce blood glucose levels, which are calculated during fasting. Where blood glucose levels are calculated while fasting, is an indicator of uncontrolled diabetes.

Lowering the Risk of Anemia

Propolis is rich in vitamin B complex, which is considered an essential micronutrient in maintaining the body. It is known that the impact of vitamin B6 deficiency is to have anemia and cause symptoms such as confusion and depression. By consuming propolis, it can help reduce the risk of vitamin B complex deficiency and related anemia.

Propolis Side Effects

Until now, there have been no clear studies regarding the safety or insecurity of propolis products. However, it is not a high risk.

Someone who has an allergy to honey or bees, may also experience allergies to products containing propolis. Allergic reactions that often arise are skin breakouts, such as: eczema.

Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using propolis in treating. Especially for someone who has allergies or asthma.

A study conducted in the observation of cancer patients, no known negative side effects. The use of propolis can actually minimize the presence of liver or kidney damage, as well as help reduce side effects such as weight loss, anorexia, oxidative damage, and apoptosis ^[3].

Propolis Dosage

So far, propolis products are not known to carry significant health risks. So that, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have a recommended daily minimum or maximum for propolis. Propolis supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so dosages may vary from brand to brand, even batch to batch.

For someone who wants to feel the benefits of propolis, it is not necessary to take propolis supplements. Adding honey to the food you want to eat also means consuming small amounts of propolis.

Is Propolis Safe?

Based on the explanation above, it is known that propolis has many health benefits. Many studies have proven that propolis is very effective in helping heal. A study also explains that to date, have not found serious side effects from the use of propolis. However, first consulting a doctor or an expert before consuming propolis, is an absolute must.