Propolis is a natural product derived from plant resins collected by honeybees. More than 300 constituents such as polyphenols, phenolic aldehydes, sequiterpene quinines, steroids, amino acids, coumarins and inorganic compounds have been identified in propolis samples. Propolis constituents is highly variable, depending on the plant species and on the season of collection.
Antibacterial Properties of Propolis
Research findings shows it offers antibiotic, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal. Propolis has also been proven to fight bacterial strains that have become resistant to chemical antibiotics. When chemical antibiotics are taken one condition after another, invading bacteria get “smarter” and the medications eventually becomes less effective. Prescription antibiotics destroy all bacteria in the body, both the friendly, and the bad intestinal flora. Propolis works against harmful bacteria without destroying the friendly bacteria the body needs.
Bee propolis has been shown to fight bacterial strains that have become resistant to chemical antibiotics. The concentrations of flavonoids seem to be responsible for the important antibiotic effects. Propolis was found to have antibacterial effect against a range of commonly encountered cocci and Gram-positive rods, including the human tubercle bacillus, but just limited effect against Gram-negative bacilli. A 2001 study demonstrated that propolis has antifungal effect against multiple strains of yeast, including Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections.
Bee propolis has the ability to directly destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi and penicillin-resistant staphylococcus. Australian scientists, showed that propolis increases the effectiveness of penicillin or other antibiotics from 10 to 100 folds. Used as mouthwash, it may reduce bacteria in the mouth, reduce the formation of plaque and relieve dental pain and gum inflammation.Bee Propolis could assist in treating gingivitis or periodontal disease, according to a study reported in a 2005 edition of “Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry“.
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