Propolis has been used for thousands of years by ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for its multiple medicinal properties and remarkable safety profile. Assyrians put it on wounds and tumours to fight infection and help the healing process. Egyptians used it to embalm mummies. Greeks used it to treat abscesses.
Science only recently started to rediscover its powerful healing potential.
Researchers have identified more than 300 compounds in propolis. The majority of these compounds are forms of polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that fight disease and damage in the body.
INGREDIENTS:
Natural Propolis, hydro-ethonolic extract
WHAT IS PROPOLIS USED FOR
In modern history propolis is known for it’s antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties
Heals Burns
Propolis contains another special compound called pinocembrin, a flavonoid that acts as an antifungal. These anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make propolis helpful in wound healing. One study found that propolis can help people who have had traumatic burns heal faster by speeding up new healthy cell growth.
A 2002 study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that propolis may promote the healing of minor burns. The researchers compared a propolis skin cream with silver sulfadiazine, a drug used to treat burns. Study results showed propolis was just as effective as the drug in treating second-degree burns.
Wound Healing
Another study found that a topical application of propolis extract was more effective than a steroid cream in reducing mast cells in oral surgery wounds. Mast cells are associated with inflammation and slowed wound healing.
Cancer
One of the well-studied compounds of propolis is caffeic acid phenethyl ester, abbreviated as CAPE and has been suggested to have a role in treating certain cancers.
According to one study, some of the anti-cancerous effects of the substance include:
• keeping cancerous cells from multiplying
• reducing the likelihood cells will become cancerous
• blocking pathways that keep cancer cells from signalling to each other
Prevent Dental Cavities
Greek and Roman physicians used propolis as mouth disinfectant. Modern studies show it may be effective in the treatment of periodontitis and gingivitis.
Many studies have also found that extracts from propolis limit bacterial plaque and reduce tooth caries.
Other studies show that propolis may even help regenerate dental pulp, as well as bone tissue, and cartilage.
Treat Parasites
Preliminary trials show propolis may eliminate parasites. In one study people who took propolis had a 52 to 60% success rate in eliminating the parasite giardiasis.
Wart Removal
In a single-blind, randomised, 3-month trial, 135 patients with different types of warts received oral propolis, echinacea, or a placebo. The results were reported in the International Journal of Dermatology. Patients with plane and common warts achieved a cure rate of 75% and 73%, respectively. The results were significantly better than those associated with echinacea or placebo.