Propolis

Propolis ( gr προ pro " before" and πόλις pólis " city " because of the frequent occurrence of the flight holes of hives ), also known as propolis, bee glue, propolis, propolis or Kittwachs, is a resinous composition produced by bees with antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal activity. Propolis is a mixture of many different substances whose composition can vary greatly. Originally the word with the feminine article was provided today is also the neuter article use. More product of bees is next honey and royal jelly secreted from the wax glands wax.

Since the insects live together in a hive in a confined space at about 35 ° C and high humidity prevail there ideal conditions for the spread of disease. Therefore, propolis is the bees to seal small holes, gaps and cracks and simultaneously to inhibit the hive entrained or existing bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms in their development or even kill. For this purpose, different surfaces, such as the inside of the honeycomb cells plated for the breed, with a razor-thin Propolisfilm. In the hive, existing, non-removable from the bees foreign objects or debris will also be encapsulated with this material.

• 4.1 preservation
• 4.2 Surface coating
• 4.3 Health-related use

Origin and composition

The raw material is collected by honey bees as a resinous substance of buds and partially on wounds of various trees ( in Europe mainly birch, beech, alder, spruce, poplar, horse chestnut and elm ) (about 55% natural resin and pollen balm ). Processed further, with about 30 % wax, about 5 % pollen proportions, enriched about 10 % essential oils from the flower buds and salivary secretions ( enzymes ), it is a sticky at hive temperature structural material, which is often still contaminated with bee parts and smallest pieces of wood.

Resin and pollen balm of propolis are rich in flavonoids such as chrysin, galangin, pinocembrin, Pinobanksinacetat, Prenylflavonoid, Isonymphaeol -B, Nymphaeol -A, -B and Nymphaeol Nymphaeol -C. Also, rubber, phenolics ( cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, isoferulic acid ) and esters thereof as well as polysaccharides contained in propolis.

Propolis is most commonly introduced by the bees in the hive in the fall, this is the local supply resin of the tree population dependent. A bee colony can bring between 50 and 500 g of propolis per year.

Extraction

The beekeeper can at different points of the bee box ( magazine -prey ), where were cemented by the bees cracks, etc., scrape the propolis. Targeted propolis can be obtained by placing a special fine mesh plastic grid. The bees cement these disturbing gaps. The grid is then removed and placed in the freezer. At these low temperatures Propolis is very brittle and then jumps in the slight bending of the plastic grid from this from.

Further processing of the raw material thus obtained can then be carried out by dissolving in high-proof alcohol, and then filtering out of contaminants.

Properties

Propolis is a yellowish-brown resinous mass with aromatic odor. It dissolves only partially in water and in ethanol. As a natural mixture propolis has multiple effects.

Antioxidant Effect

Propolis is intended to counteract oxidative stress. In animal experiments, the binding of reactive oxygen species ( " free radical scavengers ") was shown by propolis in rats. For this purpose, prenylated flavonoids with antioxidant activity be held responsible.

Antimicrobial and antiviral effect

The antibiotic effects of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of propolis and propolis individual components were detected in the agar dilution test and agar diffusion test against Gram -positive and Gram -negative germs. Moreover, antiviral activity against rhinoviruses and Herpes viruses in plaque reduction test was observed. Propolis has a growth inhibitory effect on Candida albicans and skin fungi ( dermatophytes ).

In animal experiments in mice propolis showed bactericidal, antifungal and antiviral effect. Some of the effects are those of the flavonoids considered comparable. The antibacterial effect is pinocembrin and galangin, the antifungal effect pinocembrin and caffeic acid esters attributed.

Wound healing -promoting effect

Propolis is to promote wound healing. For apigenin and luteolin granulation be held responsible.

Cytotoxic properties

Propolis shows cytotoxic effects, were able to inhibit the growth of the same in animal experiments in mice that cancer tumors were implanted.

Use

Preservation

In ancient Egypt, propolis was used in the embalming of mummies.

Surface coating

Propolis can be used for the production of wood varnish.

Health-related use

Propolis is macroeconomic and alternative medicine use in a wide range of applications, including various dosage forms such as tinctures, ointments, mouthwashes, lozenges, nasal sprays and capsules are used.

Externally Propolis is preventively and therapeutically (sunburn, minor cuts or abrasions, eczema, podiatry ) and mucous membranes used in irritation, inflammation and skin injury (medical dental and oral hygiene, minor injuries in the mouth, aphthous ulcers, inflammation of the anal mucosa ). Ethanolic sprays and lozenges are used to protect against infections and for supportive treatment for mild inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth and throat. Even in personal care products for skin and hair Propolis is used. Local used propolis in liniments and ointments for the relief of rheumatic pain.

Internally propolis (bronchitis ) is traditionally used to strengthen the immune system and prevention of colds, lower respiratory tract applied.

In animals, propolis is used as biogenic agents for the prevention of worm infestation application, including dogs, cats, caged birds, etc.

Another problem is the risk of the formation of partially severe allergies in contact with propolis. In particular, contact dermatitis have been reported.