Propolis Has High Free Radical Scavenging Activity, Inhibiting Lipid Peroxidation And Radiation-Induced Cell Damage

 

Propolis has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective properties. It contains a large number of biologically active compounds including terpenes, flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Research shows that propolis has anti-viral, immunomodulatory, and chemopreventive properties. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, autoimmune disorders, and cancers.

It can also help with leaky gut syndrome by strengthening the gut barrier, so it doesn’t let toxins in or nutrients out. Along with being a hardworking spackle-like substance for sealing cracks and openings in the hive, Propolis mummifies parasites and increases the immunity of bee colonies. It is a complex mixture of naturally-gathered resins from evergreen trees and substances produced within the bee’s body.

It also protects the brain against oxidative stress by binding to the antioxidant response element in cells, activating g-glutamate-cysteine ligase and glutathione reductases.

The antimicrobial effect of propolis is mediated through the direct action on microorganisms, modification of their membrane potential and interfering with adenosine triphosphate production and bacterial mobility. Propolis exhibits greater antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria.

Propolis is a thick resinous substance that bees collect and use to smooth rough surfaces and seal crevices inside the hive, protecting against infection. It also has antifungal properties and stimulates the immune system.

The phenolic compounds in propolis can prevent oxidative stress in human cells by binding to the transcription factor Nrf2 and activating a series of antioxidant enzymes, including heme oxygenase-1, g-glutamate-cysteine ligase, glutathione reductase, and SOD. Propolis has also been shown to inhibit apoptosis and promote wound healing.

Many phenolic compounds present in propolis are strong antioxidants capable of scavenging and eliminating free radicals responsible for oxidative stress-induced damage to cells. This results in the reduction of cellular lipid peroxidation and decreases malondialdehyde concentrations.

Propolis has been shown to have antiviral activity in vitro and in vivo against various DNA and RNA viruses. It prevents bacterial cell growth and inhibits viral genetic coding, adsorption, attachment and biofilm formation.

Studies have shown that propolis decreases inflammation and sensitivity in tooth enamel. Propolis is also being investigated for its neuroprotective effects against myopia induced by oxidative damage.

Propolis contains flavonoids that enhance cellular resistance against oxidative stress. In a cell culture model, the addition of flavonoids to THP-1 cells stimulated with LPS upregulated cellular antioxidant enzymes and decreased lipid peroxidation.

Another study showed that Propolis inhibited inflammatory response by decreasing CD86 expression on the surface of human monocytes. It also increased the expression of Nrf2, a transcription factor that activates antioxidant proteins in cellular response to environmental stress, oxidised low-density lipoproteins and bacterial or viral antigens.

Many of the flavonoid constituents in propolis are associated with antibacterial activity. The most notable include galagin, pinocembrin and pinostrobin which are reported to increase the permeability of bacteria cell membranes and inhibit bacterial genetic coding.