In scientific tests on fungi and bacteria, propolis again proves its exceptional qualities. Studies by Dr J.M. Grange of the National Heart and Lung Institute (U.K.) were published in The Royal Society of Medicine magazine (March 1990)"Propolis was found to have antibacterial activity against a range of commonly encountered cocci and gram positive bacteria including human tubercle bacillus.... These findings confirm previous reports of anti-microbial properties of this material, possibly attributable to its high flavenoid content".
Dr Remy Chavin reported: "No other antibiotic has this total result on bacteria". Propolis raises the body's natural resistance to infection by stimulating its own immune system.
Its anti-microbial properties are not confined to bacteria. Both in vitro and in vivo tests (laboratory cultures and tests on animals and humans) have shown propolis to be excellent at inhibiting the growth of many varieties of yeast including the common human parasite Candida Albicans (thought to be the common factor in most chronic immune disorders). Direct comparisons with nine (more narrow band) anti-fungal drugs on four specific fungi showed propolis to be equal to or better than them in its inhibitory effects. In short, propolis is an effective anti-fungal, anti-candidal agent that does not lose its effect with long term use. 3'4
Ingredients of propolis
About 50% of propolis is a resin, 30% waxes, 10% essential oils, 5%. Pollen, also vitamins, minerals, bioflavenoids and flavenols, plus the bees' own secretions. The actual chemical composition is exceptionally complex and still being unfolded by laboratories around the world. At present it is generally assayed by its flavenoid content. Since the proportions of the various ingredients vary so much from hive to hive it is important to obtain a propolis that has been blended from many hives and then assayed.
Propolis mainly comes as an extract - either hot water or hot alcohol extract. It is then dried and sold as a concentrate. The water extract is cheaper and much in general use, but many of the chemical trials have been done on the alcohol extract. Since these two types of extract contain some different ingredients it is therefore wise to obtain the full balanced profile of a raw propolis to provide a mixture of the two types of extract.
Dose
Propolis has had its reputation tarnished by some suppliers providing sub-optimal amounts -as little as 10 milligrams per capsule/tablet. The general consensus is that an effective daily dose is around 1.5gms of the raw Propolis i.e. 375 milligrams of a four times concentrate. This was the quantity used in the M.E. trial discussed with persons relapsing when reducing to half gm daily. Russian doctors have used 9gms daily of raw propolis for periods after surgery with no apparent side effects. For long-term use it is recommended to experiment with dose using the 1.5gms as a guide. We all have differing needs at different times.
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