Propolis

It is a bee product, which ensures disinfestation of the hive and thus protects the health of bee colonies.

RECOMMENDED PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS: hydroalcoholic solution titrated to least to 30 mg/ml in galangin, nebulised dry extract titrated in galangin min.8%. The daily dosage of the hydroalcoholic solution ranges from 60 to 90 drops per day divided into two administrations per day away from meals, that of the dry extract ranges from 400 to 600 mg per day, divided into two administrations away from meals.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION:  resins and balsams, which account for 50-55% of the weight of the extract.
Wax, which accounts for 25-35% of the weight of the extract. Flavonoids of various types, which account for 10% of the weight of the extract. This fraction is characterised by galangin and many other flavonoids.Pollen, which accounts for 5% of the weight of the extract.Minerals, which account for 5% of the weight of the extract.

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES:
Antibacterial action: is one of the best natural antibacterials, whose activity is both bacteriostatic, i.e. capable of damaging bacteria but not killing them, and bactericidal, i.e. capable of destroying the germs it comes into contact with. Bactericidal action is observed at high concentrations of the phytocomplex, while bacteriostatic action prevails at lower concentrations. This action seems to be due to organic acids and flavonoids.
This antibacterial action is mainly due to the damage to the bacterial cell nucleus caused by propolis, but also to the reduction of folic acid production and damage to the mitochondria and cell membrane. It is also capable of inhibiting the ability of bacteria to adhere to host cells and thus infect them by around 50%.
Antiviral action: Studies indicate that propolis has a valuable action on many strains of viruses, including those of influenza and herpes. This action can largely be explained by propolis' ability to prevent both the attachment of viruses to target cells and their ability to penetrate into them and infect them.
Antifungal action: Propolis is active on many fungi that affect the superficial layer of the skin, while it is not very effective on those that are localised in depth. This activity is present both by taking propolis by mouth and by applying it, suitably diluted, to the affected area.
Local anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory action: is of a good magnitude, similar to that of some local anaesthetics, and appears to be due to active ingredients contained in the balsamic part. The anti-inflammatory action of propolis is mainly due to its ability to inhibit the action of certain enzymes that stimulate the production of certain substances, such as leukotrienes, which have an intense inflammation-promoting action.
Immunostimulating action: Propolis appears to have a valuable immunostimulating action and is able to increase the body's resistance against viruses and bacteria, especially by stimulating white blood cell activity. In fact, an increase in the number of these cells and macrophages and their ability to attack and destroy unwanted hosts has been noted. Certainly relevant to this are the flavonoids and vitamin C present in this substance.
Protective action against free radical damage This is mainly linked to flavonoids, organic acids and vitamins C and E. Propolis is said to trap most free radicals and inhibit the phenomenon of lipid peroxidation, which seriously damages many tissues.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS: some subjects occasionally report dry mouth and moderate stomach pains, sometimes associated with diarrhoea, which, however, disappear promptly with discontinuation of treatment. It may also cause allergic skin reactions in particularly susceptible individuals, which regress with discontinuation of treatment.
Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation. It can instead be used in children.