Propolis has many therapeutic applications. The phenolic compounds are numerous as are their effects, from anti-inflammatory and antifungal, to antimicrobial and antiviral. Best of all, propolis is complementary with traditional and alternative practices...
The
Immunomodulatory and Anticancer Properties of Propolis
Clin RevAllergy Immunol, 2012 Jun 17
Propolis, a
waxy substance produced by the honeybee, has been adopted as a form of folk
medicine since ancient times. It has a wide spectrum of alleged applications
including potential anti-infection and anticancer effects. Many of the
therapeutic effects can be attributed to its immunomodulatory functions.
The
composition of propolis can vary according to the geographic locations from
where the bees obtained the ingredients. Two main immunopotent chemicals have
been identified as caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and artepillin C.
Propolis, CAPE, and artepillin C have been
shown to exert summative immunosuppressive function on T lymphocyte subsets but
paradoxically activate macrophage function. On the other hand, they also have
potential antitumor properties by different postulated mechanisms such as
suppressing cancer cells proliferation via its anti-inflammatory effects;
decreasing the cancer stem cell populations; blocking specific oncogene
signaling pathways; exerting antiangiogenic effects; and modulating the tumor
microenvironment.
The good bioavailability by the oral route and good historical safety profile makes propolis an ideal adjuvant agent for future immunomodulatory or anticancer regimens. However, standardized quality controls and good design clinical trials are essential before either propolis or its active ingredients can be adopted routinely in our future therapeutic armamentarium.
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