A great recap of modern research, advancing the role of this powerful protector from honey bees. Propolis is an important contribution to modern medicine...
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Historical
Aspects of Propolis Research in Modern Times
Propolis
(bee glue) has been known for centuries. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and
Egyptians were aware of the healing properties of propolis and made extensive
use of it as a medicine. In the middle ages, propolis was not a very popular
topic and its use in mainstream medicine disappeared. However, the knowledge of
medicinal properties of propolis survived in traditional folk medicine. The
interest in propolis returned in Europe together with the renaissance theory of
ad fontes. It has only been in the last century that scientists have been able
to prove that propolis is as active and important as our forefathers thought.
Research on chemical composition of propolis started at the beginning of the
twentieth century and was continued after WW II. Advances in chromatographic
analytical methods enabled separation and extraction of several components from
propolis. At least 180 different compounds have been identified so far. Its
antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anesthetic, and
healing properties have been confirmed. Propolis has been effectively used in
treatment of dermatological, laryngological, and gynecological problems,
neurodegenerative diseases, in wound healing, and in treatment of burns and
ulcers…
Conclusion
Propolis is a natural product that has been known
and used by man for centuries. It is mainly because man learnt relatively early
to exploit the products of domesticated honeybee. Recorded use of propolis
dates back to c. 300 BC and continues today in the form of home remedies,
toothpastes, creams, ointments, drops, and dietary supplement. Its numerous
properties have been appreciated for very long time. However, despite numerous
studies conducted all over the world so far, the constitution of propolis
remains largely unknown. It requires further research that may lead to new
discoveries of its composition and possible applications.
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