Propolis Benefits for Diabetes

Honeybees produce propolis, a resinous or waxy compound. Multiple hues, including white, red, brown, and black, may be found in propolis. Because bees use it to construct their hives, it is often called “bee glue.” Similarly, bees utilize propolis to ward against parasites.

Beeswax and tree exudates are blended with the bees’ saliva. Propolis is made from the resin of various plants, flowers, and trees; thus, its exact makeup, color, and qualities will change depending on where you live. However, propolis’s health advantages are shared by all of its varieties.

The Greeks, Egyptians, and Assyrians used propolis for various medical treatments. Wounds, stomachaches, and sore throats are just a few conditions it may treat.

Furthermore, it has potential pharmaceutical use due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer characteristics. Propolis is effective against several microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Propolis may be applied to the skin, taken orally, or used as a mouthwash.

Propolis composition:

• Resin 50g
• Wax 30g
• Essential oils 10g
• Organic compounds 10g

Amino acids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and bioactive chemicals are all examples of the organic substances found in propolis. Vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, and E may be found in this.

This includes bioactive chemicals, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and organic acids. Magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, and iron may all be found here.

Propolis Health Benefits for Blood Glucose Control

Keeping your blood sugar in check is crucial to your overall health. Diseases like diabetes, however, make it impossible to regulate blood sugar. The damage from free radicals, or oxidative stress, worsens these problems.

It has been shown that consuming propolis may help control blood sugar levels and lessen oxidative stress’s negative effects on various body systems. This is due to the high levels of antioxidants (including vitamin C) found in propolis.

Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals and considerably mitigate oxidative stress. As a result, it prevents harm to the internal organs. Also, it helps avoid the onset of several persistent diseases, including diabetes.

Propolis has been shown to improve diabetes in a scientific investigation. Propolis consumption for 90 days resulted in lower blood sugar and higher insulin. Our bodies manufacture the hormone insulin to help control blood sugar levels. Many people with diabetes suffer from a lack of control over insulin production. Giving them a daily dose of propolis may help.

Intestinal absorption of sugars and starches is reduced by propolis. This has the effect of lowering blood sugar levels rather than raising them. Hence, it may help those with diabetes and high blood sugar levels.

As a bonus, propolis improves the organs’ ability to absorb glucose from the blood. It lowers blood sugar levels and nourishes and energizes organs simultaneously.

Propolis Health Benefits for the Lungs and Kidneys

The use of propolis has been linked to enhanced lung function and health. Antioxidants are plentiful in propolis, as was previously noted. They protect various tissues and organs from damage caused by free radicals. As a bonus, it helps keep lung cells healthy and reduces inflammation.

The amount of inflammatory cells in the lung alveoli is reduced by propolis, too. The protective effects of propolis against tobacco smoke and related lung illnesses have been the subject of at least one investigation.

The kidneys are also targets of propolis’s same mechanism—this aids in protecting the kidney from oxidative damage and inflammation. According to recent research results, it may help stave against chronic kidney disease. The flavonoid chrysin in propolis also protects the kidney’s structures from damage and aids in reducing renal injury.

Podocytes, kidney cells, are other cells that propolis helps shield against apoptosis. High blood glucose levels may prevent kidney cells from filtering out the sugar. Instead, it causes injury and, in some cases, death.

Benefits Cardiovascular Health

A study at the University of Plymouth found that propolis effectively lowered blood pressure. This is due to the fact that propolis has been shown to increase levels of beneficial bacteria in the oral cavity.

These microorganisms aid in the conversion of dietary nitrates to nitrite. As a chemical, nitrite can dilate blood arteries, allowing more room for blood to circulate and thereby reducing blood pressure. Those with hypertension (high blood pressure) may benefit from taking propolis.

Cholesterol levels may be lowered with the aid of propolis as well. The heart may be made healthy by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In addition, it helps protect against atherosclerosis, congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, and other chronic heart conditions.

Propolis Controls Cholesterol

Antioxidants in propolis protect tissues and organs from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants may help lower total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels.

The levels of both “bad” (LDL) and “good” (HDL) cholesterol may be lowered and raised, respectively, by taking propolis extracts, as shown in recent research. They help keep the arteries free of cholesterol buildup and plaque.

Thus, it aids in warding off various cardiovascular conditions, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and even heart attacks. Consuming regularly may help ward against a wide range of potentially fatal illnesses.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

There is evidence that propolis may help reduce inflammation in the body. Diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis have all been inflammation-related. It also aids with wound healing, which is a nice bonus. That’s why eating propolis is a great way to lessen general inflammation:

Propolis flavonoids can control inflammatory enzymes. Reduced levels of these enzymes and factors lead to less inflammation. Another mechanism by which propolis inhibits inflammation is by blocking macrophages’ synthesis of nitric oxide and cytokinin.

Inflammation is a common side effect of macrophages. Therefore, propolis decreases inflammation in the body by hindering the efficiency of macrophages.

Commercially accessible propolis nasal sprays are out there. The use of these sprays may mitigate sinus irritation. Additionally, they help alleviate the signs of a cold or flu.

Capacity to Heal Wounds

To speed up the recovery process, propolis is applied to the wound. Antioxidants in propolis, such as polyphenols, can mitigate the harm from free radicals. Therefore, it protects cells in various bodily systems from injury.

This quality also aids in wound healing and hastens the process. For instance, many over-the-counter cold sore treatments include propolis at a concentration of 3% to speed healing and forestall further outbreaks.

Researchers have found that propolis may help burns recover. Numerous bioactive chemicals found in propolis aid in cell division. In other words, it promotes the production of new cells and tissues. As a result, it may hasten the process of healing cuts and scrapes.

The anti-inflammatory qualities of propolis also help wounds heal more quickly. The body’s inflammatory reaction to wounds and germs. It has the potential to impede healing and aggravate wounds, though. The healing process for wounds is aided by decreasing inflammation.

In addition, propolis’s antimicrobial characteristics hasten the recovery from wounds. Bacteria and fungi are the most common infectious microorganisms. Therefore, decreasing the number of organisms in the wounds helps hasten their healing.

Antimicrobial Properties

The antibacterial qualities of propolis have made it famous. Properties against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa are included. According to single research, Propolis has been shown to be effective against various bacteria, including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, and Helicobacter pylori.

Infections caused by these bacteria range from those that manifest on the skin to those in the intestines. In particular, Helicobacter pylori may lead to infections and ulcers in the stomach.

Bioactive chemicals, such as flavonoids, propolis its antibacterial capabilities. Pinocembrin, a flavonoid, has been shown to inhibit bacterial DNA synthesis and disrupt bacterial energy metabolism. So it may put a halt to their development and offspring creation.

Evidence shows they are effective against other viruses, such as the Herpes virus, HIV, influenza, and COVID-19. Chrysin is a flavonoid that inhibits viral replication or virus generation.

Possible Propolis Adverse Effects

People sensitive to bee products may have adverse responses when exposed to propolis. Knowing what triggers an allergic reaction is, thus, essential. Consuming an excessive amount of propolis may cause oral irritation and ulcers. Propolis contains chemical ingredients that may prevent excessive blood clotting. People with bleeding disorders or who have recently had surgery should not use it. And it’s best to see a doctor before consuming propolis.

How to Use Propolis Most Effectively

A daily dose of 400–500 mg of propolis is suggested. Propolis may be taken orally as a dietary supplement or diluted with water. Propolis is also used in several topical treatments, such as cosmetics, mouthwashes, and ointments.

Final Thoughts

Bees produce a natural substance known as propolis. Propolis contains beneficial nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive substances. Propolis also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

This has the potential to improve the condition of the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Also, it can reduce our blood pressure and cholesterol levels, two risk factors for many types of chronic illnesses. More study is needed to understand its mechanism and efficacy.

FAQ

Is propolis good for diabetes?

Recently, studies have shown that propolis results in a lowering of blood glucose levels, serum insulin levels, serum glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, with improvement, for type 2 diabetics of insulin resistance

Can diabetics eat propolis?

Yes, in very limited amounts.

Can propolis cause a rise in blood pressure?

Extracts of propolis and pollen, made by bees, effectively control hypertension when taken in ethanolic form. It has been hypothesized that propolis and pollen may assist in controlling reproductive function by blocking the inflammatory processes that cause hypertension.

Can propolis assist in losing weight?

One of the primary components of propolis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, prevents high-fat diet-induced adipogenesis through modulating cyclin D. Researchers have shown that the composition of human gut microbiota changes in response to food types and calories consumed.

Can we call propolis a “probiotic?”

Propolis may serve as a prebiotic at low quantities, but at greater concentrations, it may impair the probiotics’ planktonic development and biofilm-forming abilities.

Is there a need to keep propolis in the fridge?

Propolis can be kept at room temperature, but if you only need a small quantity, you can keep it in the fridge or freezer and break it up into tiny pieces on a cutting board or with a big spoon to use.

Are there those who shouldn’t take propolis?

Those with a bleeding issue may be at a higher risk of bleeding if they take propolis. Sensitivity: Bee venom has the potential to taint several propolis products. If you have an allergy to bee stings or other bee-related items, use care while using propolis. Surgery. Propolis contains a substance that may prevent blood clots from forming.