Propolis


               

Propolis is a natural product, collected by bees from flowers and leaf buds of various aromatic plants and trees. The chemical composition of propolis is correlated with the plant diversity around the beehives. In general, raw propolis contains approximately 50% resin and balsam, 30% wax, 10% essential and aromatic oils, 5% pollen and 5% other organic and mineral substances.

Propolis is considered as the best transmitter of physiologically active substances from plants to humans. It contains more than 40 different flavonoids, aliphatic and aromatic acids and their esters, fatty acids, carbohydrates, aldehydes, amino acids, ketones, chalkones, terpenoids, tannins, enzymes, vitamins, minerals etc.

Apimel products contain an optimal concentration of propolis extract, which has an atibacterial effect on 74 strains of staphylococci:

Macedonian propolis µg/ml  
Minimum inhibitory concentration against Staphylococcus aureus 62.5
Balsam (extract with 70% ethanol) 55.0%
Total phenolics 24.2%
Total flavones and flavonols 8.0%
Total flavanones and dihydroflavonols 4.9%

 

Action


Propolis is used as a natural antibiotic, due to its anti-bacterial, anti-mycotic and anti-viral properties. Its anti-bacterial action is directed towards 74 strains of 19 different pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial species (20 strains of Staphylococcus, 10 strains of Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Proteus and Myc. Tuberculosis). It has bacteriostatic effect over Helicobacter pylori. Many scientific experiments have shown that Gram-positive bacteria are more susceptible to the action of propolis than Gram-negative bacteria. Propolis neutralizes the viruses Herpes simplex and A2 influenza, as well as all pathogenic strains of Candida. Propolis does not disturb the natural flora and does not cause the resistance in bacteria. The anti-inflammatory effect of propolis is also very important. The flavonoids strengthen the capillary walls and increase the binding of serum proteins to histamin, which consequently eliminates its inflammatory properties. The flavonoids also have antioxidant properties; they prevent the binding of vitamin C to metals and preserve the intercellular substance. Propolis is also known to:

  • have an immuno-modulatory effect (by increasing the value of properdin in the serum,
    it activates the alternative pathway of the complement system)
  • regenerate tissue and heal wounds
  • reduce gastric secretion
  • act as a local anaesthetic
  • protect from radiation
  • have a spasmolitic effect etc.

All of these effects depend on the quality and the purity of raw propolis used in production and certainly, from the concentration of the propolis extract.

Usage

Ethanol extracts of propolis (EEP) posses all of the above-mentioned effects and are very suitable for oral administration. Our company uses raw propolis of very high quality, from the eco-regions of Macedonia. We make propolis extracts with different concentrations: 10%, 20% and 25%.

For best therapeutic results, here are some guidelines for choosing an appropriate product.

Apimel Propolis
10% extract 		First stadium of bacterial, viral or fungal infections of the respiratory tract and guts;
Flu and cold;
Prevention of respiratory infections by stimulating the immunity;
As a reconvalescent therapy after severe diseases.
Propolis Mediko
20% propolis		 Acute and chronic infections of the upper respiratory tract;
Infections of the gums and the tongue;
Oesophagitis;
Gastritis;
Duodenitis;
Ulcus of the gaster and duodenum;
Candidiasis.
Propolis Forte
25% propolis		 Acute and chronic infections of the upper respiratory tract;
Infections of the gums and the tongue;
Stomatiti (like canker sores);
Decubital sores;
Paradenthopathy (as a supplement);
Candidiasis;
Alveolitis;
For purulent acne (see losio Asquam);


How to determine whether you need a 20% or 25% propolis extract? There are no strict rules, but in principle, we recommend using the 25% extract in cases of more severe conditions or for elder persons.