Propolis Benefits for Lungs
DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Bees produce something more than just honey. Bees generate a substance known as propolis from the sap of needle-leaved or evergreen trees.
When they mix the sap with their secretions and beeswax, they produce a gooey, greenish-brown substance used to construct their hives. This is known as propolis.
Propolis, often known as bee glue, is a resinous substance produced by honey bees by combining saliva and beeswax with exudates collected from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources.
Propolis has been used in traditional medicine, but there is inadequate evidence to determine its efficacy in treating diseases.
Propolis enhances the health and functionality of the lungs. Propolis is an abundant source of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect many organs, such as the lungs, from oxidative stress.
It reduces lung cell damage and inflammation. Additionally, propolis minimizes the number of inflammatory cells in the lungs' alveoli. One study revealed the effectiveness of propolis against cigarette smoke and the pulmonary problems it causes.
The content of propolis might vary based on the bee's location and the trees and flowers to which they have access.
As a general guideline, propolis generally contains:
tree and vegetable resins: 50%, beeswax: 30%, pollen: 5%,essential and aromatic oils: 10%
Benefits of Propolis to lungs:
1)Anti-Allergic Characteristics of Propolis
Propolis has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer effects, but its anti-allergic potential has not yet been thoroughly investigated.
Several preclinical investigations have indicated the therapeutic effects of propolis extracts on allergic inflammation, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, which may be partly due to their inhibitory effects on the activation of mast cells and basophils. Clinically, using propolis as a supplement or adjunct therapy is safe and ameliorates various asthmatic pathological disorders.
2) Boost Lungs Immunity
Propolis inhibits the formation of nitric oxide and cytokinin by macrophages, an immunological cell type. Macrophages in the body cause inflammation. Propolis lowers inflammation in the body by reducing the efficiency of macrophages.
Propolis flavonoids can affect the enzymes required for inflammation. They decrease the production of certain enzymes and substances, hence diminishing inflammation.
3) Propolis natural antimicrobial agent
As you breathe, the air's dust, allergens, germs, and viruses become caught in the mucus inside your nose and airways. Mucus and these particles are transported to the throat by cilia. They are eliminated via coughing or swallowing. These particles can sometimes irritate the mucosa, allowing bacteria or viruses to cause infection. This, in turn, produces inflammation, which leads to an increase in mucus production that is difficult to expel and typically remains trapped in the lungs.
Especially for heavy smokers, this mucous can be challenging to eliminate. This causes difficulties in performing daily activities.
When mucus causes problems, the simplest solution is to dilute and then expel it from the lungs.
Propolis is a natural antibacterial agent that also soothes mucosa irritation. Propolis kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The most common symptom of the typical cold or flu is airway obstruction. This is related to an excess of mucus in the lungs. The lung mucosa becomes irritated and inflamed when bacteria, fungus, or viruses attack it. Removing the expanding tick and mucus lining that forms is pretty challenging.
3) Anti-asthmatic
Extensive research has revealed that propolis extract from honey bees benefits asthma control.
A study indicated honey bee propolis could be helpful as a therapeutic adjunct for asthmatic patients. It was attributable to caffeic acid derivatives and other active components.
In the pathogenesis of asthma, structural cell dysfunction and concurrent microenvironmental alterations in the airways are essential to the evolution of pathology, which involves oxidative stress.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an antioxidant derived from propolis that positively affects various respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study concluded that CAPE reduces airway inflammation and remodeling in chronic asthma by harmonizing the microenvironment of the airways.
4) Propolis Reversed cigarette smoke
It hypothesized that propolis supplementation would restore Cigarette smoke-induced lung damage in emphysema patients.
Cigarette smoke is the primary risk factor for emphysema, an irreversible and progressive disease. Natural extracts' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics help prevent acute lung inflammation and emphysema.
5) Effectiveness in combating COVID-19
Recently, propolis was utilized to identify a cure for COVID-19 disease. COVID-19 is a SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes respiratory and pulmonary infections. The deadly COVID-19 illness has altered the very fabric of our civilization.
When mainstream pharmaceuticals proved infectious for some patients, some nations turned to ancient remedies such as propolis, which are helpful against various diseases.
Propolis contains phytochemicals that inhibit the activity and spread of coronavirus in the body. Coronavirus can be prevented from spreading by propolis. Additionally, COVID-19 patients produce PKA-1, a substance that increases inflammation in the body. Propolis contains bioactive substances that inhibit PKA-1 production and reduce inflammation in these patients.
Research indicates that after receiving propolis, COVID-19 patients exhibited fewer symptoms and recovered faster. The precise mechanism by which propolis combats COVID-19 remains unknown. Nonetheless, it demonstrates promise against COVID-19 infection.
6) Propolis as an Anticancer agent
Cancer is one of the greatest threats to global health; hence, various studies are being done to identify new chemotherapeutic drugs and cancer treatments.
It is a rich source of physiologically active chemicals influencing various signaling pathways regulating vital cellular activities.
Recent studies indicate that propolis can suppress cancer cell growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis and trigger apoptosis. In addition, it may affect the microenvironment of tumors and the multidrug resistance of malignancies.
The use of propolis inhibited the proliferation of DOX-resistant lung cancer cells. P-glycoprotein (P-GP) is a multifunctional membrane transporter that effluxes anticancer medicines from cancer cells.
Conclusion
Bees produce a natural substance known as propolis. Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive substances are abundant in propolis.
Moreover, propolis exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties within the body. Consequently, it can lead to improved lung function. Additionally, it may reduce our blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thereby preventing various chronic ailments.
Recently, propolis has demonstrated promise against the COVID-19 virus. Additional research is required to determine its mechanism and efficacy.
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References:
https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/propolis-upper-respiratory-tract-infections
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220308155