What makes propolis so special? How can it reinforce your brand with immune health?

Immune health is currently one of the consumers’ main concern, and the arrival of winter’s cold weathers usually makes them care even more about their health. As a matter of fact, Innova Market Insights state that the ingredients known to boost immunity will have an important role to play in 2021. One of the ingredients playing an active role in immune health is propolis, the natural antibiotic from the beehive.

Did you know that not all bee species collect propolis? The species in charge of collecting that product is the “Apis mellifera” bee, also known as domestic bee or honeybee. This fact represents one of the singularities of propolis, but there is another element that makes it even more special: its composition.

How is propolis produced?

The bees produce the propolis by adding wax and salivary secretions to the resinous, rubbery or balsamic material they collect from different types of plants, mainly poplar and pine tree. They use their mandibles and legs to pull away the material.

The bees make their own natural antibiotic, propolis, to maintain the beehives healthy; it reduces the microbial growth on the hive walls and prevents any source of infection.

And what allows us to say that propolis is a natural antibiotic that protects the immune system? 

The answer is its high content of polyphenols, also called phenols. They are phenolic acids and flavonoids and they give propolis its antibiotic property. The flavonoids are essential to a plant’s defence system, they are powerful antioxidants.

Amongst the most representative flavonoids, the following can be found: Galangina (Flavonol), Apigenin (Flavone), Pinocembrina (Flavones), Chrysin (Flavone), Quercetin (Flavonol) and Pinobanksina (Dihydroflavonol).

The polyphenols will determine the propolis quality, since they are responsible for the antioxidant activity.

 At HoneyGreen+, we test and guarantee the propolis polyphenols within our analytical plan, in order to always offer a high-quality product, that will meet our customers’ requirements. 

Uses

Propolis is well known for its use in syrups, sprays or throat sweets, but its antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and antibiotic properties allow it to also be used in other products, such as toothpastes, shampoos and face creams. We can also highlight the following products that contain propolis: honey blends, capsules, functional foods, sweets, syrups, sprays, vials, tablets, medicinal creams, deodorants, serums, and lip balms.

Nutritional and cosmetic benefits 

• Natural antibiotic. Many studies have verified a synergic activity between antibiotics and propolis. A higher efficiency against the influenza virus has been demonstrated (antiviral).

• Immune system. The propolis antimicrobial activities can take place directly over the microorganisms, or indirectly too, through a stimulation of the immune system and the elimination of microorganisms. 

• Natural antioxidant. Propolis is a natural active ingredient with antioxidant and moisturizing properties that revitalize the skin.

At HoneyGreen+, we make our products portfolio evolve along with our customers’ needs. That is why we offer bulk propolis from different origins and in different formats: raw propolis, propolis blocks or propolis powder.

Discover all the benefits of this ingredient in our propolis catalogue.

Please request your catalogue here

Contact us to request more information about propolis

Sources:

Innova Market Insights. 2020. “Innova Identifies Top 10 Food and Beverage Trends to Accelerate Innovation in 2021” https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/innova-identifies-top-10-food-and-beverage-trends-to-accelerate-innovation-in-2021/

Sforcin, J. M., et al. Propolis and the immune system: a review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 113(1) 1–14, 2007.

Lotfy, Mahmoud. Biological Activity of Bee Propolis in Health and Disease. Asian Pacific Journal Cancer Prevention 7 22-31, 2006.