The Immunomodulatory and Anticancer Properties of Propolis
Clin Rev Allergy Immunol, 2012 Jun 17
Propolis, a waxy substance produced by the honeybee, has
been adopted as a form of folk medicine since ancient times. It has a wide
spectrum of alleged applications including potential anti-infection and
anticancer effects. Many of the therapeutic effects can be attributed to its
immunomodulatory functions.
The composition of propolis can vary according to the
geographic locations from where the bees obtained the ingredients. Two main
immunopotent chemicals have been identified as caffeic acid phenethyl ester
(CAPE) and artepillin C. Propolis, CAPE, and artepillin C have been shown to
exert summative immunosuppressive function on T lymphocyte subsets but
paradoxically activate macrophage function. On the other hand, they also have
potential antitumor properties by different postulated mechanisms such as
suppressing cancer cells proliferation via its anti-inflammatory effects;
decreasing the cancer stem cell populations; blocking specific oncogene
signaling pathways; exerting antiangiogenic effects; and modulating the tumor
microenvironment.
The good bioavailability by the oral route and good
historical safety profile makes propolis an ideal adjuvant agent for future
immunomodulatory or anticancer regimens. However, standardized quality controls
and good design clinical trials are essential before either propolis or its
active ingredients can be adopted routinely in our future therapeutic
armamentarium.
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