Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2013;2013:964149
Propolis (bee glue) has been known for centuries. The
ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians were aware of the healing properties of
propolis and made extensive use of it as a medicine. In the middle ages,
propolis was not a very popular topic and its use in mainstream medicine
disappeared. However, the knowledge of medicinal properties of propolis
survived in traditional folk medicine.
The interest in propolis returned in Europe together with
the renaissance theory of ad fontes. It has only been in the last century that
scientists have been able to prove that propolis is as active and important as
our forefathers thought.
Research on chemical composition of propolis started at the
beginning of the twentieth century and was continued after WW II. Advances in
chromatographic analytical methods enabled separation and extraction of several
components from propolis.
At least 180 different compounds have been identified so
far. Its antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anesthetic,
and healing properties have been confirmed. Propolis has been effectively used
in treatment of dermatological, laryngological, and gynecological problems,
neurodegenerative diseases, in wound healing, and in treatment of burns and
ulcers.
However, it requires further research that may lead to new
discoveries of its composition and possible applications.
No comments:
Post a Comment