Search for: native propolis

Hedera in the production process does not use any chemicals. Bee products (propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen) are prepared in its natural form. Propolis for instance is extremely valuable resins for health and in the nature is present in solid form, and contains over 300 compounds. Dissolving propolis, especially in alcohol, it loses a substantial portion of its medicinal properties. Up to 30 percent of the substance can remain insoluble and irreversibly lost. The experts from Hedera found innovative procedure for preparation of final products in which all substances and medicinal properties of bee products are kept. Uniqueness of Hedera process is in a holistic approach - Hedera believes that biodiversity and the balance can be maintained only if the end product contains all natural ingredients. Nature has created all the ingredients for a reason. Hedera, just like nature, always takes a holistic approach.

Antibacterial effect of propolis is more expressed on the gram-positive (Streptococcus SP. ,Staphylococcus SP.) than on the gram-negative bacterium (Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa) (1). In the antibacterial effect more ingredients of propolis are participating.

Propolis stops the multiplication of bacterium by damaging its cytoplasm, cytoplasm membrane and cellular membrane, causes the partial bacterialisis and inhibits the synthesis of proteins (2). When it’s taken with the combination of majority of antibiotics (the penicillin, ampicillin, gentamicin, penicillin G, streptomycin, tetracycline, kloksacilin, ceftriakson, chloramphenicol, neomycin, monomicin, oleandomicin, polimiksin, doksiciklin, vancomicin, cefradin, polimiksin B) antibacterical effect is stronger and period of recovery is shorter (3,4,5).

It is interesting that in case when antibiotics (the chloramphenicol, gentamicin, netilmicin, tetracycline, vancomycin, ciprofloksacin) are not functioning on some bacteria (for example Staphylococcus aureus) in combination with propolis they have the antibacterial effect (6,7,8). In cases when antibiogram shows (in vitro) that propolis doesn’t have any effect on some gram-negative bacterias (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), in the organism (in vivo) propolis stimulates immunological system for prevention of inflammatory processes that they cause (9).

In bacterial inflammation (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pyogenes) of upper respiratory tracts or in the mouth cavity (Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus bribe, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Candida albicans, Lactobacillus casei) antibiotic therapy can be enhanced in the combination with propolis (10, 11, 12, 13, 14).

Considering the growing resistance (the resistance) of bacterias to antibiotics, its obvious that the revolutionary time of antibiotics is slowly comming to an end (15). Sinergistic enlargement of antibiotic effect in combination with propolis, even in cases when antibiotics alone are not functioning, points out to the promising role of propolis in antibacterial therapy. Since propolis is not toxic, it does not provoke the resistance in the organism and does not damage the normal intestinal fluorine.

Antibacterial effect on the gram-positive bacterias is not significantly different in samples of propolis from the same plant collected in different seasons. In spite of differences in the chemical structure, propolis of different fitogeografical origin is showing the similar antibacterical, antifungus and antivirus activity. Which is why propolis is pharmacologicaly valuable like natural mixture of all substances it contains (NATIVE PROPOLIS), and not like the source of new compounds against microorganisms (16,17,18).

There’s an interesting experience of one known footballer after the operation of ankle joint. Process started with high fever which clearly suggested that it is a strong inflammatory process. The inflammatory process of the ancle joint was caused by MRSA infection (golden staphylococcus , Methicillin-Resistent Staphylococcus aureus). Because that bacterium is very resistant to antibiotics, inflammation which starts lasts very long (becomes chronical) and is very difficult to cure. Thats what happend in this case. Continuation of such state would have the serious consequence on the health, and certainly on career. When he started to take large doses of native propolis (3x3 capsules daily) with the prescribed antibiotic therapy, the inflammatory process completely calmed down. Today he plays football again. 

It was scientifically established that propolis effects on next bacterias in a way that it stops their multiplication (bacteriostaticly) or it kills it (bactericidal): Bacillus larvae (19), Bacillus subtilis (20), Helicobacter pylori (21,22), MRSA (the Methicillin-Resistent Staphylococcus aureus), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (23), Staphylococcus SP, Staphylococcus aureus (9,4,20,18,24,4,25), Streptococcus SP., Streptococcus faecalis, Streptomyces (26,34), With. sobrinus, mutans, cricetus (3,27,28), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (29), Escherichia coli (9,4,24,30), Salmonella (30), Bacteroides nodosus (31,32), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17,33), Streptococcus pyogenes (6,25), Proteus vulgaris (1, 17), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17), Streptococcus agalactiae (9), Paenibacillus larvae (35).

LITERATURE:

1. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 1990 Mar;83(3):159-60.
2. Planta Medica 1994 Jun,60(3):222-7.
3. Z Naturforsch [C] 1999 Jul-Aug;54(7-8):549-53.
4. Arzneimittelforschung 1993 May;43(5):607-9.
5. Microbiol Res. 2006;161(4):327-33. Epub 2006 Jan 19.
6. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 1990 Mar;83(3):159-60.
7. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2005 Aug;100(5):563-6. Epub 2005 Sep 15.
8. Ophthalmic Res. 2005 Nov-Dec;37(6):328-34. Epub 2005 Aug 6.
9. Planta Medica 1994 Jun,60(3):222-7.
10. J Chemother. 2006 Apr;18(2):164-71.
11. Anaerobe. 2007 Jun-Aug;13(3-4):140-5. Epub 2007 Mar 7.
12. Anaerobe. 2002 Feb;8(1):9-15.
13. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2006 Feb;32(2):229-38.
14. Microbiol Res. 2005;160(2):189-95.
15. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Dec 1;102(3):371-6. Epub 2005 Aug 3.
16. Acta Pharm. 2003 Dec;53(4):275-85.
17. Vaccine 1992;10(12):817-23.
18. Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih 1991 Aug;16(8):481-2, 512.
19. Apiacta 1982;17:16-20.
20. Z Naturforsch [C] 2000 Sep-Oct;55(9-10):778-84.
21. Przegl Lek 2000;57(4):191-4.
22. Phytomedicine 2001 Jan;8(1):16-23.
23. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Mar. 1990;83(3):159-60.
24. Z Naturforsch [C] 2001 Jan-Feb;56(1-2):82-8.
25. Antibiotiki 1981 Apr;26(4):268-71.
26. Pharmazie 1986 Feb;41(2):131-32.
27. Caries Research 1991;25(5):347-51.
28. Oral Microbiol Immunol 2002 Dec;17(6):337-43.
29. Elsevier Science publishers 1988:439-446.
30. Vopr Med Khim 1986;32(3):45-48.
31. Apimondia Publishing House, Bucharest, Romania, 1978;149-50.
32. Apiacta 1989;XXIV(3):80-81.
33. Apidologie 1991;22(2):155-62.
34. J Ethnopharmacol 2001 Feb;74(2):105-12.
35. J Invertebr Pathol. 2007 Oct 17.

Numerous research data is indicating that propolis has the anticancer potential in preventing and therapy of tumor diseases.

Chemopreventive antioxidant
Native propolis has strong antioxidant effect. The genetic method of DNA chips at the “Ruder Boskovic” Institute in Zagreb showed that it explicitly amplifies the gene whose lack leads to appearance of reproductive organs cancer, lungs cancer and lymphatic system cancer. Propolis also protects from the occurrence of stomach cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer and skin cancer. During chemotherapies it protects kidneys and heart from acute damage with cytostatics (the cisplatin).

Anticancer potential
Method of DNA chips shows that the native propolis stops cancer and metastasis progression and also kills tumor and abnormal cells, but not healthy cells. In brain tumor (gliom) it stimulates the organism to produce the medicine on its own (the immunosuppression therapy). Radiation and cytostatics in the combination with propolis more efficiently prevent cancer progress and metastasizing, and side effects are considerably milder.

Preliminary tests
Influence of native propolis on tumor of milk gland has been tested on mouses at the “Ruder Boskovic” Institute in Zagreb. Results show that the native propolis slows down the progress of tumor and in combination with the cytostatic, anticancer effect is much more expressed. Best antitumor effect is achieved when native propolis is taken two weeks before the appearance of tumor, and then continued together with the cytostatic, on which also indicates the genetic method of DNA chips.
Research of influence of native propolis on blood and appearance of metastases is continuing.

Katalinić V, Radić S, Ropac D, Mulić R, Katalinić A.
Odjel sanitarne kemije i toksikologije, Institut pomorske medicine HRM, Split, Hrvatska.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidative activity of propolis from ecologically clean parts of Dalmatia.

METHODS: Phenol concentration in ethanolic propolis extracts was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent using gallic acid as the standard. Flavonoid phenolic compounds were analyzed after precipitation with formaldehyde. The residual non-flavonoid phenolics were also determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. By determining the change of peroxide number (PN), of tiobarbiture acid reactive species (TBARS), and of DPPH-radical activity, antioxidative efficiency of propolis was tested and compared with well known and widely used synthetic antioxidants. Values of PN and TBARS were determined at 60 degrees C in samples of trigyceride substrate (lard) without and with the addition of antioxidants. Compared was the efficiency of three antioxidants: propolis (alcoholic extract), vitamin E, and (+)-catechin in a concentration of 1%. PN was monitored during 50 days. By the method of Sedlacek, TBARS were measured during 30 days. Antioxidative activity of propolis extract was also measured in terms of hydrogen donating ability using stable radical alpha,alpha-diphenyl-beta-picril hidrazyl (DPPH*) and compared with commercial synthetic antioxidants of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and (+)-cathecin. Inhibition degree of DPPH* was calculated by the formula of Yen and Duh.

RESULTS: Total phenol content, expressed as gallic acid, in propolis extracts varied from 75.2 to 90.2 g/kg propolis. The proportion of flavonoids in total phenols ranged from 62% to 65%. Values of TBARS were not increased only in samples with added propolis. The inhibition of DPPH-radical by propolis extracts ranged from 93% to 96%, by catechin 95%, by BHT 49%, and by BHA 64%. Compared to BHT and BHA, propolis extracts showed greater reducing activity against DPPH-radical.

DISCUSSION: The chemical composition of propolis, and thus its biological activity depend on the plant from which it has been collected, and on the macro- and microclimatic conditions. Many compounds in propolis exert antioxidative activity. A belief was expressed that the biological activity of propolis is very probably based mostly on its antioxidative efficiency. Dalmatian propolis showed high efficiency in the prevention of oxidative processes. This could be explained by the high proportion of polyphenol constituents, especially flavonoids. A very low and equal degree of increase of PN, as a measure of oxidative processes, was noticed in the samples of triglyceride substrate with the addition of propolis and (+)-catechin. The greatest rise of TBARS was measured in the samples of pure lard. There was no increase of TBARS only in the samples with added propolis. Propolis and (+)-catechin showed great efficiency in the inhibition of DPPH-radical, greater than BHT and BHA, which are widely used in food industry.

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that Dalmatian propolis could be an efficient protective agent against oxidative processes in food. The high antioxidative activity of propolis, its natural origin, and present knowledge about its biological properties, make it a very promising nutritional additive for human diet.

Sobočanec S, Šverko V, Balog T, Šaric A, Rusak G, Likić S, Kušić B, Katalinić V, Radić S, Marotti T.

Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, Zagreb.

Native propolis was defined as propolis powder collected from the continental part of Croatia and prepared according to a patented process that preserves all the propolis natural nutritional and organoleptic qualities.

Nine phenolic compounds (out of thirteen tested) in propolis sample were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Among them chrysin was the most abundant (2478.5 microg/g propolis). Contrary to moderate antioxidant activity of propolis examined in vitro (ferric reduction antioxidant power; FRAP-assay), propolis as a food supplement modulated antioxidant enzymes (AOE) and significantly decreased lipid peroxidation processes (LPO) in plasma, liver, lungs, and brain of mice. The effect was dose- and tissue-dependent. The lower dose (100 mg/kg bw) protected plasma from oxidation, whereas the higher dose (300 mg/kg bw) was pro-oxidative. Hyperoxia (long-term normobaric 100% oxygen) increased LPO in all three organs tested.

The highest vulnerability to oxidative stress was observed in lungs where hyperoxia was not associated with augmentation of AOE. Propolis protected lungs from hyperoxia by increased catalase (CAT) activity. This is of special importance for lungs since lungs of adult animals are highly vulnerable to oxidative stress because of their inability to augment AOE activity. Because of its strong antioxidant and scavenging abilities, native propolis might be used as a strong plant-based antioxidant effective not only in physiological conditions but also in cases that require prolonged high concentration of oxygen.

Katalinić V, Radić S, Ropac D, Mulić R, Katalinić A.
Odjel sanitarne kemije i toksikologije, Institut pomorske medicine HRM, Split, Hrvatska.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidative activity of propolis from ecologically clean parts of Dalmatia.

METHODS: Phenol concentration in ethanolic propolis extracts was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent using gallic acid as the standard. Flavonoid phenolic compounds were analyzed after precipitation with formaldehyde. The residual non-flavonoid phenolics were also determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. By determining the change of peroxide number (PN), of tiobarbiture acid reactive species (TBARS), and of DPPH-radical activity, antioxidative efficiency of propolis was tested and compared with well known and widely used synthetic antioxidants. Values of PN and TBARS were determined at 60 degrees C in samples of trigyceride substrate (lard) without and with the addition of antioxidants. Compared was the efficiency of three antioxidants: propolis (alcoholic extract), vitamin E, and (+)-catechin in a concentration of 1%. PN was monitored during 50 days. By the method of Sedlacek, TBARS were measured during 30 days. Antioxidative activity of propolis extract was also measured in terms of hydrogen donating ability using stable radical alpha,alpha-diphenyl-beta-picril hidrazyl (DPPH*) and compared with commercial synthetic antioxidants of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and (+)-cathecin. Inhibition degree of DPPH* was calculated by the formula of Yen and Duh.

RESULTS: Total phenol content, expressed as gallic acid, in propolis extracts varied from 75.2 to 90.2 g/kg propolis. The proportion of flavonoids in total phenols ranged from 62% to 65%. Values of TBARS were not increased only in samples with added propolis. The inhibition of DPPH-radical by propolis extracts ranged from 93% to 96%, by catechin 95%, by BHT 49%, and by BHA 64%. Compared to BHT and BHA, propolis extracts showed greater reducing activity against DPPH-radical.

DISCUSSION: The chemical composition of propolis, and thus its biological activity depend on the plant from which it has been collected, and on the macro- and microclimatic conditions. Many compounds in propolis exert antioxidative activity. A belief was expressed that the biological activity of propolis is very probably based mostly on its antioxidative efficiency. Dalmatian propolis showed high efficiency in the prevention of oxidative processes. This could be explained by the high proportion of polyphenol constituents, especially flavonoids. A very low and equal degree of increase of PN, as a measure of oxidative processes, was noticed in the samples of triglyceride substrate with the addition of propolis and (+)-catechin. The greatest rise of TBARS was measured in the samples of pure lard. There was no increase of TBARS only in the samples with added propolis. Propolis and (+)-catechin showed great efficiency in the inhibition of DPPH-radical, greater than BHT and BHA, which are widely used in food industry.

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that Dalmatian propolis could be an efficient protective agent against oxidative processes in food. The high antioxidative activity of propolis, its natural origin, and present knowledge about its biological properties, make it a very promising nutritional additive for human diet.

Sobočanec S, Šverko V, Balog T, Šaric A, Rusak G, Likić S, Kušić B, Katalinić V, Radić S, Marotti T.

Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, Zagreb.

Native propolis was defined as propolis powder collected from the continental part of Croatia and prepared according to a patented process that preserves all the propolis natural nutritional and organoleptic qualities.

Nine phenolic compounds (out of thirteen tested) in propolis sample were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Among them chrysin was the most abundant (2478.5 microg/g propolis). Contrary to moderate antioxidant activity of propolis examined in vitro (ferric reduction antioxidant power; FRAP-assay), propolis as a food supplement modulated antioxidant enzymes (AOE) and significantly decreased lipid peroxidation processes (LPO) in plasma, liver, lungs, and brain of mice. The effect was dose- and tissue-dependent. The lower dose (100 mg/kg bw) protected plasma from oxidation, whereas the higher dose (300 mg/kg bw) was pro-oxidative. Hyperoxia (long-term normobaric 100% oxygen) increased LPO in all three organs tested.

The highest vulnerability to oxidative stress was observed in lungs where hyperoxia was not associated with augmentation of AOE. Propolis protected lungs from hyperoxia by increased catalase (CAT) activity. This is of special importance for lungs since lungs of adult animals are highly vulnerable to oxidative stress because of their inability to augment AOE activity. Because of its strong antioxidant and scavenging abilities, native propolis might be used as a strong plant-based antioxidant effective not only in physiological conditions but also in cases that require prolonged high concentration of oxygen.

Propolis therapy or therapy that combines propolis with medications has been considerably effective in healing inflammation of nasal cavity, throat, sinusitis, inflammation of the vocal cords, bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Asthma A clinical study of patients suffering from mild to medium asthma has shown that propolis reduces the frequency of seizures at night and considerably improves the ventilatory lung functions.

Lung cancer Tests on animals have proved that propolis prevents forming of bronchial and alveolar cell carcinoma. Propolis treatment or treatment that combines propolis with cytostatics prevents metastasizing to the lungs. Research at Ruđer Bošković Institute has proved that NATIVE PROPOLIS protects the lungs from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress and prevents forming of lung cancer because it markedly strengthens the gene the lack of which leads to appearance of tumour. Furthermore, the research showed that NATIVE PROPOLIS stops the growth and kills the tumour cells.

Therefore, it is important to protect the lungs with propolis when inhaling increased quantities of oxygen (hyperbaric oxygen therapy, diving, increased physical exertion – athletes), working in polluted atmosphere (smog, chemical solvents, smoking), when suffering from pulmonary diseases and when at risk for possible hereditary pulmonary diseases.

Propolis has a healing effect on the digestive system. It stimulates its regular functioning and protects stomach cells from alcohol-caused damage. Experiences with NATIVE PROPOLIS show that it can be effective in constipation prevention.

Gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer Due to its anaesthetic and healing properties, propolis has been used in treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcer for a long time. The practice of using NATIVE PROPOLIS has shown rapid healing effect on duodenal ulcers.This is probably due to its anti-inflammatory properties, forming of film over the mucous membrane, reduction of gastric acidity and soothing the smooth musculature cramps.

Large intestine inflammation
Clinical as well as our own experiences in the application of propolis have shown a very beneficial effect on chronic large intestine inflammation (colitis).

Large intestine carcinoma
It prevents lesion of the large intestine that can cause the development of carcinoma. When the carcinoma has already developed it slows down its growth, kills the tumour cells and reduces the risk of metastasizing to the liver. Combined with cytostatics, it diminishes the progress of abdomen carcinoma considerably and the recuperation of white and red blood cells is more rapid, compared to using only cytostatics.
Therefore, it could be used, with a compulsory physician recommendation, in addition to the cytostatic therapy, because it improves the immune system and alleviates the consequences of chemotherapy.

Clinical experiences of local therapy with propolis preparations have shown good results in treating cervical ectopia, erosion, inflammation and vaginal inflammation.

Carcinomas It has been proved at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Zagreb that Croatian propolis has anti-tumour and anti-metastasizing effects on mammary gland carcinoma.

Research results of Ruđer Bošković Institute have shown that NATIVE PROPOLIS stimulates processes that prevent the formation of carcinomas of reproductive organs. Furthermore, it stops the progression of carcinoma and kills tumour and deformed cells.Cytostatics combined with propolis are more efficient in preventing the progression of carcinoma and its metastasizing and the side effects of chemotherapy are substantially diminished (nausea, weakness, vomiting, and the reduction in the quantity of corpuscles).

Therefore, the usage of propolis is important for protection of persons at increased risks for hereditary reproductive organs diseases and, with a compulsory physician recommendation, it can be used to treat the above mentioned diseases.

KIDNEYS Antioxidative substances in propolis not only protect the kidneys from acute damage caused by some cytostatics (cisplatin) during chemotherapy, but also prevent forming of carcinoma on the kidneys.

LIVER Ruđer Bošković Institute has determined that NATIVE PROPOLIS prevents liver damage caused by free radicals and enhances its antioxidative defence. Tests conducted on mice have shown that, generally, propolis protects the liver from chemical toxins and alcohol, which is attributed to its ability to capture free radicals. Its protective effect is stronger than the well known substance glycyrrhizin, used by official medicine.

Carcinomas Stops the growth of some kinds of liver tumours and kills cancerogenic cells. Liver protection is important to chronic patients who must take medications regularly, in cases of liver diseases and to persons prone to alcohol abuse.

NATIVE PROPOLIS prevents lesion and strengthens the defence of the heart muscle from oxidative stress and free radicals that are formed under the influence of cardio-toxic substances.

The protective activity is especially important in cases of heart diseases and persons at risk for hereditary heart diseases.

Blood Propolis improves the absorption of minerals (iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium) from the digestive system into the blood circulatory system.

Anaemia In combination with pollen (NATIVE PROPOLIS), it increases resorption of iron into the blood and raises the level of haemoglobin in cases of iron deficiency anaemia (ferropenic anaemia).Tests conducted in Ruđer Bošković Institute have shown that the presence of NATIVE PROPOLIS in blood substantially reduces the level of free radicals, increases the antioxidative defence and prevents oxidative stress. Thus, it protects blood corpuscles from free radical damage.

Lymphatic system It has been determined in laboratory conditions on the model of human leukaemia cells (HL-60) that one of the propolis components kills the tumour cells. Using the DNA chip method in Ruđer Bošković Institute it has been determined that NATIVE PROPOLIS markedly strengthens the gene the lack of which leads to appearance of lymphatic system carcinoma.

The protective activity of NATIVE PROPOLIS is significant for groups at high-risk for hereditary blood diseases.

Propolis stops the reproduction of bacteria in the oral cavity, heals necrotic stomatitis, aphthae and candidiasis, prevents the forming of dental plaque and dental caries, reduces the painful sensitiveness of teeth, increases tooth enamel hardness, strengthens dental pulp, reduces the acute and chronic inflammation of gums (paradontosis).

Tests on mice have shown that propolis prevents the forming of cataract and enhances the antioxidative defence of blood and lens.

The same antioxidative as well as anti-inflammatory mechanisms protect the cornea from the results of chemical and mechanical injuries.

The effect of propolis on brain cells had been unknown in professional literature. Tests conducted by the Ruđer Bošković Institute have shown that the NATIVE PROPOLIS could protect the brain from damage and atrophy of nerve cells, particularly in cases of nervous system diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, diabetic neuropathy, neuritis, brain atherosclerosis, epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, ischaemic-reperfusion brain injury, aging, etc.), because it:

-prevents the brain oxidative stress,
-increases antioxidative defence of the brain tissue,
-neutralizes free radicals in the brain,
-markedly strengthens the gene with a weakened function  apparently linked to the damage of nerve cells and an increased  risk of Parkinson’s disease,
-repairs the free-radicals induced DNA damage,
-strengthens the gene that aids transmission of nerve impulses
-stimulates the DNA replication in the brain.

In cases of brain tumour (glioma) it stimulates the organism to produce the drug by itself (immunosuppression therapy).

It has been proved that, in cases of brain stroke, propolis in synergy with the bee pollen (NATIVE PROPOLIS) increases the blood supply of the brain and facilitates the more rapid recovery of disrupted and lost functions.

It assists in wound healing, not only when applied locally, but also when taken by mouth.

Survival of mice after exposure to gamma rays is attributed to propolis’s antioxidative properties and it indicates its potential for protection from free radicals produced by various types of radiation.

Protects the stomach from alcohol damage.

When a stroke is suffered, propolis, in synergy with pollen, strengthens the antioxidative defence and improves blood supply of the brain which results in more rapid rehabilitation of disrupted and lost brain functions.

Propolis prevents cataract development and enhances the antioxidative defence of blood and lenses, thus protecting cornea from the consequences of chemical injuries.

At the present state of knowledge we could say that the basis of biological activity is to be found in propolis’s strong anti-oxidant properties because it inhibits and scavenges free radicals, which are known to cause a number of diseases, such as tumours, cardiovascular diseases, nervous system diseases, cataract, emphysema, premature ageing and others.

Its local anaesthetic properties are equivalent to those of Lidocaine and greater than those of cocaine and Procaine. Propolis is also useful as an analgesic agent when taken by mouth.

Strong anti-inflammatory effect is visible in cases of acute as well as chronic inflammation. It is interesting that it is also effective against non-infectious inflammations (burns caused by sun, fire, radiation and chemicals).

It blocks the development of single cell parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes inflammation of female reproductive organs and male urethra. It is also effective against Trypanosoma cruzi.

Propolis inhibits the reproduction of a number of viruses that cause human diseases (Herpes simplex, genitalis and zoster, influenza and smallpox).

Clinical tests have showed that the time of recovery from common cold can be reduced by 2,5 times when propolis is used.

It is effective against various types of fungi, mainly those causing skin and hair diseases.

Propolis has a stronger antibacterial effect on gram-positive bacteria (streptococcus, staphylococcus) than on gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Furthermore, it is beneficial in treatment of tuberculosis in human patients. It is interesting to note that, even when it is not directly effective against gram-negative bacteria, propolis creates protection against inflammation caused by those bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

The effect is less strong as well as less toxic than that of antibiotics, it does not cause bacteria resistance and it does not damage healthy intestinal flora.

When used in synergy with some of the antibiotics, the time of recovery is significantly reduced.

Propolis is a resinous substance of a yellowy green to brown or dark red colour, a balsamic aroma, and a bitter taste. To this day, over 300 biologically active substances have been isolated from propolis.

The most important among them are flavonoids, various phenolics and aromatic compounds.

The use of propolis in its original form is becoming increasingly difficult nowadays, due to pollution in areas where bees collect it. Thus, it needs to be chemically treated before it can be used by humans.

These procedures are a cause of partial loss of biologically active substances. Therefore, propolis solutions do not retain all the compounds originally contained in propolis since it is not completely soluble in any known solvent.

Due to harmful effects of solvents, it must not be used in larger quantities and large dosages are prone to cause stomach pains.

Company HEDERA had succeeded in producing native propolis in its original form without the use of chemical solvents, using its innovative methods. It has been collected in ecologically clean parts of Croatia.

This is a dietetic product of the highest purity, containing all biologically active substances. It can be used in larger dosages without harmful side effects because it does not contain any solvents.

There is no similar product on the market.

Propolis is a resin collected by bees mostly from flower and leaf buds. Historical monuments indicate that it has been used as a remedy since ancient times. It is known to have a wide spectrum of therapeutic effects.

The use of propolis in its original form is becoming increasingly difficult nowadays, due to pollution in areas where bees collect it. Thus, it needs to be chemically treated before it can be used by humans.

These procedures are a cause of partial loss of biologically active substances. Therefore, propolis solutions do not retain all the compounds originally contained in propolis since it is not completely soluble in any known solvent.

Due to harmful effects of solvents, it must not be used in larger quantities and large dosages are prone to cause stomach pains.

Company HEDERA had succeeded in producing native propolis in its original form without the use of chemical solvents, using its innovative methods. It has been collected in ecologically clean parts of Croatia.

This is a dietetic product of the highest purity, containing all biologically active substances.

It can be used in larger dosages without harmful side effects because it does not contain any solvents. There is no similar product on the market.

Content: 1 gelatin capsule contains app. 270 mg of pure propolis and app. 130 mg of bee collected Rock Rose (Cistus sp.) pollen.