Abstract
Temperate propolis is collected by bees from the sticky secretions produced by the buds of poplar species. It is used to coat and seal the hive thus protecting against infections. Extensive research indicates that propolis has strong anti-protozoal activity. There have been some large clinical trials testing propolis against a variety of conditions but despite there is no information on whether or not the active components in propolis are absorbed by humans. In order to answer this question, a small study was carried out in order to determine whether or not propolis components could be detected in the urine of 5 human subjects taking a small dose of propolis tincture. In two of the subjects, levels of several of the flavonoids present in the propolis tincture many times above the baseline levels were detected following hydrolysis of the urine samples with a glucuronidase/sulfatase. Analysis of urine samples prior to hydrolysis indicated the presence of glucuronides and sulfates of the main flavonoids in propolis. Flavonoid absorption occurred to some degree in all subjects, apparent lower levels of flavonoid absorption in 3 out of five subjects might indicate genuine differences in level of absorption between subjects.
Highlights
Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees, generally from plant buds
In Northern Europe and other temperate regions such as Northern China and North America propolis is generally collected from the buds of poplar species, whereas in Southern Europe the predominant sources are various Cypress species and in tropical regions several different plant sources may be utilized [1]
In temperate propolis, which is largely collected from poplar species, and provides the basis for most of the commercially available propolis preparations, the major components are flavonoids and metabolites of caffeic acid [1, 3, 4]
Summary
Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees, generally from plant buds. Its composition varies widely according to the vegetation surrounding the beehive [1]. In a trial testing the efficacy of propolis in treating type II diabetes, 31 patients in the treatment group were given 1500 mg of propolis per day for 8 weeks. In a study of the treatment of dysmenorrhea 500 mg of propolis per day was given to 86 subjects over two months, no adverse events were reported [21]. It is clear from these relatively large trials that propolis is well tolerated in human subjects, but the question remains as to whether or not the major components in propolis are absorbed.
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