Propolis and Effects on Human Health;

Abstract

Propolis is a natural product collected by honeybees from plants, especially their flowers and buds, by mixing with wax and resin, and used for various purposes in hive. Several scientific studies have shown that propolis can be used to treat various diseases in conventional medicine since ancient times and has biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory. Studies in the last five years have shown that phenolic compounds especially caffeic acid esters (CAPE) in propolis have high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity levels. Especially, some studies have demonstrated that CAPE may inhibit oxidative stress mechanisms and supress cytokine production. To ensure its effectiveness on human immune system, even though its effective intake dose is not clear, its reliable dose is 70 mg/kg, and any intake above 15 g is regarded as a toxic dose. Studies on propolis and its efficacy, side effects and reliable dose are increasing day by day, especially its effect on human immune system. In future studies, the mechanisms of its activity on immune system and more information on its effective doses are going to be significant at the level of evidence. Accordingly, it is important to define the effects of propolis on human immune system and overall health. In this study, it is aimed to summarize the studies on the properties of propolis, its consumption dose and its effects on human health. © 2021 by the Author(s).