Once you learn about the properties of propolis, the popular food supplement of recent years, you too will agree with its fame!

Have you ever heard the etymology of the word propolis? This name, formed by the combination of the Greek words "pro (front/entrance)" and "polis (city)," means "entrance to the city." As can be guessed from this, propolis is collected by bees right at the entrance of their hives. But this is not an accidental practice or one that emerged due to the internal design of the hive! On the contrary, it is a very cleverly planned and at the same time surprisingly functional method... Why? You will understand much better when you get to know propolis in detail!

1. WHAT IS PROPOLIS?

Propolis is briefly defined as a resinous substance produced by bees by processing the secretions they collect from the leaves, buds, and trunks of certain plants and trees with their own enzymes. Bees produce this substance to protect their hives from foreign matter, various bacteria, and fungi. Propolis is also used by bees as a strong building material to repair cracks in the hive and strengthen the honeycombs. Examinations of beehives show that the entrances to these bee homes are always covered with propolis. This once again proves how intelligent bees are! As bees circulating outside enter their hives, they are cleansed of foreign matter on them by the strong effect of propolis, and microorganisms are neutralized. In addition, propolis has been known to be used by humans for various purposes throughout history.

2. WHAT ARE THE PROPERTIES OF PROPOLIS?

Bees particularly prefer pine, oak, birch, eucalyptus, poplar, chestnut trees, and some herbaceous plants as sources for propolis production. The color of propolis can be brown, yellow, green, or red depending on the source from which it is obtained. Its form varies according to the temperature level of the environment in which it is found. Propolis is very hard at temperatures below 15°C. However, this solid substance becomes softer and quite sticky when the ambient temperature is between 25-45°C. At temperatures of 60°C and above, propolis becomes completely liquid. You might think, "Well, don't these temperature changes cause changes in the components of propolis?" This is exactly what's interesting! Because propolis can preserve its chemical structure up to 120°C!

3. WHAT DOES PROPOLIS CONTAIN?

The content of propolis varies according to the sources from which it is obtained, the geographical region where the hive is located, and the climatic conditions of these regions. Accordingly, different types of propolis are named after the source or region from which they are obtained. However, taking the name of the plant source from which it is obtained does not mean that propolis is produced only from this plant. On the contrary, bees use many different plants as sources in production to ensure that this substance has the strong effect they aim for. The type designation in the literature is made according to the plant found to be present in the highest proportion in the composition of propolis.

The contents of propolis types can differ from each other. However, basically, it is possible to mention certain main components found in almost all propolis: Resins, beeswax and fatty acids, polyphenols and flavonoids, essential oils, pollen, minerals, and vitamins... In addition, you can see the basic components of some propolis types below.

4. WHAT MAKES PROPOLIS HIGH QUALITY?

The quality of propolis is determined by two factors: environmental factors in the area where the hive is located and the extraction method. Agricultural and veterinary medicines used in the areas around the hive, industrial waste and heavy metals left in these areas, or radioactive contamination can create significant risks by mixing into the propolis content. In addition, raw propolis may contain dead bees, larval remains, and plant particles. For this reason, propolis needs to be analyzed in detail before extraction and should not be consumed as it is removed from the hive.

Adequate intake of the components in propolis is possible with an appropriate extraction method. Water, ethanol, etc. can be used as solvents for this process. In addition to the solvent, the extraction method chosen also plays an effective role in quality because it differentiates the biological effects of propolis. Thanks to newly developed methods, propolis with a high active ingredient can be obtained using natural solvents such as water.

5. HOW TO USE PROPOLIS?

Propolis has been known as a bee product used by humans for thousands of years, both internally and externally. However, in today's conditions, a much more accurate and advantageous use can be provided. This is because with developing technology and analysis methods, propolis can now be extracted with the most accurate methods. Thus, the hygiene level and beneficial component ratio of the resulting product can be assured.

Extracted propolis, thanks to its liquid consistency, can be used in many different ways. This food can be added to beverages such as water, fruit juice, herbal tea, etc., or it can be consumed alone, depending on preference. In addition, it can be added to foods such as honey, yogurt, breakfast cereals, etc. with peace of mind.

6. WHO SHOULD NOT CONSUME PROPOLIS?

Propolis can be easily consumed by children over 4 years old and adults, provided that it is in ideal doses. Research conducted in this context shows that propolis extracted under hygienic conditions and with appropriate solvents does not cause any adverse effects. However, this bee product, which contains strong compounds, should be used with physician approval by individuals with chronic diseases, those taking regular medication, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and those with allergic predispositions. Additionally, it is very important that children under 4 years old and individuals undergoing surgical operations do not consume propolis.

7. WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF PROPOLIS?

Humankind has continued to use propolis since discovering its antimicrobial effect in beehives. The intense focus of scientific circles on this bee product spans approximately 10-15 years. The results of studies conducted during this period show that the traditional belief regarding the functions of propolis is by no means unfounded! Generally contributing to the normal functioning of many systems in the body, propolis also proves that it fully deserves this intense interest with other detected biological effects.

In addition to all these, scientific studies reveal another truth: The method used in the correct extraction of propolis is as important as the chemical solvent. Thanks to newly developed techniques, products with high active ingredients can be obtained using natural solvents such as water. Based on this, Balparmak's water-based liquid propolis products, developed within the scope of a TUBITAK-supported project, stand out with their high active ingredient content. By offering propolis in single-use packages with ideal grammage for both adults and children, Balparmak also prevents the risk of potential overdose! Moreover, they also offer vitamin C support in addition to propolis!