What is propolis?
Propolis is an entirely natural bee product that bees collect from the leaves, stems, and buds of plants. Bees use propolis to sterilize their hives. 'Pro' means before, and 'polis' means city. Therefore, propolis is used to indicate "protector of the city," referring to the substance known as the guardian of the hive, the city of bees.
What is Propolis Used For?
Propolis is a natural product produced by honeybees from the leaves, stems, and buds of plants. Bees use
propolis to kill microorganisms and sterilize their hive by covering the comb cells. Then the queen bee lays
eggs on those cells, helping their healthy development. Furthermore, honey, bee pollen, and royal jelly are
encapsulated in the hive under a layer of propolis, which helps preserve the products stored in the comb.
Propolis has many beneficial effects due to its natural phenolic and flavonoid composition.
What is the Composition of Propolis?
Propolis is a natural substance produced by bees from the resinous substances found in plants. Its composition
can vary depending on the geographic location and the specific plants from which the bees collect the resin.
However, propolis typically contains a mix of beeswax, essential oils, pollen, flavonoids, phenolic compounds,
and other organic compounds.
Can Raw Propolis be Consumed?
Propolis, obtained directly from the hive without any processing, is known as raw propolis and is in a
resinous and rigid state. In its raw form, propolis is mixed with beeswax and cannot be digested by humans.
The bioavailability of raw propolis for the body is only around 2%, which means it is excreted without being
digested. Since the human body can only benefit from a minimal amount (2%) of raw propolis, its raw form is
not considered suitable for human consumption. Therefore, it needs to be correctly extracted and transformed
into liquid form by expert food engineers. It is necessary to extract it using the correct method and solvent,
performed by expert food engineers, and bring it into liquid form to obtain the highest amounts of valuable
phenolic and flavonoid compounds of propolis. Adequately extracted and liquefied propolis is used in the form
of drops.
Why is Propolis Extracted?
To enable propolis to be digested by our bodies and benefit from its rich nutritional composition and health
effects, it must undergo an extraction process using appropriate technology to remove the beeswax content.
Various auxiliary substances are used during this process, which should be carried out under the supervision
of expert food engineers. It is not possible to extract propolis using only water or vegetable oils. Along
with water, solvents such as ethanol, glycol, and glycerol, derived from food, and processing aids carrying
antioxidant compounds, must be used. Only with these substances can the active ingredients of propolis be
extracted. Therefore, studies have shown that products claiming to be water- or vegetable oil-based do not
contain propolis in a concentration that would impact human health.
Additionally, the beeswax in raw propolis must be wholly separated during the extraction process. It is
important to obtain maximum levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds during the extraction process.
Properly extracted propolis using appropriate solvents provides approximately 90% bioavailability to the
human body.
What is Propolis Extract?
Propolis extract is a processed form of raw propolis by extracting with the help of solvents such as ethanol,
glycol, and glycerol. Experienced food scientists must do the extraction process under controlled conditions
using the appropriate solvents. Propolis extract has %90 higher bioavailability in human cells than raw
propolis.
How Do You Extract Raw Propolis?
Raw propolis containing beeswax cannot be digested by the human body and is excreted without being digested.
Therefore, it is crucial to extract and separate propolis from beeswax. The bioavailability of propolis in the
human body increases from 2% to as much as 90% when it is extracted. For this reason, propolis must undergo
extraction using a solvent such as ethanol, glycol, or glycerol to transform it into a liquid or droplet form.
BEE&YOU employs a patented and award-winning extraction method to extract valuable propolis from the Anatolian
region, ensuring optimal benefits for health. In conclusion, Anatolian Propolis Extract (A.P.E)® contains at
least 15 phenolics and flavonoids.
What are the Benefits of Propolis?
Propolis exerts antioxidant effects through its phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Scientific studies have
reported positive results when propolis, natural immune support, is used as a supportive treatment for various
diseases such as respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal disorders, oral ulcers, wounds and cold sores,
diabetes, and cancer.
How is Propolis Collected ?
To obtain propolis, beekeepers employ specialized techniques that prioritize the well-being of the bees and
the quality of the final product. The process typically involves placing traps or screens within the beehive,
strategically positioned to allow bees to pass through while gently scraping off the propolis from their
bodies. These traps are designed to collect propolis without causing harm or distress to the bees. After the
bees instinctively fill the propolis traps, the traps are carefully removed, and the raw propolis is
separated. Resulting in obtaining propolis extract without any harm to the bees. This approach aligns with
ethical practices in propolis collection.
Is the Propolis Collection Process Ethical and Safe for Bees?
The propolis collection process using propolis traps placed by beekeepers is ethical and safe for the bees.
These traps are strategically positioned in the hive, encouraging bees to produce an excess of propolis beyond
their natural needs. The process ensures that propolis is harvested without causing harm to the bees. After
the bees instinctively fill the propolis traps, the traps are carefully removed, and the raw propolis is
separated. Subsequently, the extraction process takes place, resulting in obtaining propolis extract without
any harm to the bees. This approach aligns with ethical practices in propolis collection.
What Sets Anatolian Propolis Apart and Makes It Unique?
Anatolian Propolis Extract is sourced from pristine Anatolian mountains, home to 12,000 different plant
species, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, and extracted with patented technology. Bee products
obtained from this region have higher quality and nutritional content. Anatolian Propolis Extract (A.P.E)
contains at least 15 different phenolic and flavonoid compounds with antioxidant activity. These are caffeic
acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), caffeic acid, coumaric acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, rhamnetin,
pinocembrin, resveratrol, apigenin, chrysin, luteolin, hesperidin, hydroxybenzoic acid, epicatechin is
present. Anatolian Propolis Extract has x100 more antioxidants than other propolis extracts!
What is the difference between 15% Propolis water-soluble extract and 30% Propolis
extract?
The difference between 15% Propolis water-soluble extract and 30% Propolis extract lies in their
concentration and form. 15% Propolis water-soluble extract refers to a propolis extract that has been
specially processed to be easily soluble in water. This form allows for convenient and versatile use, such
as adding it to beverages or incorporating it into skincare products.
On the other hand, 30% Propolis extract typically refers to a more concentrated form of propolis extract.
The higher concentration means that each drop contains a higher amount of propolis compared to the 15%
water-soluble version. This concentrated form may be preferred by those who desire a stronger dose or who
are targeting specific health concerns.
How to Consume 30% Propolis Extract?
The recommended daily intake of 30% Propolis Extract is 10-40 drops for children and 20-80 drops for adults.
It can be taken directly or mixed with yogurt, muesli, or honey.
How to Consume 15% Propolis Water Soluble Extract?
The recommended daily intake of 15% Propolis Water Soluble Extract is 10-40 drops for children and 20-80 drops
for adults. It can be taken directly or mixed with cold drinks such as water, milk, juice, or smoothies.
How do I choose the propolis extract I need and for how long?
Choosing the ideal propolis extract is contingent on your individual needs and preferences. Start by
identifying your primary goal for using propolis extract—whether it's for immune support, oral health, or
skincare benefits. Various propolis extracts are tailored for specific purposes. Opt for a water-soluble
extract if you're seeking preventive immune support. For robust support during times of illness, consider
ultra-strength formulas.
Can Propolis Be Taken During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
While propolis is a natural substance, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using
any supplements or products, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Because there is limited research
on the safety of supplements or products specifically during pregnancy and breastfeeding.