Is bee propolis GABAergic?5 answersBee propolis has shown potential GABAergic effects in various studies. Propolis has been found to modulate glutamine synthetase (GS) activity in the brain, which is crucial for GABAergic neurotransmission. Additionally, propolis administration has been linked to the restoration of cognitive function and memory in mice, indicating its ability to influence neurotransmitter systems like GABA. These findings suggest that bee propolis may indeed have GABAergic properties, potentially impacting neurological functions related to GABA neurotransmission. Further research is warranted to explore the specific mechanisms through which propolis interacts with the GABAergic system and its implications for neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement.
What are the current research studies investigating the therapeutic effects of propolis?5 answersPropolis has been the focus of many studies due to its therapeutic effects. It has been found to have anti-microbial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as regenerative properties. In vivo studies on wound models have shown that propolis has beneficial roles in wound healing, which have also been confirmed by clinical research studies. Propolis extracts from different regions of Iran have shown variable total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antibacterial activities. There is a strong positive correlation between the phenolic and flavonoid contents of Iranian propolis and their biological activities. In a study on rats, propolis was found to have clinical and histomorphometric effects on the healing of palatal wounds. In patients with chronic kidney disease, propolis supplementation improved health-related quality of life. These studies highlight the potential therapeutic effects of propolis in wound healing, antibacterial activity, and improving quality of life in certain conditions.
Propolis extraction removes the inert material?5 answersPropolis extraction aims to remove inert compounds from the propolis sample while preserving the flavonoids and polyphenolic fraction. The extraction process involves the use of solvents such as ethanol, water, hexane, ethyl-acetate, and chloroform. Various techniques have been used for propolis extraction, including supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction. SC-CO2 extraction is a preferred method due to its ability to purify and fractionate bioactive compounds from natural sources. It is a non-toxic, non-polluting, and environmentally benign technique. The propolis extracts obtained through different extraction methods have been reported to have high content of ketone and volatile oil, and low content of impurities. The use of SC-CO2 extraction under specific conditions can result in extracts with high biological potential.
What are the benefits from bee propolis?5 answersBee propolis has several benefits. It is high in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, which possess antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activities. Propolis also has nutritional and functional potential, with a focus on phenolic compounds, making it a source of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Additionally, propolis has been used by bees to protect and defend themselves, seal cracks in the hive, and maintain temperature and humidity. Humans have used propolis for thousands of years and it shows promise as a natural source of antioxidants, with potential applications in treating diabetes, renal disease, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Furthermore, propolis from stingless bees has been found to have therapeutic and biological properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities, which could be used to effectively treat diseases and infections.
Does beeswax contain propolis?5 answersBeeswax contains propolis, which is a honey bee product that consists of beeswax and resins from plant buds or exudates. Propolis is a complex resinous substance collected by honeybees and mixed with beeswax. The active ingredients of propolis can be extracted from beeswax without high pressure and high temperature treatment, preserving the nutrient residues in the beeswax. The composition of propolis wax contains polyphenols, resins, wax, and other materials. Green propolis, a type of propolis, is derived mainly from the vegetative apices of Baccharis dracunculifolia plants. Beeswax is utilized by honeybees for various purposes in the hive, including coating and isolating possible disease agents.
What are the active ingredients in clove?5 answersClove (Syzygium aromaticum) contains several active ingredients. The main compound found in clove is eugenol, which makes up a significant portion of the essential oil. Other compounds present in clove include eugenyl acetate, β-caryophyllene, and α-humulene. Clove also contains dehydrodieugenol and dehydrodieugenol B, which have potent peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ ligand-binding activities. Additionally, clove essential oil contains oleanolic acid. The essential oil of clove is rich in volatile compounds, including methyl-namyl ketone, which contributes to its fruity aroma. Clove buds also contain flavonoids such as kaempferol, rhamnetin, quercetin, and myricetin, as well as sterols like sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol. Overall, clove is a complex plant with various active ingredients that contribute to its aromatic and medicinal properties.