Just watched a youtube video titled: Propolis - Snake Oil, or Another of Nature's Miracles
I really think this propolis tincture has made a significant impact
on my spider bite.
Based on the video, we can see a testimonial which stating that bee propolis is able to work effectively to quicken wound healing process. So, I decided to dig something from some journals to get scientific explanation about this. But first of all, we need a better understanding about wound healing process itself.
Wound Healing Process
The wound healing process is a dynamic and complex process which can be divided into three phases. It is critical to remember that wound healing is not linear and often wounds can progress both forwards and back through the phases depending upon intrinsic and extrinsic forces at work within the patient.
Inflammatory phase
By the time our body wounded, the blood vessels starts to contract in order to prevent blood loss, and after that, clog is formed. As soon as the bleeding has stopped, our blood vessels will no longer in a contracted condition (starts dilated). This dilatation process enables important cells and specific substances (such as white blood cells, specific enzymes and nutrients) to enter the wounded area.
During this phase the symptomatic indications of inflammation can be seen. Usually we feel a painful dispersing redness and intense heat surrounding the wound. The main cells that play important role at this phase are phagocytic cells; ‘neutrophils and macrophages. Those cells work to improve our body response, and at the same time, they remove the damaged tissues.
Proliferation phase
During proliferation phase, the damaged tissues are rejuvenated with new granulation tissues which consist of collagen and extracellular matrix. This phase is mainly dependent on the oxygen, and nutrient level which the fibroblasts receive. The color of the granulation tissue can be an accurate sign that shows the progress of the wound healing process. Dark color could indicate low perfusion, or infection.
Maturation phase
Maturation is the last phase of wound healing process. This phase takes place when the wound has closed. Maturation phase comprises of collagen remodeling, and decreasing amount of cellular activity as well as the number of capillaries within the wounded location.
Explanation to Bee Propolis & Its Wound Healing Effectivity
1. Antibiotic properties
First of all, despite the different chemical substances, bee propolis still gives the same health benefits, mainly antibiotic and antiviral properties. This antibiotic properties help to eliminate any further infection possibility.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties
It’s already acknowledged that wound healing process is particularly associated with the inflammation phase. Bee propolis also has anti-inflammatory properties which contributes to quicken inflammation phases in wound healing process[1]
3. Antioxidant Properties
The third explanation is because the antioxidant properties. Based on the three phase of healing process, the increased collagen formation and angiogenesis (as a part of proliferation phase) have been shown to quicken the healing process itself. In this scope, antioxidants have been shown to play a significant role[4]. It is widely known that bee propolis is rich in flavonoid which responsible of its antioxidant properties. Basically, free radical can disturb the healing process because it blocks cells regeneration. The removal of free radicals by bee propolis enables faster regeneration of a damaged organ or tissue[2]
It also has been widely verified that flavonoids has the capability to minimize lipid peroxidation by improving resistance as well as circulation, protecting cell against deterioration and promotion of cell synthesis. Until this time, that fact creates a robust idea that any substance which has the capability to hamper lipid peroxidation is positively improves the collagen fibers, which also affect wound healing process in positive way[6].
The thing that really makes me glad when writing this post is: wound healing properties of bee propolis has been proven for both in-vitro and in-vivo preclinical evaluation.
That fact is shown by a research that was conducted by Andresa Aparecida Berretta[3]. In his research, it was observed that wound which is treated by using standardized EPP-AF® bee propolis heals quicker. This is indicated by histological sections which showed a decrease amount of white blood cells, as well as the number of capillaries (angiogenesis) and fibroblasts. In other words, wound that is treated with bee propolis can enter final phase (remodeling phase) in a shorter period.
Andresa’s research is also aligns with many previous researches which study this wound healing properties which I have mentioned before. In addition, his research also stated that anti-inflammatory of bee propolis is more effective than dexamethasone.
References:
- Perez-Tamayo R. Introduccion a la Patologia. Buenos Aires: Editoria Medica Panamericana, 1987:670
- Marcucci Mc. Bee Propolis:Chemical Compisition, biological properties and theraputic activity. Apidologie, 1995, 26, 83-99
- Andresa Aparecida Berretta. Propolis Standardized Extract (EPP-AF®), an Innovative Chemically and Biologically Reproducible Pharmaceutical Compound for Treating Wounds.Int J Biol Sci. 2012; 8(4): 512–521
- Volpert R, Elstner EF. Interactions of different extracts of propolis with leukocytes and leukocytic enzymes. Arzn-Forsch/Drug Res. 1996;46:47–51.
- Borrelli F, Maffia P, Pinto L, Ianaro A, Russo A, Capasso F. et al. Phytochemical compounds involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of bee propolis extract. Fitoterapia. 2002;73:S53–S63.
- Nayak S, Nalaboth P, Sandiford S, Bhogadi V, Adogwa A. Evaluation of wound healing activity of Allamanda cathartica. L. and Laurus nobilis. L. extracts on rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006;6:12
