A lot of health care products in the market today contain bee propolis, the resin-like substance that honey bees collect from plants and trees. It is undoubtedly known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and regenerative effects.
Nutritional supplements, lozenges, mouthwash, soaps, creams and lip balms are only some of the products that demonstrate its health benefits. Many consider it as a wonder of nature. Since then, the demand for bee propolis products has skyrocketed.
But how does one select the quality products? Here are some tips on buying bee propolis products that you can consider and apply:
Knowing Your Bee Propolis Source
First of all, find out where the source comes from. Remember that you will have different significant level of health benefits as a result of its chemical diversity. That factor is determined by the location, topography and climate of the place where bee colonies live. This was evident in a study by Banksota, on the scavenging, hepatoprotective and cytotoxic characteristics of propolis. When bee propolis from Peru, The Netherlands, China and Brazil were compared, it was discovered that the samples from China and The Netherlands have the most potent cytotoxic activity[1]. In a separate study, Brazilian Green Propolis was found to contain 6% to 8% of the PAK1-blocking agent, Artepillin C (ARC)[2], which means, it has a significant antioxidant properties.
Aside from this concern, it is also believed that the finest one is produced from places where pollution does not exist and pesticides are not allowed. There are some studies that assess correlation between pollution and its impact to bee products. If bee colonies live in a high polluted environment, their products (such as honey, bee pollen, and bee propolis) will also be contaminated by some hazardous heavy metal pollutant.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
First, look for a seal or mark of purity. In the US, nutritional supplements are not rigorously regulated which means manufacturers are not obliged to guarantee the effectiveness and safety of the product, including its actual contents. Manufacturers that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines place a seal of purity on their products. Aside from it, the GMP works as standardized manufacturing process for herbal products. So, you can expect a constant quality of the product.
Avoid Additives
Another tip is to buy supplements with no additives such as silica (sand), sugar, gluten, starch, artificial colors or flavors. Furthermore, it will be much better if you know the method used in preparing the product. The ideal way of preparation is the freeze-drying method because it keeps the natural constituents. Methods which use heat can damage, alter, and reduce the intrinsic nutrients of the propolis, rendering it inefficient as a dietary supplement.
Certificate Of Analysis
Finally, check if the product has a Certificate of Analysis or COA. Certificate of Analysis or COA acts as ‘quality insurance’ for the product of your choice. It lists and assuring the exact amount of the needed and fundamental compounds which impact its essential benefits.
The perfect example of this is the standardized propolis extract EPP-AF® that is proven to be able to quicken wound healing process. It list specifically, and ensure that each sample has following substantial compounds:
However, it will be very difficult to find such a product, because bee propolis itself doesn’t have any accepted international standardization, yet. But when such a standard exist in the future, you know that checking for COA is a must.
References:
- Conti ME, Botrè F.Honeybees and their products as potential bioindicators of heavy metals contamination.2001 Jul;69(3):267-82.
- Banksota AH, Tezuka Y, Adnyana IK, et al. Cytotoxic, hepatoprotective and free radical scavenging effects of bee propolis samples from Brazil, Peru, the Netherlands and China. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000;72:239–46
- Messerli SM. Artepillin C (ARC) in selectively blocks oncogenic PAK1 signaling and suppresses the growth of NF tumors in mice. March 2009. Phytother Res.
