Propolis is not just a sticky nuisance in the hive. But what role does propolis play in apitherapy? And what is needed to improve its use even further?

These questions were at the center of a presentation by Professor Jose Mauricio Sforcin of the University of São Paulo, Brazil, at the latest Apimondia Congress in Copenhagen.

Propolis has been used not only externally but also internally to treat a great variety of diseases due to its abundance of constituents. Propolis has been indicated for flu and cold symptoms, skin disorders (wounds, burns, and acne), psoriasis, otorhinolaryngologic, gynecologic, and proctologic diseases, preventing caries and treating gingivitis or stomatitis. Propolis has also been studied in diabetes, asthma, HIV, and others.It is used for chronic inflammation and to treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. In general, propolis is safe and may be also consumed by healthy individuals or patients, without affecting the effect of medications.

But the standardization of propolis and its use in apitherapy are still under discussion. Although the knowledge of propolis properties had been advanced, it is imperative to standardize its use, communicating the results at scientific and alternative events to strengthen the exchange of information.

Otherwise, how professor said, we will be always working separately, without complementing our expertise.

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