4) The effect of Brazilian Propolis on the germ tube formation and cell walls of Candida Albicans
Authors: André Marinho Mello, Rafael Tomaz Gomes, Simone Resende Lara, L. Gomes Silva, José Bento Alves, Maria Esperanza Cortés, Sheila Lemos Abreu, Vagner Rodrigues Santos. .
Summary of Research:
Candidal adherence has been implicated as the first step in the pathogenesis of oral candidosis, and germ tube formation by Candida albicans has been attributed as co-factor that promotes adherence.Propolis, a natural product produced by the honeybee, has been shown topossess antifungal activity although the mechanism of its action remains unclear.
The aim of this study was to investigate the germ tube formation capacity of C.albicans (ATCC18804) following its exposure to Brazilian Green Propolis (BGP) at different concentrations. The ultrastructural topographic features of the yeast cells exposed to propolis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and light microscopy (LM) were performed to investigate the morphology of the yeast. Yeast cell suspensions were added to tubes containing foetal calf serum medium (2 h-37ºC). Nystatin and C. glabrata (ATCC 2001) were used as control.
Absence of germ tube formation (LM) occurred at 0,33 µg/mL. The ultrastructural findings (TEM) showed hyperplasia and changes in the cell surface at 0,43 µg/mL . It is suggested that the antifungal activity of propolis is due to changes in the cell wall leading to an increase of volume and membrane rupture. The positive results suggest that propolis should be further tested as an alternative therapy for infectious conditions of the oral cavity, such candidiasis and denture stomatitis.
Journal: Pharmacologyonline
Issue: Archive 29
How high is the allergy risk?
There were at least 5 controlled studies done to examine the effect of propolis to the masses.
The percentage of population allergic to propolis
It is generally acceptable to say that less than 10% of people are allergic to propolis. However, the rate of sensitization to propolis or propolis derived products is actually much lower than that. It varies from 1.2% to 6.6% of the test patients.
Reference/Researchers |
Total Patients Patch-Tested |
Positive Reactions to Propolis |
Hausen BM et al |
3,177 |
38 (1.2%) |
Guisti F et al |
1,831 |
35 (1.9%) |
Machackova J |
605 |
25 (4.2%) |
Reider N et al |
433 |
28 (6.55%) |
Francesca G et al |
1255 children |
5.9 % |
Source : Medscape Today , PubMed |
All of the studies above were done using patch testing method. The allergies reported were eczema and localized dermatitis on the faces, hands and limbs. The last study involving 1255 children by Francesca G. et. al. was conducted for 8 years. The study concluded that less than 6 % of the test subject tested were allergic to propolis. Those who get contact dermatitis due to propolis were also found to be allergic to balsam of Peru ( which is not surprising since both products have common constituents).
A Word of Advice:
Please ask your doctor’s advice or ask for a patch test first before taking any propolis products. If you’ve used some propolis cream/products and appear to have the symptoms of allergy, discontinue the product.
The Side Effects of Propolis
Like any other honey bee products, around 10% of the human population cannot tolerate propolis.
Who are they?
Those known to be allergic to propolis include :-
- Asthma Patients:
If you have asthma, you should avoid propolis because some chemicals or impurities in it may induce an attack. If you want to use it, ask your doctor’s advise first.
- Those Allergic To Bee Stings:
If you’re allergic to bee stings, the bad news is propolis could induce a similar side effect.
- Those Allergic to Bee Pollen:
Pollens in propolis may come from any plants – and not just plants in surrounding areas where you buy your product. So, if you’re already allergic to bee pollen or evergreens, you are advised not to use propolis.
- Pregnant Women:
There are not many published clinical trials on the effect of propolis on pregnant women. Because the information in this area is limited, please avoid using propolis if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Others at risk :
If you know that you’re allergic to black poplar (also populas nigra), poplar buds, honey and balsam of Peru, forget about propolis. There are around 8 to 13 compounds that propolis and balsam of Peru have in common. Some of these compounds are benzyl benzoate, cinnamyl cinnamate, and benzyl cinnamate. Several studies have suggested that patients who are sensitive to propolis also may react to balsam of Peru.
The cause
In propolis, a substance called the B1 is believed to be the reason behind these side effects.
A beekeeper scraping propolis. Beekeepers who are allergic to it may suffer from watery eyes, swollen eyelids or dermatitis on their fingers and wrists.
Allergic reaction from this substance was first documented in 1915 when a beekeeper suffered from dermatitis on his fingers and wrists. But the case was classified as an occupational effect.
|
 |
And because propolis is also used as the coating on Italian varnish, instrument makers and musicians have also been reported to get contact dermatitis. Here are some cases of allergies suffered by those who use violins coated with propolis. Right now it is seen mainly on those who :-
- use cosmetics that contain propolis, or
- take propolis as supplements to treat various health conditions.
The symptoms of allergies
If you’re allergic to propolis, it may cause your skin to
- Redden.
- Develop rashes.
- Swell.
- Itch, or
- Crack.
It could also induce :-
- Eczema.
- Lesions.
- Psoriasis, or
- Mouth sores.
A word of advice
Even if you’re not listed as those at risk, you should always take some precautions when using any form of medications. The best way to start taking propolis is to try it gradually. Use small quantities of propolis for the first few days. If there are no side effects, increase your propolis intake gradually to the full outlined dosage. This way you would be able to test your comparability with the propolis product you’re taking and avoid embarrassing (and painful) reactions to the substance. Similarly, if you decide to stop the medical treatment prescribed by your doctor, do it gradually (after his okay, of course). . |
