Did you know a beehive is one of nature’s most sterile environments? The reason for this is that honey bees collect resin from specific trees and plants and combine it with their own discharges and beeswax.
This produces a glue-like substance known as propolis, which honey bees use as a coating to seal their hive against infection.
For centuries, propolis has been known for its biological and pharmacological properties. However, not all propolis is the same. Propolis grade is determined by its botanical origins and the type of bees that produce it. Brazilian green propolis is the most studied and sought-after of all propolis produced worldwide.
Brazilian green propolis is derived from a single plant species (Baccharis dracunculifolia) found in Minas Gerais, Brazil (a rich and unpolluted natural environment). This plant species yields the highest quality propolis, with the highest levels of flavonoids and Artepillin-C.
Brazilian green propolis, in particular, is produced by Africanized honeybees. Brazilian green propolis is more easily absorbed and effective because this species of honeybee collects propolis by cutting the tips off buds of plants, allowing their propolis to contain the entire vegetal tissues.
In this article, we will discuss six health benefits of Brazilian green propolis.
Brazilian green propolis is a type of propolis that is primarily composed of Baccharis dracunculifolia resin.
Brazilian Green Propolis health benefits primarily highlight those of the plant, in addition to those found in any other propolis, regardless of botanical source.
Propolis is primarily made up of plant resins and exudates that bees collect. Bees enrich it with wax, secretions, and pollen. The composition of propolis is determined by its botanical and geographical origin, as well as weather and hive conditions.
Because the plants harvested by bees are so diverse, the composition of propolis will never be the same. So, in addition to the traditional dark brown propolis, propolis can also be green, red, black, or white in colour.
And, despite the fact that the composition of different types of propolis varies greatly depending on its botanical origin, their biological effects are strikingly similar.
The main botanical source used by honeybees to produce Brazilian green propolis is Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae). Baccharis dracunculifolia is a Brazilian medicinal plant. Its main properties are antiulcer and anti-inflammatory.
The overall composition of this propolis type is similar to that of poplar propolis, containing both balsamic and non-balsamic components. It is primarily composed of plant-derived substances, with minor contributions from bee and pollen. However, the chemical composition is very different.
The balsam component of poplar propolis is derived from glue, while the non-balsamic constituents are added by bees. The phenolics: flavonoid aglycones (flavones and flavanones), phenolic acids and their esters are the most common components of poplar propolis.
Brazilian propolis is known for its prenylated derivatives of p-coumaric acid and acetophenone, as well as diterpenes and lignans. The flavonoids in ‘poplar type’ propolis are different.
The Composition of the volatile fraction of a sample of Brazilian green propolis and its phytotoxic activity, made by Fernandes-Silva CC et al, from the University of So Paulo, So Paulo, Brazil, was published in December 2014 by the Society of Chemical Industry. The study examines the chemical composition of green propolis and assesses the phytotoxic activity of the volatile fraction of a Brazilian green propolis sample.
The volatile fraction of this Brazilian green propolis has a different chemical composition than other propolis. The “main constituents are the phenylpropanoid 3-prenylcinnamic acid allyl ester (26.3%) and the sesquiterpene spathulenol (23.4%),” according to the study. In addition to linalool and -terpineol (monoterpenes), several other sesquiterpenes and phenylpropanoids were detected.”
1. Antibiotics that are natural
Antiviral and antibacterial properties are found in Brazilian green propolis. It relieves symptoms of the flu, cough, and sore throat. According to a Japanese study, Brazilian green propolis can help with influenza symptoms.
2. Cancer Complementary Therapy
The high concentration of Artepillin-C found only in Brazilian green propolis is well known for its ability to inhibit tumour growth.
3. It protects nerve cells from damage.
Brazilian green propolis has been shown in studies to improve the cognitive functions of patients with mild cognitive impairment. Brazilian green propolis, due to its antioxidant properties, protects neurons from neurodegenerative damage and aids in the prevention of brain injury.
4. Promotes cardiovascular and circulatory health
Flavonoids abound in Brazilian green propolis. Flavonoids have antioxidant properties that help lower triglyceride levels, increase good cholesterol, and support healthy blood lipids and blood pressure levels.
5. Avoid Diabetes Complications
Brazilian green propolis helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels by repairing and revitalising pancreatic cells, which improves insulin levels.
6. Has anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties
Brazilian green propolis has been shown to reduce ulceration as well as itchiness and allergies.