Propolis against Colon Cancer

Propolis is a resin-like bee product that the bees collect from the leaves, stems and buds of the plants. It’s main function is to provide and maintain the antiseptic environment in the hive. Honey bees use propolis to protect their larvae and themselves against microorganisms (viruses, bacteria and fungus) and they use it as a source of disinfectant in the hive. It has a high antioxidant capacity due to its rich content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds

Research carried out in New Zealand in 2015 investigated the benefits of propolis on gastrointestinal health demonstrated that the phenolic compounds of propolis (pinocembrin, pinobanksin-3-O-acetate, tectochrysin, dimethylallyl caffeate, 3-methyl-3-butenyl caffeate, benzyl ferulate and benzyl isoferulate) have anti-proliferative effects, meaning inhibition of cell growth on cancer cell lines (HCT-116 colon cancer, KYSE-30 oesophageal squamous cancer, and NCI-N87 gastric carcinoma).

References

Catchpole, O., Mitchell, K., Bloor, S., Davis, P. ve Suddes, A. 2015. Antiproliferative activity of New Zealand propolis and phenolic compounds vs human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells Fitoterapia 106: 167-174.