Propolis Boosts Anti-Cancer Therapies

Scientists find that propolis inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells and causes cells to kill themselves 

by Angela Van Alten, Nutritionist and Beekeeper's Daughter

Propolis continues to show tremendous activity against different types of cancer cells in study after study.

This most recent study was designed to evaluate the anti-tumor properties of propolis on several different types of cancer cells in mice.

The scientists found that propolis inhibited the proliferation of the cancer cells and caused apoptosis - a type of cell death in which the cell uses specialized cellular machinery to kill itself.

The authors also noted that the size of the cancerous cells was dramatically increased by swelling of the cytoplasm and the loss of membrane integrity, cell rupture and the release of cellular contents (cell death). The propolis caused the cells to rupture, which is a good thing.

It is also worth noting that the experiments in the tumor-bearing mice were done with oral administration of propolis at doses that caused no detectable toxicity. So massive doses that would not be tolerated by humans were not needed and it was not required to inject the propolis. Nor was it toxic in any way in the doses that were administered.

This would suggest that propolis may be able to kill cancer cells in humans in relatively small doses that one could take by pill or powder.

These scientists went on to state that this study provides the rationale to investigate the potential beneficial effect of propolis in the diet of patients receiving anti-cancer therapies.

How Much Propolis to Take?

What is very encouraging when it comes to using propolis for cancer in humans is that the experiments in the animals  were done with oral administration of propolis at doses that caused no detectable toxicity. So massive doses that would not be tolerated by humans were not needed and it was not required to inject the propolis. Nor was it toxic in any way in the doses that were administered.  This would suggest that propolis may be able to kill cancer cells in humans in relatively small doses that one could take by pill or powder.  

While there is no conclusive study on exactly how much propolis to take to maximize your cancer defenses, the overall body of research is beginning to show that daily doses of 2 - 5 grams are likely to be effective for prevention in humans.  As always, consult with your Doctor before beginning any protocol and in the case of natural supplements, a Naturopathic Doctor is best.

References:

Journal Food Chemistry & Toxicology, 2012 Jan 28.