| Propolis is marketed by health food stores as a traditional medicine, and for its claimed beneficial effect on human health. Holistic therapists often utilize propolis for the relief of various conditons, including inflammations, viral diseases, ulcers, superficial burns or scalds, sometimes based on traditions such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, ayurveda or homeopathy. Propolis is also believed to promote heart health and reduce the chances of cataracts.Old beekeepers recommend a piece of propolis kept in the mouth as a remedy for a sore throat.[citation needed] Claims have been made for its use in treating allergy.
Few of these folkloric claims have been clinically evaluated at the level of large, randomized, double-blind studies. Some in-vitro or rat model studies are available in published biomedical literature. The composition of propolis is variable, depending on season, bee species and geographic location, so caution must be applied in extrapolating results(below). Depending upon its precise composition propolis may show powerful local antibiotic and antifungal properties.Studies indicate that it may be effective in treating skin burns.Propolis also exhibits immunomodulatory effects.
Propolis has attracted the attention of the dental community. In-vitro, animal and clinical studies suggest that propolis has a protective effect against caries and gingivitis. [9][10][11][12]Propolis can also be used to treat canker sores [13], and its use in canal debridement for endodontic procedures has been explored in Brazil.
Other uses
Propolis is used by music instrument makers to better show the wood grain. It is a component of Italian varnish and was reportedly used by Stradivari.
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