Underlining that it has been proven by researches that the mixture of honey and propolis has a high effect on bacteria and yeasts that have gained resistance to antibiotics, Yeditepe University Faculty of Pharmacy Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Erdem Yeşilada underlines that honey and propolis help strengthen the immune system of the person and provide protection against viruses. Every year, diseases such as colds, seasonal flu and pneumonia become widespread with the fall. This year, the situation is a little different. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic affecting the whole world, protection from viral infections becomes even more important. Yeditepe University Faculty of Pharmacy Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Erdem Yeşilada points out that the risk is not only limited to coronavirus in this period, but also other viruses (influenza, parainfluenza, etc.) and bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, etc.) increase the risk factors and aggravate the disease picture. Prof. Dr. Yeşilada says that nature offers us endless resources to defend against viral infections and underlines that the effectiveness of honey and propolis, bee products among these resources, against virus or bacterial infections has been proven by scientific research.
Prof. Dr. Yeşilada explained that the reason why honey and propolis, which have been healing humanity for thousands of years, have become popular again today is that their effects have been proven by scientific research conducted in the last 20 years. "A study conducted at Oxford University in England revealed that honey is more effective than antibiotics in upper respiratory tract infections such as coughs and colds. Honey, the crown jewel of our tables, is effective on microbes through the polyphenols and enzymes it contains, despite its natural sugar content. In a study conducted, it is reported that a mixture of honey and propolis has a higher effect on bacteria and yeasts that have gained resistance to antibiotics. Honey and propolis show their protective effect on infections in different ways. While it acts directly on the microorganism by disrupting the communication of microorganisms with each other, melting their defense shields and reducing their mobility, it also provides protection by strengthening the immune system of the individual."
Prof. Dr. Erdem Yeşilada points out that "poplar type" propolis, which is widely found in our country, is different from other propolis types in the world in terms of its active ingredients. Stating that the polyphenolic compounds (Caffeic acid phenethyl ester / CAPE, pinosembrin, pinobanksin, krizin) in poplar type propolis have been found to have a high effect on microorganisms, Prof. Dr. Yeşilada underlines that attention should be paid to the use of propolis using solvents such as ethyl alcohol or alcohol derivative propylene glycol. Prof. Dr. Yeşilada says, "It is inconvenient to use such solvents, especially in children, studies on this issue are ongoing." Prof. Dr. Yeşilada states that it is important to use special extracts rich in polyphenolic components. Prof. Dr. Yeşilada recommends the use of alcohol-free, water-based, disposable, hygienic, pure propolis with adjusted dosage for adults and children, and underlines that the antioxidant capacity and total amount of phenolic substances of this propolis are higher than propolis produced using ethyl alcohol and propylene glycol.
Prof. Dr. Yeşilada said that a very recent scientific study has revealed that suppressing a kinase enzyme (PAK1) that plays a direct role in cancers, inflammation and virus (influenza, SARS, papilloma, HIV) infections can prevent lung fibrosis caused by Covid-19: "Propolis stands out among the PAK1 suppressors examined in the study. While propolis suppresses PAK1 and prevents fibrosis that leads to death in the lungs, on the other hand, it eliminates the suppressive effect of PAK1 on the immune system of the individual, thus enabling the individual's own defense system to directly destroy viruses. In the study, it was reported that CAPE is the main effective component in propolis and that the daily amount of propolis should be 250 milligrams for every 10 kilograms of body weight. In this case, an individual weighing 60 kilograms should use 1500 milligrams of propolis extract containing CAPE per day. However, it is generally recommended to use more than 1000 milligrams of propolis daily. As a result, it is extremely important to use honey and propolis products whose quality and content are reliable in order to protect against both Covid-19 and other bacterial and viral infections in the current conditions."