Propolis, the natural 'sting' operation against microbes!
4 September 2023
By Jolan Lemmens
Propolis: from bees with love
In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, the pursuit of sustainable and innovative alternatives has become paramount, both for the benefit of animal and human health. Traditional farming methods are facing scrutiny due to their environmental impact and potential long-term consequences. As a response to these challenges, there's a rising interest in incorporating nature-based solutions into various sectors, including cattle farming. A particularly intriguing candidate in this context is propolis, a substance ingeniously crafted by bees. With its distinct antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, propolis presents itself as a potential game-changer in the realm of cattle farming. In this article, we will explore the secrets of propolis, its health benefits and zoom in on its current uses for cattle farming.
In defense of the city
For centuries, natural products have been used as medicinal remedies to address both human and animal illnesses caused by pathogens. In 2015 Tu Youyou received the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine thanks to her discovery of artemisinin, an antimalarial drug derived from Artemis annua. However, Qinghao (Chinese for the Artemis family) has already been among the most frequently recommended herbs in traditional Chinese medicine for more than two millennia [1]. This shows that our newly found interest in natural plant alternatives is backed by thousands of years of traditional usage. The same goes for propolis, which was already used by for example ancient Egyptians to embalm their cadavers and by Incas to reduce fever [2].
The name propolis comes from the Greek words pro and polis, meaning “for/in defense” and “city”. So, here's what propolis really is: it’s the security guard for the hive's entrance, just like a gatekeeper for a city. Propolis is a plant resin made by honeybees (Apis mellifera) to construct and repair their hives and to protect the hive against invaders [2]. For this reason, propolis is also called bee glue. The bees collect “sap” present on and in the plants which they mix with their own salivary enzymes and beeswax [3].
The compounds in propolis
Propolis can be made from poplar in Central Europe, birch in Northern Europe, Acacia in North Africa, and a whole list of other plants worldwide. This is important as the region, plant species, and seasons have an influence on the composition of propolis. As a result of this, more than 300 chemical components of propolis have been identified with its primary components being resins, waxes, polyphenols (including phenolic acids and flavonoids), and terpenoids. Among these, the most pivotal compounds are polyphenols, terpenoids, and aromatic acids. Additionally, propolis contains low amounts of micro and macro elements and vitamins. The diverse array of chemical elements in propolis contributes to its efficacy as an antibacterial agent, as the composition makes it challenging for bacteria to develop resistance [2,3]. The substances are generally recognized as safe substances without toxicity or side effects to humans and animals [4,5].
The unique chemical makeup of propolis sourced from various origins creates the idea that diverse types of propolis will possess different biological characteristics. Still, multiple studies conclusively demonstrate that despite the variations in chemical structure among propolis samples, all samples display noteworthy antibacterial and antifungal properties, with the majority also demonstrating antiviral activity [6].
Figure 1: Composition of propolis
Propolis’ health benefits
Propolis has been known for a long time for (amongst others) its anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-protozoal activity [5].
The majority of studies delving into propolis' potential health benefits have linked it to its phenolic constituents [7]. Propolis acts against microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi,…) in two different ways. Firstly, it improves the immunity of the human or the animal, so it is better prepared to combat the microbe. Secondly, it acts directly on the microbe itself [5].
Zulhendri and colleagues [7] described three ways in which propolis impacts the well-being of the host:
- Keeping the body's antioxidant system healthy.
- Modulation of pro-inflammatory responses.
- Boosting the body's natural defense system.
Figure 2: the impact of propolis on the pathogens and the host [7]
Anti-bacterial properties
An extensive study investigating propolis’ potential against 600 bacteria concluded that propolis acts against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, albeit with varieties depending on the propolis’ geographic location. [2].
So, how does propolis act against bacteria? Amuhayawi [5] summed up 7 methods:
- Reducing the mobility of bacteria by affecting the cell membrane permeability.
- Inhibiting the production of the biofilm by causing damage to the cell membrane.
- Blocking the creation of new nucleic acids, which are the building blocks of genetic material in cells, by flavonoids.
- Reducing bacterial resistance.
- Preventing the formation of proteins.
- Disrupting the normal functioning of the cytoplasmic membrane of the cells, affecting the cells’ overall health and functionality.
- Affecting the bacteria’s energy metabolism.
Interestingly, studies have shown a symbiotic effect of propolis with conventional antibiotics and with other products produced by bees, like honey [8].
Other properties
Propolis has a demonstrated effect on viruses such as herpesvirus, adenovirus, rotavirus, coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza viruses and even showed anti-HIV activity. It also has shown antifungal activity against species such as C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, and Aspergillus flavus. Moreover it has a demonstrated effect against various intracellular and extracellular pathogenic protozoa such as Cryptosporidium spp [7].
The flavonoids in propolis are powerful antioxidants that increase the cellular immune response by increasing the production of molecules fighting infections (mRNA for interferon-y) and by activating the proteins that help the cells communicate to coordinate the immune response (cytokines) [2]. Propolis’ antioxidant effect has been thoroughly described with regard to the decrease in free radicals, for example in the healing of burn wounds and premature skin aging [9].
The important anti-inflammatory activity can be explained by the presence of active flavonoids such as quercetin and by the presence of cinnamic acid derivates. Propolis suppresses prostaglandins that cause inflammation, swelling and pain [2]. Propolis has also shown antitumoral, hepaprotective, and antidiabetic activity [2].
The story about the cows and the bees
We all know about the birds and the bees, but what about the cows and the bees? In the last decade research about the influence of propolis on cattle health has been performed, as a result of the search for natural alternatives to antibiotics. Most research has been done on the effects of propolis on mastitis and rumination.
As we already noted, propolis has the ability to inhibit bacterial growth in different ways. Research in Brazil confirmed this as it showed the susceptibility of 13 bacteria causing mastitis in dairy cattle to an ethanolic extract of propolis (e.g. S. aureus, Streptococcus spp., and E. coli) [10]. A study in Egypt proved very potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria [11].
The search for greater feed efficiency has increasingly grown. Studies support the idea that propolis improves ruminal fermentation and degradation. In vitro concentrations of acetate, propionate, valerate, and total short-chain fatty acids were enhanced by propolis, improving the ruminal degradation of truly degraded organic matter. In a comparative analysis of propolis and monensin, the researchers noted an increase in ruminal degradability and a reduction in ammonia concentration [12]. Furthermore, methanol extract of Indian propolis improved milk yield, milk composition, and somatic cell count [13].
Source list - From the bees with love: propolis, the natural 'sting' operation against microbes!
[1] Tu, Y. (2016). Artemisinin-A Gift from Traditional Chinese Medicine to the World (Nobel Lecture). Angewandte Chemie, 55(35), 10210–10226.
[2] Wagh, V. D. (2013). Propolis: a wonder bees product and its pharmacological potentials. Advances in Pharmacological Sciences, 2013, 1–11.
[3] Przybyłek, I., & Karpiński, T. M. (2019). Antibacterial properties of propolis. Molecules, 24(11), 2047.
[4] Soltan, Y. A., Morsy, A., Sallam, S. M. A., Hashem, N. M., & Abdalla, A. L. (2016). PROPOLIS as a natural feed additive in ruminant diets; can propolis affect the ruminants performance?: a review. Egyptian Journal of Nutrition and Feeds, 19(1), 73–79.
[5] Almuhayawi, M. S. (2020). Propolis as a novel antibacterial agent. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 27(11), 3079–3086.
[6] Bankova, V. (2005). Recent trends and important developments in propolis research. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2(1), 29–32.
[7] Zulhendri, F., Chandrasekaran, K., Kowacz, M., Ravalia, M., Kripal, K., Fearnley, J., & Perera, C. O. (2021). Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties of propolis: a review. Foods, 10(6), 1360.
[8] Al-Waili, N. S., Al-Ghamdi, A., Ansari, M. J., Alattal, Y., & Salom, K. (2012). Synergistic Effects of Honey and Propolis toward Drug Multi-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, Escherichia Coli and Candida Albicans Isolates in Single and Polymicrobial Cultures. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 9(9), 793–800.
[9] Król, W., Bankova, V., Sforcin, J. M., Szliszka, E., Czuba, Z., & Kuropatnicki, A. K. (2013). Propolis: Properties, application, and its potential. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 1–2.
[10] Klhar, G. T., Isola, J. V. V., Da Rosa, C. S., Giehl, D. Z., Martins, A. A., Bartmer, M. E., & Segabinazzi, L. R. (2019). Antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract of propolis against bacteria that cause mastitis in cattle. Biotemas, 32(1), 1–10.
[11] Hegazi, A., M. Abdou, A., & Abd Allah, F. (2014). Antimicrobial activity of propolis on the bacterial causes of mastitis. Life Science Journal, 11(5).
[12] Soltan, Y. A., Morsy, A., Sallam, S. M. A., Hashem, N. M., & Abdalla, A. L. (2016b). Propolis as a natural feed additive in ruminant diets; can propolis affect the ruminants performance?: a review. Egyptian Journal of Nutrition and Feeds, 19(1), 73–79.
[13] Alolofi, A. (2019). Impact of propolis on milk yield, composition and somatic cell count of cow breeds at dairy farm of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology, 12(2).
18 November 2024
Exhibitions everywhere? Resco everywhere!
How time passes fast when you're having fun! Resco presented it's products on exhibitions in France, Germany and Rwanda!
22 May 2024
Jolan on tour in Southeast Europe
Jolan Lemmens, our adventurous Business Development Manager, recently embarked on a whirlwind tour of Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia
8 January 2024
Trace elements for calves
Ensuring a high-quality and balanced feed for calves is of great importance in fostering their healthy growth and development. In this article, we look at the role and importance of trace elements for calves.
12 December 2023
Bringing Resco boluses to Bangladesh!
Resco recently embarked on an enlightening journey to Bangladesh. Our destination? The AHCAB International Expo. Our mission? To explore new opportunities, foster partnerships, and witness the local dairy farming sector firsthand.
9 November 2023
Hoof problems in dairy cows: the influence of biotin on hoof health
The importance of maintaining optimal hoof health in dairy cows cannot be overstated, as it directly influences their well-being, productivity, and overall profitability. This article underscores the critical role of proper nutrition. Let's look at the influence of biotin on hoof health.
23 August 2023
Resco visits SPACE in France
Between September 12 and 14, the Resco team will be present at the SPACE exhibition in Rennes, France.
2 May 2023
Study on the effectiveness of Calcitop
Calcium boluses come in many shapes and formulas. Calcitop contains not only calcium, but also phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D3. This formula ensures an optimal prevention of milk fever in cattle. A study published in 2021 studied the effect of Calcitop compared to two other calcium boluses.
2 May 2023
Resco showcases boluses and tablets in the USA and Thailand
During the first quarter of 2023 Resco exhibited their boluses and tablets in the USA and in Bangkok.
28 February 2023
Hypokalemia in cattle
Hypokalemia in cattle: what is it? An article about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of potassium deficiency in dairy cows.
16 January 2023
New year, new bolus!
Prevent subclinical milk fever the way nature intended it by stimulating the calcium mobilization from the bones.
20 December 2022
Natural alternatives to antibiotics in cows: how garlic extracts keep the udder healthy
Garlic extracts are known for their antibacterial properties and are widely used as a natural alternative to antibiotics in cows. Read how our boluses Mammitop and Mammitop Clinic support udder health in dairy cows.
29 November 2022
Results of Ketotop trial in China
A trial was done on a Chinese dairy farm to test the influence of the boluses on the occurrence of ketosis. Read the results on this blog.
26 October 2022
How beta-carotene helps to improve the success rate of insemination in cows
With fertility of lactating dairy cows decreasing over the last decades, success at the first insemination is becoming more important. Fertitop has proven to increase the success rate of insemination. One of the active ingredients that improve fertility is beta-carotene. But how does it do that?
13 September 2022
New bolus for adult cattle: the potassium bolus!
Resco launches it's newest bolus Kalitop. One application provides 70 grams of potassium to prevent or cure hypokalemia.
17 August 2022
Resco presented its effervescent tablets for poultry in Brazil
Resco presented its effervescent tablets for poultry to the South American market during SIAVS in São Paulo, Brazil. We are happy to say that our effervescent tablets caught the attention of some very interesting people and we're ready to go to the next step in Brazil.
4 July 2022
New bolus: enertop
Resco launches it's newest bolus: Enertop is a fast-acting cattle supplement designed to provide cattle with fast energy against a negative energy balance around calving or whenever needed.
10 June 2022
Thank you for visiting us at VIV Europe!
Visitors from all corners of the world found their way to our booth at VIV Utrecht a week ago. We want to thank everyone for the interesting conversations we had about our boluses and tablets.
11 May 2022
Meet us at VIV Europe in the Netherlands
Resco will have a booth at VIV Europe from 31/05 to 02/06 in Utrecht, The Netherlands. We welcome you to meet us, without a blurred background!
28 February 2022
Trial Mammitop Clinic bolus
In this trial the Mammitop Clinic bolus from Resco is tested by the International University of Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain.
24 January 2022
46% more weight gain for your calves!
Read our blog to find out the great results of the trial with Tracetop Junior, a mineral and vitamin bolus for older calves.
22 December 2021
Happy holidays from Resco
Winter has started in Belgium and that means it is time to wrap up 2021. We want to thank everyone that contributed to a successful year and look forward to what is coming in 2022. Let’s see what happened in the last 12 months.
29 November 2021
VIV MEA: Resco is finally present at exhibitions again
We want to thank everyone who took out their time to meet and talk to us at VIV Middle East and Africa.
29 November 2021
A Hungarian university study on the effect of our calcium bolus
A study was performed by the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest on a Hungarian farm from May to June 2019. This study compared 168 cows that received two Calcitop boluses the day after calving to 136 cows that calved in the same period a year earlier (May to June 2018).
29 October 2021
Visit us at VIV MEA
From November 23th to November 25th Resco will be exhibiting at VIV Middle East and Africa in Abu Dhabi. If you plan to visit the exhibition, come meet us at booth 08.K054!
29 October 2021
Results of the Mammitop Small bolus on milk sheep
A trial was conducted on Mammitop Small at the University of Leon in Spain. 52 sheep received a Mammitop Small bolus and 53 sheep were in the control group. The trial looked at the evolution of milk production, cheese production, somatic cell count, and urea in milk.
30 September 2021
Trials showing the effect of Fertitop bolus on pregnancy in dairy cows
It is very important for the profitability of a cattle farm that the animals become pregnant and give birth to a calf every year. The aim of our fertility bolus Fertitop is to support the preparation of the cow for oestrus and reproduction. This article shows you the results of 2 trials.
23 September 2021
Cryptotop becomes Coxicryptop
We have changed the name of Cryptotop to better reflect it's purposes
2 September 2021
A new look for Resco!
You might have noticed some changes if you already visited our website the last few days: Resco has a new look. Out with the old, in with the new! Let's walk you through the changes.
30 July 2021
The effects of essential oils in Cryptotop on coccidia
Natural feed supplements such as essential oils are becoming more popular as alternatives in animal production. In line with the growing attention, Resco is creating a range of phytotherapeutic boluses.
29 July 2021
Calf coccidiosis
When rearing calves, farmers strive for regular growth of their animals. This can only be achieved when the calves get enough food and when farmers ensure that the animals remain healthy. A common, yet underexposed, problem to the calves’ health is calf coccidiosis.
22 June 2021
Probably the best calcium bolus in the world
Resco improved the formula of its calcium bolus to provide a higher amount of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and Vitamin D3 making it probably the best calcium bolus in the world.
25 May 2021
Discover our newest product: Aspitop
Resco is proud to introduce yet again a new product. After lasts month's Efferfizz, we now launch Aspitop!
19 April 2021
Resco introduces Efferfizz for calf rehydration
Recently, the immensely popular Effydral went off the market and Resco went to great lengths in order to come up with an alternative. We are very proud to present our newest product, Efferfizz.
29 March 2021
Milk fever in cows: everything you need to know, including 2023 update
Milk fever in cows comes with huge economical consequences. Click here to learn everything about hypocalcemia and keep up to date with the most recent research!
22 January 2021
33 benefits of trace minerals for cattle and why you should supplement them
Supplementation of the necessary trace minerals improves the overall well-being of cattle. But what exactly do all these minerals contribute to cattle? To give you an idea of the necessity of trace minerals for cattle we summarized the benefits of copper, cobalt, selenium, zinc, and iodine.
22 January 2021
Trial comparing High Trace mineral bolus for weight gain in cattle
The importance of weight gain in cattle means they can be finished earlier. Find out about the stunning results of a study by Dr. John Southworth comparing Resco's High Trace mineral bolus with the competition.