Avian Propolis

Avian Propolis is a substance made by the honeybee that provides protection against harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi and molds. Avian Propolis is plant resin collected by bees for use in and around the hive. Like pollen, propolis is a bee product that cannot be clearly defined and varies from sample to sample. This is a natural outcome of the collection process. Hundreds of chemical compounds have been identified from propolis. The main chemical classes present in propolis are flavonoids, phenolics, and various aromatic compounds. Propolis also contains some volatile oils, terpenes, and beeswax, but these compounds are not believed to contribute as significantly to the chemical properties and effects of propolis.

Flavonoids are well-known plant compounds that have antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Other properties of propolis include acting as a local anesthetic, reducing spasms, healing gastric ulcers, and strengthening capillaries.

Propolis has also been shown to kill Bacillus larvae, the most important bacterial disease of bees. Propolis is collected by commercial beekeepers, either by scraping the substance from wooden hive parts, or by using specially constructed collection mats. The raw product undergoes secondary processing to remove beeswax and other impurities before being used in a natural health tincture.

At least 180 different compounds have been identified so far in propolis: resins, flavonoids - (at least 38 flavonoids have been found in propolis), phenolic acids and esters, waxes and fatty acids, essential oils , pollen proteins, 14 trace minerals, vitamins (include small amounts of A, B1, B2, B6, C and E), 16 free amino acids (as arginine and proline) and other organics and minerals:

Avian Propolis™ has little direct nutritive value, apart from the presence of small amounts of proteins, amino acids, minerals and sugars. Avian Propolis is used by birdbreeders almost solely as a therapeutic. Because of its strong antimicrobial activity, propolis is often known as a "natural antibiotic". A large number of studies have shown an inhibitory effect on a variety of micro-organisms. Active components of propolis showing an antibacterial and antifungal effect

The flavonoids concentrated in Avian Propolis are powerful antioxidants, and have been shown to be capable of scavenging free radicals and thereby protecting lipids and other compounds such as Vitamin C from being oxidised or destroyed. It is probable that active free radicals, together with other factors, are responsible for cellular ageing and degradation in such conditions as cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease.

Avian Propolis™ has been shown to stimulate various enzyme systems, cell metabolism, circulation and collagen formation, as well as improve the healing of wounds. Avian Propolis™ has been shown to stimulate an immune response in birds.

Avian Propolis has also shown positive effects in other diseases, such as pharyngitis, chronic bronchitis, , catarrh, and rhinitis. Patients infected with ringworm were treated with good results with a propolis oinment.

Preparation and dosage. For hummingbirds or lori nectar add 5 drops per 100 ml. freshly made nectar. As all liquids containing protein will acidify in the course of the day and, as sunlight will speed up the acidification, Avian Propolis™ will stop the acidification. In many cases one feeding will do instead of twice a day. Avian Propolis works well to combat viral-infections and especially Candida infections in hummingbirds.

Available in 50 ml. pipet bottle.