Breast cancer affects over 200,000 American women yearly, according to the American Cancer Society. The disease develops when cells in either the ducts or glandular tissue of the breast become abnormal and grow out of control, forming a tumor. Bee propolis contains compounds that may be effective against cancerous tumors, including those of the breast. Discuss its use with your doctor to decide if it is a good choice for you.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of breast cancer is not clear, changes in DNA in breast cells are thought to initiate the disease. In some cases, these changes are caused by inherited genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2. Changes to breast cell DNA, however, may also occur during a women's lifetime and give rise to cancer. Your risk for breast cancer is increased if you are over 55, have a family history of the disease, are Caucasian, began your periods before age 12 or went through menopause after age 55.
Bee Propolis
Propolis is a natural resin in tree buds that bees gather and use to help construct their hives. Bee propolis collected from hives has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years to support general health and prevent illness. The resin-like mixture contains many different constituents, including nectar, bee saliva, different types of pollen and components of the sap of many species of trees. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that over 300 natural compounds are part of propolis.
Properties
Natural chemicals in bee propolis include flavonoids, phenolics and esters. Several of these have anti-tumor activity, especially quercetin, luteolin and caffeic acid phenyl ester, or CAPE. These compounds block division of cancer cells and cause the cells to die by activating "self-destruct" genes. Several laboratory studies document these effects of propolis. For example, a study in "Natural Products Communications" in 2010 found that propolis was more effective in destroying cultured cancer cells than an anti-cancer drug. Studies of human subjects and breast cancer in particular are still needed, but these findings from laboratory research are very encouraging.
Recommendations and Precautions
Bee propolis is available as a supplement from health food stores. Although generally considered safe and without significant side effects, it may cause a reaction if you are allergic to bee stings, honey, ragweed or chrysanthemums. It may also interact with some prescription medicines, including blood thinners. Consult your doctor to determine if bee propolis is appropriate for your situation.
References
- American Cancer Society: Breast Cancer Overview
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Propolis
- "Natural Product Communications"; Cytotoxicity of Constituents from Mexican Propolis Against a Panel of Six Different Cancer Cell Lines; F. Li, et al.; October 2010
- Natural News: Bee Propolis Stops Tumors From Neurofibromatosis and Cancer; B. Minton; April, 2009
