Exploring Nature's Power: The Antimicrobial Synergy of Propolis and Antibiotics by Dr. Shankar Katekhaye, Director of Quality & Research at Nature's Laboratory
11 September 2024
Nature's Laboratory in Joint Research Project with Leeds Beckett University
In the ongoing battle against microbial resistance, scientists are continually exploring innovative solutions to combat this rising threat. Among the array of natural remedies, propolis has emerged as a promising agent with potent antimicrobial properties. Moreover, when combined with antibiotics, propolis enhances the efficacy of conventional antibiotic treatment while potentially reducing the risk of resistance development.
At Nature’s Laboratory, over the last two decades, we have been doing research in collaboration with leading universities in the UK. At Leeds Beckett University, Nature's Laboratory part-funded a doctoral research project investigating the antimicrobial properties of propolis from a number of geographical sources. Biological studies at Leeds Beckett University were done by a team led by Dr. Margarita Gomez Escalada (Currently with https://research.leedstrinity.ac.uk/en/persons/margarita-gomez-escalada), Prof. Gary jones (https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/staff/professor-gary-jones/) and Dr Andrew Paterson (https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/staff/dr-andrew-paterson/). Analytical and global sample collection at Nature’s Laboratory were carried out by the team led by Dr. Shankar Katekhaye (Research and Quality Director, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7130-5384), James Fearnley (CEO, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James-Fearnley-2) and Dr. Bhagyashree Kamble (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-bhagyashree-kamble-ab474222/).
Unveiling the Power of Propolis
Propolis, often referred to as "bee glue," is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from various plant sources. Bees utilize propolis to seal cracks in their hives, protecting them from external threats such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and pests; acting as the hive’s external immunity. This natural compound is rich in bioactive components such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and essential oils, which contribute to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antibiotics: A Foundation in Modern Medicine
Antibiotics revolutionized medicine by providing effective treatments for bacterial infections. However, overreliance and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, posing a significant challenge to healthcare worldwide. As a result, there's a pressing need to explore alternative or adjunct therapies to combat these resistant strains.
Global Propolis Survey
Nature’s Laboratory in association with the Apiceutical Research Centre has been collecting propolis samples across the globe for a number of years. These samples were used for testing along with propolis samples from the United Kingdom.
The Synergy Effect: Propolis and Antibiotics
The joint research project between Nature’s Laboratory and Leeds Beckett University studied the potential synergistic effect between propolis and antibiotics on resistant and sensitive strains of Staphylococcus aureus from clinical samples. This study has shown that when propolis is combined with antibiotics, it enhances the antibiotic’s action. This synergy involves multiple mechanisms, including:
- To Potentiate the efficacy of antibiotics by Increased Permeability: Propolis compounds can disrupt bacterial cell membranes, allowing antibiotics to penetrate more effectively into microbial cells.
- Inhibition of Efflux Pumps: Efflux pumps are cellular mechanisms that bacteria use to expel antibiotics and other toxins. Propolis components can inhibit these pumps, preventing antibiotic expulsion and increasing intracellular antibiotic concentration.
- Biofilm Disruption: Bacterial biofilms are complex communities that provide protection against antibiotics. Propolis disrupts biofilm formation, rendering bacteria more susceptible to antibiotic action.
Publishing Research & Addressing a Global Threat
Nature’s Laboratory and Leeds Beckett University are publishing research outcomes and sharing their findings globally to explore further the use of propolis as a potential solution to the global multi-drug resistant bacteria crisis.
In the quest for novel antimicrobial strategies, NL and LBU believe that the synergy between propolis and antibiotics offers a beacon of hope. By harnessing the power of nature alongside modern medicine, we can potentially overcome the challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant infections. However, further research is needed to elucidate the optimal combinations, dosages, and clinical applications of propolis-antibiotic therapy. Nonetheless, this innovative approach underscores the importance of exploring nature's bounty to address one of the most pressing global health threats of our time.