What Is Propolis?
Propolis also known as bee glue, is a resinous substance bees collect from different plant types. It is used for sealing holes and cracks in the hive and promotes wound-healing. Its composition varies based on the plant sources. It contains phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpene esters, chalcones, dihydrochalcones, aliphatic acid and ester compounds.
Propolis has been shown to have antifungal, antiviral, and antibiotic properties. It is thought to have these effects by directly acting on bacteria or enhancing the host’s immune system. Propolis and its derivatives can affect bacteria in various ways, including reducing their permeability and inhibiting their growth. They also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, they can induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Propolis may also have chemopreventive properties. It can protect against the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs or radiation and stimulate macrophages to produce factors that regulate the function of B, T, and NK cells.
Studies have demonstrated that ethanolic extracts of propolis exhibit potent antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral activity in vitro. Propolis has been found to be effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including MRSA, S. aureus, and coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS) strains that are responsible for intramammary infections in livestock. Moreover, propolis ethanolic extracts have been shown to be well-tolerated by dermal fibroblasts and moderately tolerated by epithelial keratinocytes at concentrations up to 1.0 mg/mL. The activity of propolis has been attributed to its diverse chemical composition, and there is evidence that it acts synergistically with conventional antibiotics.
The immunopotent chemicals present in propolis, such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), chrysin, and artepillin C have been linked to its antibacterial activity. These compounds are also known to have a variety of pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and neuroprotective effects.
Several studies have reported that propolis has an antitumor effect in human breast cancer cells and has low or no toxicity to normal tissue. One study found that propolis ethanolic extracts suppressed DNA synthesis and induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. It is believed that these effects are due to the ability of propolis flavonoids to regulate the function of B, T and NK cells.
Propolis contains a number of antioxidants, including artepillin C and kaempferide. These molecules are believed to enhance the activity of the other flavonoids in propolis. Propolis’s phenolic mixture has been found to have a high free radical scavenging activity. In addition, a recent study showed that propolis has strong antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acne and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
It is a natural antiviral
Propolis contains natural antiviral compounds and has been shown to inhibit bacterial and viral growth in vitro. This is primarily due to its phenolic and flavonoid content. It is also a powerful antioxidant, which can protect cells from oxidative damage. Additionally, it can prevent the development of drug-resistant viruses. Propolis may also help ward off infection by promoting healthy bacteria in the gut.
Research has found that aqueous extracts of propolis exhibit antiviral, antitumor, and antifungal properties. In addition, they may have anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic effects. Its antiangiogenic effect reduces the formation of new blood vessels, starving tumors of their needed blood supply. Additionally, it may prevent cancer cell multiplication by lowering the number of cancer stem cells. Propolis can also suppress cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis.
The antifungal properties of propolis include its ability to treat vulva infections such as bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis, which are caused by an overgrowth of yeast-like fungi in the vaginal epithelial tissues. In one study, aqueous propolis extracts prevented Candida albicans infection in the vagina of diabetic women. It also lowered the pH in the vaginal secretions and increased the concentration of Lactobacillus spp.
Another benefit of propolis is its immunomodulatory property, which is largely attributed to the presence of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), chrysin, and artepillin C. These components are able to scavenge free radicals and inhibit the activation of macrophages and dendritic cells, and induce an anti-inflammatory response. They can also increase the expression of IL-4 and IL-13, which are important factors in allergic asthma.
In a recent study, propolis was found to prevent the proliferation of leishmania parasites by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines. It also reduced the number of parasites in the gastrointestinal tract of leishmaniasis patients. Propolis also enhanced the efficacy of antibiotics used in the treatment of leishmaniasis.
However, it is important to note that propolis is not a substitute for prescription drugs. It can interact with certain medications and cause side effects. It may also interfere with blood-clotting agents, so it should not be taken by people with bleeding disorders.
It is a natural antifungal
Propolis is a natural antifungal substance made by bees from resin. It contains a wide array of chemicals, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. These compounds are responsible for its bacterial and viral-defying effects. It also has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, from aphthous ulcers to diabetic foot ulcers. Propolis is a common ingredient in some herbal remedies, and is listed as an official drug in the London pharmacopeia of the 17th century.
Bees use propolis to protect their hives from infections and to seal cracks in the hive’s walls. It is also used as a kind of glue to hold the hive together and reduce the size of the entrance. This is why the bees produce so much of it – it’s vital to their survival.
The bactericidal effect of propolis has been observed in various experiments. However, results were varied, and the exact mechanism of action remains unclear. Some of the most interesting results came from testing propolis against different strains of fungus and bacteria. The bactericidal activity of propolis was stronger against Gram-positive compared to Gram-negative organisms. This was possibly due to the cationic nature of some of its chemical constituents, which reduces the negative surface charge of bacterial cells and makes them more susceptible to mobile protons.
While the exact composition of bee propolis varies from season to season and from beehive to beehive, most samples contain similar compounds. This is because bees collect resin from the same plant families. Propolis also has a strong immunomodulatory effect, and is known to increase the body’s natural resistance against infection. It has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth, and decrease the proliferation of tumor cells by scavenging free radicals.
In addition to its antibiotic and antifungal properties, propolis has been shown to have hepatoprotective properties. Studies have found that it can prevent damage caused by chemotherapy drugs and inhibit inflammatory signaling pathways. It has also been shown to enhance the growth of healthy cells and promote wound healing. In addition, it can reduce the number of tumor stem cells and suppress cancer progression by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that supply the tumor with nutrients and oxygen.
It is a natural antiseptic
Propolis is a natural antiseptic, and research has shown that it can be used to treat various bacterial infections. It is also believed to have antifungal and antiparasitic properties. These properties are attributed to the presence of many different chemicals, including polyphenols and flavonoids. The bioactive compounds in propolis may be responsible for its antibacterial, antimycotic, and antifungal effects.
Bees use propolis to sterilize their hives by killing microorganisms and creating a safer environment for their eggs. They also use it to coat comb cells before laying them, which helps ensure the eggs will develop properly. It is also thought to help the bees fight off diseases and parasites.
In addition to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, propolis has been found to contain a number of other beneficial substances. It contains phenolic acids and their derivatives (benzoic acid and cinnamic alcohol); terpenes (terpineol, camphor, geraniol, nerol, and farnesol) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons; minerals; and fatty acids. It also contains a variety of vitamins and amino acids.
The chemical composition of propolis varies according to the geographic region. For example, the propolis from tropical stingless bees has been found to have unique terpenoid profiles that differ from that of European bees. This suggests that terpenoid content is not an accurate indicator of propolis activity.
Another benefit of propolis is its ability to break down existing bacteria, known as biofilms. When bacteria form a biofilm, they can protect themselves from immune system attacks and grow. Propolis has been shown to dislodge bacteria from their biofilms, allowing the body’s natural defenses to destroy them.
Studies have shown that propolis has chemopreventive and antitumor properties, as well as immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities. It has been found to inhibit DNA synthesis in cancer cells and stimulate the activation of macrophages. It has also been shown to reduce tumor growth and induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
The main immunopotent chemicals in propolis are caffeic acid phenethyl ester, chrysin, and artepillin C. These phytochemicals have a wide range of beneficial effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and neuroprotective benefits. They also have a powerful herpes simplex virus (HSV)-inhibiting effect, which is responsible for fever blisters and cold sores.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Bucks County helps children develop the skills they need to function, socialize, and grow into healthy adults. A congenital physical impairment or a general developmental delay can prevent a child from moving forward and developing the necessary skills.
OT’s are cheerleaders for their clients and encourage them to push through challenges and reach their goals. Sessions often look like play and can include activities that work on motor skills, visual perceptual/motor skills, self-care, and cognitive development.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy helps children who are struggling to achieve the skills necessary for healthy development. Congenital physical impairment or injuries, general developmental delays, and sensory processing issues can all impede a child’s ability to perform age appropriate tasks or progress normally through the normal social or cognitive development phases.
Using play and other occupation-based activities, the therapists work with children to help them master critical skills that enable them to participate in the daily activities of life. These skills include learning how to play, read, write and perform basic self-care tasks. Many pediatric therapists also incorporate therapeutic exercises into their interventions, as well as calming strategies to help kids overcome anxiety they may experience while undergoing OT.
While children are often bundles of energy, some struggle to master simple daily activities and are in need of occupational therapy services. This can be due to mental, physical or emotional challenges resulting from trauma, addiction, mental illness, and other factors. Pediatric therapists help kids gain the abilities they need to function, adapt, and feel confident in their day-to-day lives.
The first time a child meets with their OT, they will typically undergo an evaluation. During this initial visit, the therapist will take into consideration all of the factors that are influencing their performance and develop a detailed, customized treatment plan. The therapist will use a combination of standardized and non-standardized assessments, as well as observing the child to gauge their current level of function.
Kids who need OT often require assistance with communication, sensory processing and social interaction. For example, a child with autism can have difficulty interpreting social cues and understanding how to interact in various environments. The therapists are specially trained to address these and other challenges, and they can teach caretakers how to help their children manage their daily struggles.
Another aspect of pediatric OT that is important to note is its promotion of family-centered, culturally responsive care. This is a key component in the changing landscape of health care as reimbursement shifts focus to health outcomes. Pediatric OT practitioners are poised to join pediatric interprofessional teams to encourage family capacity to support development and provide the best care possible.
Incorporating Play into Interventions
Play is a versatile tool that can be used to enhance interventions in many ways. Using play as an intervention allows pediatric occupational therapy practitioners to customize their sessions to the needs of the child and their particular stage of development. Play can also provide a meaningful person-centred delivery method and encourage engagement. The diversity of play, in terms of its definition, how it is conducted and perceived, also ensures that a range of different outcomes can be measured.
Moreover, play is often used to help children feel comfortable in the therapy environment and can be a great way to motivate them to complete their tasks. Pediatric OTs may use toys, board games, modeling clay and physical exercises during their sessions. These tools are not only engaging, but they also help build upon a child’s levels of confidence and self-esteem.
Incorporating play into therapy can be a great way to supplement a child’s home treatment program. However, it is important to keep in mind that children are not accustomed to intense therapy schedules and might need time to adjust. It is also crucial to maintain open communication with your child’s therapist and to discuss their progress.
While some studies have reported positive outcomes of playing in therapeutic settings, most have found that it is not a single independent variable that drives therapeutic outcomes. In addition, most of the studies included play as a component of multi-component interventions. As a result, the overall findings are mixed and need further investigation.
Moreover, there are some limitations to the current literature, in that many of the studies were conducted in the clinics/hospital, the child’s home or a combination of both. In addition, the majority of the studies did not describe the materials or types of activities that were utilized during the play.
As a result, there is a need for greater collaboration between research, practice and policy in order to improve the effectiveness of pediatric occupational therapy. This includes advocacy for legislation that promotes developmental monitoring and support for culturally responsive interventions in natural contexts. It is also important to incorporate occupational therapy practitioners into pediatric interprofessional teams to promote family capacity as part of a holistic approach to child development and health promotion.
Developing Independence
Pediatric occupational therapy helps children develop the skills they need to grow into independent adults. These skills can include motor, sensory, and visual perceptual skills. In addition to developing these skills, OT can help children improve their cognitive and socialization skills.
OTs work with a wide range of conditions and disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Down syndrome. They often work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and private practice. They also work with family members and caregivers to provide education and training.
Children who require pediatric occupational therapy often have difficulty with activities such as eating, dressing, bathing, and playing. They may also have problems with schoolwork or behavioral issues. OTs can help children learn to cope with these challenges by teaching them new strategies and providing support. They also teach children to develop independence by modifying the environment to accommodate their needs.
A child’s first visit with a pediatric occupational therapist will begin with an evaluation. During this session, the therapist will ask questions about your child’s daily routine and current level of function. They will then assess your child’s motor and sensory abilities and their level of self care.
Once the therapist has evaluated your child, they will create a treatment plan based on their findings. This will include goals and objectives to achieve in the future. For example, if your child has limited hand function, an objective might be to master the ability to tie shoes independently. This could be accomplished through improving the child’s fine motor coordination and using a visual timer or other strategy to help them transition from one activity to another.
In addition to addressing a child’s immediate needs, an OT will also address the underlying causes of their problem. For example, if a child can’t sit still at school because of a lack of focus, an OT will work with the teacher to implement strategies that will help them pay attention in class.
Finding the right pediatric therapist is essential for your child’s health and development. Make sure to look for a therapist that is knowledgeable about your child’s condition and has a good track record of treating similar cases. In addition, look for a therapist that is easily accessible and provides regular progress updates.
Developing Self-Esteem
Children can develop self-esteem through pediatric occupational therapy, as it helps them thrive in their main ‘occupation’ of playing and learning. Pediatric OT practitioners focus on improving any skill that is a barrier to a child’s ability to engage in these activities and to participate in life despite their limitations. This includes fine, visual perceptual and gross motor skills, sensory integration, emotional & behavioral regulation and the ability to transition between tasks.
Pediatric therapists also work on a variety of life-long skills with their clients, including independence. This is one of the most important aspects of treatment for neurotypical children as it builds confidence and self-esteem. It is a well-known fact that children who have high self-esteem tend to perform better academically, are more confident socially and feel a greater sense of worth and wellbeing.
To help children with low self-esteem, pediatric therapists use a number of techniques and games to build their confidence. This may include encouraging them to complete independent activities, such as brushing their teeth or getting dressed on their own. They may also use a variety of sensory stimulation techniques to encourage positive responses, such as incorporating music and smells.
Occupational therapists who work with children can also play a significant role in promoting healthy lifestyles and nutrition, particularly in the case of overweight children. This is because obesity can impact the physical, social and emotional aspects of a child’s life, as well as their overall quality of life.
If you enjoy working with children and helping them become more independent, you should consider a career as a pediatric occupational therapist. There are many benefits to this specialty, as it allows you to make a significant and lasting positive impact on your patients’ lives. It is also a great career for new graduates looking to make a big difference in the world. To get started, contact a local hospital that offers pediatric rehabilitation services and request to speak to a member of their pediatric occupational therapy team. They can then provide you with more information on how to become a pediatric occupational therapist in your area.