A Superior Immune System Support
By Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN
Scientific Director, Essential Formulas
Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis Plus is a unique and powerful immune system supporting supplement that was formulated by Japanese microbiologist Dr. Iichiroh Ohhira, who also created Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics.
The immune system supporting ingredients in Propolis Plus are Brazilian Green Propolis, astaxanthin, vitamin E, flaxseed oil and Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic extract. The unique benefits of each of these ingredients will be discussed in this article.
Propolis
History of Propolis: In addition to honey, honeybees make another important substance called propolis. Propolis has been used for centuries to alleviate a wide variety of ailments and diseases. Ancient texts contain recipes and references indicating that propolis was used therapeutically for various conditions by the following ancient civilizations: Chinese, Tibetan, Inca, Egyptian, Greek and Roman.i
First Aid for Plants: The primary ingredient in propolis are resins that bees collect from various trees and plants in their local environment. Plant resins are compounds that are secreted from leaves and leaf buds, twigs and bark of plants and trees.
These resins are secreted in response to an injury and are an important part of the plants and trees immune system. Propolis samples from around the world are found to exhibit a broad range of therapeutic properties including antimicrobial, anti-fungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-ulcer, would healing, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects. A recent study reported that over 500 compounds were identified in propolis samples from around the world.ii
Propolis-The Immune System of the Hive: When honeybees return to the hive, they mix the collected resins with their saliva and beeswax, which results in a sticky substance known as propolis. The bees then coat the inside of their hive with propolis, which protects the hive from bacteria, viruses and other potential pathogens and predators.
Brazilian Green Propolis
Brazilian Green Propolis, which is produced by bees in southeastern Brazil, has been shown to exhibit very powerful immune system enhancing activity.iii Brazilian Green Propolis has high concentrations of powerful flavonoids. Another important ingredient in Brazilian Green Propolis is a phenolic compound named artepillin C. Artepillin C has been discovered to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antigenotoxic, anti-angiogenic properties. Consequently, Brazilian Green Propolis is one of the strongest forms of propolis tested from around the world.iv
Astaxanthin
Another essential ingredient that Dr. Ohhira included in the formulation of Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis Plus is a powerful antioxidant named astaxanthin. Astaxanthin belongs to a class of compounds called carotenoids, which impart the bright red, yellow and orange pigments to many fruits and vegetables. You have probably heard of beta-carotene in carrots. While there are over 700 known carotenoid compounds in nature, but astaxanthin is called the “King of the Carotenoids” because it is a much stronger antioxidant than all other known carotenoids. For example, astaxanthin has been found to be 10 times stronger than other carotenoids and approximately 100 times stronger than vitamin E.v
Because astaxanthin functions as an anti-inflammatory agent and a strong antioxidant, it has many therapeutic benefits. Astaxanthin provides potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving propertiesvi and numerous studies confirm that it is useful in the prevention and treatment of a wide range of diseases.vii
Astaxanthin is a common ingredient in cosmetics because it protects the skin and long-term studies suggest that astaxanthin supplementation may inhibit age-related skin deterioration.viii
Vitamin E
Propolis Plus contains two forms of vitamin E. For decades, the alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E has been recognized as a fat-soluble antioxidant and an important essential nutrient.
More recently, the tocotrienol forms of vitamin E have been discovered to be provide substantially superior health benefits compared to the tocopherol forms. One of the main reasons tocotrienols provide greater benefits is because the tocotrienol molecules are substantially smaller than the tocopherols. According to leading tocotrienol scientist Dr. Barrie Tan, tocotrienols provide from 40 to 60 times greater antioxidant protection in cellular membranes than tocopherols. Their smaller size enables tocotrienols to be approximately 50 times mobile in cellular membrane, which dramatically increases their ability to neutralize free radicals.ix
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed Oil is the third ingredient in Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis Plus that provides anti-inflammatory and immune system enhancing benefits. Flaxseed oil contains alpha linolenic acid which is the precursor for the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Hundreds of studies have reported that omega-3 fatty acids have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic Extract
Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic Extract is the fourth ingredient in Propolis Plus that provides anti-inflammatory and immune system enhancing benefits. Some of the postbiotic metabolites in Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics have direct anti-inflammatory activity, while others directly kill pathogens. These are just two of many ways that Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics help to maintain a healthy GI tract and a healthy immune system.
Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis Plus
Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis PLUS® combines consistently potent Brazilian green propolis with flax oil Omega-3, complete prebiotic and probiotic support, and antioxidants vitamin E and astaxanthin. There is simply no other single-product combination like this on the market today. This innovative health formula helps suppress inflammation, provides powerful antioxidant support, immune system response, digestive support, and antioxidant systems.
Propolis PLUS® is ideal for people who have multiple health goals including: joint comfort, enhanced immune function, cardiovascular wellness, maintenance of a healthy digestive system. *
