Curiosities

Aqueous or alcoholic propolis: what are the differences?

08/10/2020

Used by bees as a defense mechanism, the própolis It is a resin that also has many benefits for people. It has antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral and antifungal properties, among others. Therefore, it can be used both to combat symptoms and as a preventive measure. But do you know how to choose between aqueous or alcoholic propolis extract?

If you want to understand the differences between the two types and their main indications, keep reading our post!

What is propolis extract?

Propolis is a resin produced by bees to protect their hive. To do so, the insects collect floral substances, which are mixed with saliva and wax, giving rise to an impermeable product with antiseptic properties, which prevent invaders and microorganisms from entering the hive's alveoli.

In beekeeping, this substance is collected by scraping. Afterwards, it is sent to the factories, where a quality control, cleaning and dilution is carried out, which can be done in alcohol or water, giving rise to the propolis extract. Below, you understand the differences between the types of dilution. Check out!

Aqueous or alcoholic propolis extract?

As you have already seen, propolis suitable for human consumption goes through a dilution process before reaching the shelves of pharmacies or supermarkets. Although both types of dilutions have the same functionality, they may have different results on ingestion.

In chemistry classes, we learned that water is a universal solvent. However, there are substances that have better solubility in alcohol. This is the case of propolis, whose composition has fat-soluble phytochemicals, which are more easily extracted in alcohol. 

As a result, alcoholic extracts ensure greater absorption of the substances present in propolis and, therefore, have a greater concentration of resin. Therefore, they guarantee greater efficiency in consumption and are considered the best option. Beeva's products, for example, have a concentration of 21%, in contrast to most extracts available on the market, which have an average of 11%.

However, as a consequence of the use of alcohol, the flavor of these extracts is usually stronger, astringent and bitter. Therefore, they are often found in association with honey or other ingredients that dampen the flavor. Another alternative to the consumo de própolis is dripping into sweetened beverages such as juice or tea.

As there are people with contraindications to the ingestion of alcoholic products, such as children, pregnant women and patients with liver diseases, the aqueous extract appears as an alternative. Thus, it can be consumed daily without concern for contraindications.

As you have just seen, the alcoholic propolis extract guarantees a greater absorption of the resin compounds, due to its physicochemical properties. Therefore, it is the variety that offers the greatest efficiency in ingestion. However, the aqueous extract may be the solution for people who have a contraindication to drinking alcohol.

Now that you know how to choose between aqueous or alcoholic propolis extract, there are no more excuses not to start using the product regularly. Discover the varieties that Beeva offers and choose the best one for you!