THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ANATOLIAN PROPOLIS AGAINST COVID-19

Propolis is an entirely natural bee product that bees collect from plants' leaves, stems, and buds. Bees use it to destroy microbes in the hive to ensure sterilization. In scientific studies on propolis, it has been reported that it has supportive effects on human health due to its nutrients, especially extremely high amounts of polyphenols. Anatolian geography is rich in endemic flora diversity due to its location. Hence, Anatolian propolis obtained from this region also has high quality and nutritional content. It contains at least 15 different phenolic and flavonoid components. These components are; caffeic acid phenethyl ester, caffeic acid, quercetin, galangin, chlorogenic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, hydroxytyrosol, coumaric acid, apigenin, chrysin, and pinocembrin. Anatolian propolis shows high antioxidant activity with these components, supporting our immune system. Scientific research showed the use of Anatolian propolis as a supplement in treating respiratory diseases, urinary system infections, gastrointestinal diseases, skin diseases, wounds and burns, cancer, diabetes, and finally, COVID-19. Those studies on natural bee products as a support in the treatment of COVID-19 are increasing day by day. In recently published articles, Anatolian propolis and Anatolian pollen likely reduce the risk of infection and transmission of coronavirus.