Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
its antibacterial properties. Scientific tests have been conducted on a variety of bacteria,
fungi, viruses and other micro-organisms, and many of these tests have demonstrated
positive effects on such organisms using various extracts and concentrations of propolis.
A synergistic effect has been reported for propolis extract when used with antibiotics.
Whether propolis exhibits bactericidal or bacteriostatic characteristics often depends
on its concentration in the applied extract. Sometimes, however, propolis extracts are
more effective than commercially available drugs.
Don't ignore the possibilities of propolis, and see Chapter 12 for harvesting ideas.
Protecting yourself against stings
Honey-bee venom has evolved as an effective defence mechanism over millions of years
and is one of the reasons why everyone isn't a beekeeper. It isn't within the scope of
this topic to describe bee venom properly but, suffice it to say, it is a clear, odourless
liquid comprising around 88% water and it has a very complex chemistry. At least 18
pharmacologically active components have been described, including various enzymes,
peptides and amines. Of the small proteins, one called melittin constitutes about
50% of the venom's dry weight. This hydrolyzes cell membranes, causing changes in
permeability, and is most responsible for the pain. Other components, however, act in
concert with it, such as hyaluronidase, which causes changes in cell membranes and
allows the venom to spread easily. Other components can cause anaphylactic shock in
sting victims, and this is the cause of most fatalities from bee stings if they occur in
hypersensitive individuals. Death is most often induced by a single sting and usually
occurs within one hour of the sting.
It is for this reason that most sensible beekeepers take an epi pen with them to the
apiary. This device, which contains epinephrine, can auto-inject this substance into
your body and thus save your life. It is worth seeing your doctor about this aspect
of beekeeping so that you can obtain a prescription for the epi pen, if required.
Instead of the auto-injector, which is expensive, you can obtain a normal epinephrine-
