Propolis extract can support immune health and reduce upper respiratory symptoms, study finds

Published: 27-Nov-2024

After 12 weeks of consuming the nutraceutical, users are 31% less likely to experience upper respiratory discomfort, and when it does occur, the duration is reduced by 34%

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A large-scale clinical study has highlighted the role of Fytexia's Promunel in supporting immune health during seasonal changes. 

Promunel is a propolis extract attained from bees that has been previously touted for its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal capabilities. 

The study analysed the effects of daily supplementation with Promunel for 12 weeks, and involved 295 subjects. 

 

Propolis extract boosts immune health

To test how Promunel would affect daily users, Fytexia gave study participants 400mg of the functional ingredient daily, with two 200mg capsules being taken at breakfast and dinner.

The study generally focused on how the propolis extract could impact the prevalence of seasonal respiratory discomfort, as well as its potential in managing these symptoms. 

Notably, when compared to the placebo group, 26% less participants experienced upper respiratory discomfort while taking Promunel daily.

It was also determined that those taking the propolis extract experienced 33% less respiratory discomfort during the study period than the placebo group.

Although some participants taking Promunel did experience respiratory symptoms, it was observed that

  • Promunel users experienced a 34% reduction in the duration of upper respiratory discomforts
  • The extract could delay the onset of seasonal upper respiratory discomforts 
  • Promunel could reduce the risk of developing respiratory discomfort by 31%

 

Catering to the seasonal immune health market

During the colder months, immune health is often compromised, meaning the public are more likely to become ill.

Therefore, there is a sharp increase in the demand for immune-boosting nutraceuticals and foods during this period — offering significant opportunity for the nutrition industry to create efficacious products for this time period. 

Upper respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat, congestion of the sinuses and excess mucus production can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, affecting their sleep, productivity and overall wellbeing. 

Therefore, finding natural, clinically-backed solutions that can allevaite the effects of upper respiratory symptoms has become more of a concern to consumers; this is especially true following the COVID-19 pandemic.

By determining that propolis has significant potential in this space, Fytexia has highlighted the ingredient's potential in supporting consumer health this winter. 

 

The importance of favourable bioavailability

For a natural extract to exhibit its effects optimally, the ingredient must have a high bioavailability.

To determine Promunel's bioavailability, Fytexia ran a nutrikinetic study to determine the absorption profile of the ingredient via monitoring of plasma biomarkers. 

Following the excretion of these biomarkers in the urine, Promunel's bioavailability was measured at more than 70%.

Fytexia's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Julien Cases, commented: “These new data support Fytexia’s ambition to elevate propolis from a traditional product into a central ingredient in dietary supplements, aiming to set Promunel as a benchmark for immune health support and respiratory comfort."


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