Effect of Propolis on Allergic Rhinitis

Propolis not only possesses antiviral and antibacterial activities, but it also seems to regulate the immunological responses of the hosts in connection to respiratory tract diseases. Propolis and its bioactive component 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid stimulate the production of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), which improves the elimination of the influenza A virus in infected mice. Propolis can lessen the severity of the sickness caused by tetrabromobisphenol-A in mice infected with RSV. This is achieved by considerably decreasing viral titers and producing interferon-γ (IFN-γ), TNF-α, and IL-6. Propolis enhances the expression of myxovirus resistance-1 (MX1) and reduces the expression of IFN-β in a model involving the transfection or viral infection of double-stranded RNA. Propolis can increase the reproduction of lymphocytes, the level of antibodies, and the concentration of IgG and IgM in animals with weakened immune systems after being given a vaccine.