Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing problem in this country and the cause of many hard-to-treat infections. MRSA is technically any strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is resistant to conventional therapy with the most common antibiotics, including penicilllins and cephalosporins. It is of particular concern in hospital settings where patients with open wounds or weakened immune systems are especially susceptible. Though most MRSA infections are not serious and can be treated, in certain instances they can be life threatening.

Now, however, researchers have discovered that a substance made by bees could be an effective tool in the battle against MRSA infection. The substance, known as beeglue, or propolis, comes from beehives in the Pacific region and was found to be active against the problematic bacteria.

The findings, published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, come at time when one of the few available drugs to treat MRSA infections, the antibiotic vancomycin, is in some instances losing its effectiveness, highlighting the need to find novel methods of treatment. The researchers tested extracts of propolis on 15 different strains of MRSA and narrowed their testing on two compounds, Propolin C and Propolin D, both of which showed efficacy in fighting all of the MRSA strains.

The initial inspiration to study propolis was based on the fact that bees use it as an antiseptic glue in the making of their honeycombs, thus protecting their hives from microbial contamination. Propolis is a natural resin that bees make from the buds of conifer and polar trees in combination with beeswax and other secretions.

It has been used since ancient times in the healing of wounds, with the Greeks using it to treat abscesses and the Assyrians using it in tumor therapy. Today, it is commonly incorporated into chewing gum, throat lozenges, and skin creams. Propolis is sometimes added to food and beverages as a supposed way to maintain good health, and it has shown promise in the treatment of dental caries.

While the current study is the first to demonstrate the efficacy of Propolin C and Propolin D against MRSA, there is a general lack of well-designed research looking at its efficacy in health related matters. However, the findings do open the door to further inquiry as well as the development of natural and effective therapies against MRSA.

It is important to note that in certain instances, propolis can be a potent allergen and may lead to sensitivity. For this reason, people with allergies, especially to bees, should not use it without first consulting with their doctors.

If you have questions or concerns about MRSA, speak with your doctor and visit the website for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For more information about propolis, visit the website for the National Library of Medicine.