Q: How long can I use this spray and is there a duration of use limit?
A: Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 1 month. That is the Health Canada approved duration of use guidance for this product (NPN 80082268). At 2 sprays per day the 30ml bottle provides approximately 75 days of supply, and at 4 sprays per day approximately 37 days. In either case, use beyond 1 month should be discussed with your healthcare provider before continuing.
Q: What does this spray do?
A: This spray provides antioxidants for the maintenance of good health. That is the Health Canada approved use (NPN 80082268). The antioxidant activity comes from the flavonoid and phenolic acid content of Canadian bee propolis (Apis mellifera): pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, quercetin, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), and ferulic acid. The spray format delivers propolis extract directly to the throat and oral mucosa with each application. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Q: What is the difference between this spray and the Nutridom Bee Propolis 500mg capsules?
A: Both products use Canadian bee propolis (Apis mellifera) and share the same NPN approved use (antioxidants for the maintenance of good health), but differ in format and delivery. The capsules (NPN 80033885) deliver propolis systemically via oral ingestion and gastrointestinal absorption, with the dose expressed as 500mg dry weight per capsule. This spray delivers propolis extract directly to the throat and oral mucosa with each application, with the dose expressed as 0.15ml of propolis extract per spray. The spray is suited to those who prefer direct application, those who have difficulty swallowing capsules, and those who want a portable travel-size format. Both products carry the same duration of use guidance: consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 1 month.
Q: Why is this spray alcohol-free and what is in the base instead?
A: Many propolis sprays use ethanol (alcohol) as the primary solvent to dissolve the propolis resin. This formula uses glycerin and propylene glycol as the solvent and carrier system instead, making it alcohol-free. Glycerin (glycerol) is a polyol humectant and solvent that helps dissolve and stabilize the propolis extract, provides a slightly sweet taste, and has a mild soothing effect on mucous membranes. Propylene glycol is a solvent and humectant that helps dissolve the propolis extract and maintain formula stability. It is generally recognized as safe at the concentrations used in oral products. The alcohol-free formulation is suitable for those who avoid alcohol for personal, religious, or health reasons, and for those who find alcohol-based sprays irritating.
Q: What are the antioxidant compounds in Canadian bee propolis?
A: Canadian propolis is predominantly derived from poplar (Populus) tree buds and is classified as temperate zone propolis. Its primary antioxidant compounds are flavonoids and phenolic acids. The main flavonoids are pinocembrin (the most abundant flavanone in propolis), chrysin (a flavone also found in honey), galangin (a flavonol), and quercetin. The most studied phenolic acid compound is caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a phenolic ester formed from caffeic acid and phenethyl alcohol, studied for NF-kB pathway inhibition and Nrf2 pathway activation. Ferulic acid is also present, a hydroxycinnamic acid with direct free radical scavenging activity.
Q: Why does the caution mention poplar trees and balsam of Peru?
A: Canadian propolis is predominantly derived from poplar (Populus) tree buds. Individuals allergic to poplar may cross-react with Canadian propolis due to the shared botanical compounds. Balsam of Peru (Myroxylon pereirae) contains many of the same phenolic compounds as propolis, including cinnamic acid and benzoic acid derivatives. Individuals sensitized to balsam of Peru often cross-react with propolis. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are allergic to bee products, poplar tree products, or balsam of Peru.
Q: What are the full safety cautions for this product?
A: Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 1 month. Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to bee products, poplar tree products, or balsam of Peru. Hypersensitivity, such as allergy, has been known to occur; in which case, discontinue use immediately. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Q: How many sprays does the 30ml bottle provide and how do I use it?
A: At 0.2ml per spray, the 30ml bottle provides approximately 150 sprays. At the minimum dose of 2 sprays per day the bottle provides approximately 75 days of supply. At the maximum dose of 4 sprays per day the bottle provides approximately 37 days of supply. To use: spray directly into the throat or oral cavity. Adults: 2 to 4 sprays per day. Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 1 month.
Q: Is this product vegan?
A: No. Bee propolis is produced by honey bees (Apis mellifera) and is an animal-derived ingredient. This product is not suitable for vegans. The non-medicinal ingredients (glycerin and propylene glycol) are not animal-derived, but the medicinal ingredient (propolis) is.
