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Organic Beeswax

Also known as: Cera alba, Beeswax, Cera flava, Yellow beeswax, Raydel® BWA, Beeswax alcohol extract, Long-chain aliphatic alcohols, Triacontanol, Hexacosanol

Overview

Organic beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees, composed primarily of esters, fatty acids, and long-chain alcohols. It is derived from the honeycomb and is typically processed to remove impurities. While beeswax has a long history of use in various applications, including cosmetics and candles, it is also being investigated as a dietary supplement, particularly in livestock nutrition and, to a lesser extent, for potential human health benefits related to lipid metabolism and antioxidant effects. Research on beeswax as a supplement is more mature in animal studies, showing promising results in improving growth performance and feed efficiency in livestock. Human trials are limited, but preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits for lipid modulation. Beeswax alcohol extracts (BWA) are often preferred due to their enhanced bioavailability compared to raw wax.

Benefits

In livestock, particularly lambs, supplementation with 4 g/day of beeswax has been shown to increase weight gain and reduce the feed conversion ratio (FCR), leading to improved economic efficiency. Studies in zebrafish models indicate that beeswax alcohol (BWA) can reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, outperforming CoQ10 in mortality reduction and HDL-C elevation. In vitro studies suggest that beeswax exhibits antioxidant activity superior to vitamin C. Animal studies also suggest dose-dependent organ protection, specifically in the liver, kidney, and gonads. However, it's important to note that human clinical evidence is limited, and these benefits are primarily supported by animal and in vitro research.

How it works

Beeswax's mechanism of action primarily revolves around lipid metabolism modulation and antioxidant pathways. It is believed to influence cholesterol absorption and stimulate HDL-C synthesis. Some evidence suggests it may inhibit HMG-CoA reductase activity, similar to statin medications, based on observed lipid-lowering effects. The long-chain alcohols present in beeswax contribute to its antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals and upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). However, the poor water solubility of raw beeswax limits its absorption, making alcohol derivatives like BWA more effective for systemic activity.

Side effects

In animal studies, beeswax has shown a favorable safety profile, with no adverse effects reported at a dosage of 4 g/day in lambs over a 90-day trial. Zebrafish studies have also demonstrated tolerance to 1% BWA for 20 weeks without signs of toxicity. However, due to limited human data, the safety profile in humans is not well-established. Common side effects are currently undocumented, but there is a theoretical potential for beeswax to interfere with lipid digestion. As a precaution, individuals taking lipid-lowering medications should exercise caution. Beeswax is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use, but further research is needed to fully understand its safety profile as a dietary supplement in humans.

Dosage

In livestock, a dosage of 4 g/day of beeswax has been used effectively in lambs, corresponding to approximately 30 kg of body weight. Zebrafish models have utilized 0.1-1% BWA in their diet. Extrapolating to humans, an estimated therapeutic range of 100-500 mg/day can be inferred from animal data, but this is highly speculative due to the lack of human trials. Alcohol extracts (BWA) are generally preferred over raw wax due to better bioavailability. The minimum effective dose for humans has not been established, and caution should be exercised when considering supplementation. Further research is needed to determine optimal and safe dosage levels for human consumption.

FAQs

Is beeswax effective for human health?

Direct evidence in humans is lacking, but animal studies suggest potential benefits for lipid metabolism. More research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

What is the best form of beeswax to take as a supplement?

Alcohol extracts (BWA) are preferred over raw wax due to their improved bioavailability and systemic activity, as demonstrated in animal models.

Are there any known drug interactions with beeswax?

No specific drug interactions have been documented, but caution is advised for individuals taking lipid-lowering medications due to potential additive effects.

Is beeswax production sustainable?

Beeswax production generally has a low environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives, making it a relatively sustainable option.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10536123/ – This study investigated the effects of beeswax supplementation on lamb growth performance. The results showed that a 4 g/day beeswax supplementation improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and increased net revenue by 54% compared to the control group, suggesting potential economic benefits in livestock farming. The study highlights the potential of beeswax as a feed additive to enhance growth and efficiency in lambs.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580275/ – This resource provides general information about dietary supplements, including their regulation and use. It serves as a background reference for understanding the context of beeswax as a dietary supplement. While it doesn't directly address beeswax, it offers valuable insights into the broader landscape of supplement research and regulation.
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/11/1434 – This study examined the effects of beeswax alcohol (BWA) on zebrafish with high-cholesterol diet. The findings indicated that 1% BWA supplementation reduced mortality and improved lipid profiles compared to CoQ10, suggesting potential benefits for managing dyslipidemia. The research highlights the potential of BWA as a therapeutic agent for lipid-related disorders.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/12/1488 – This in vitro study compared the antioxidant activity of BWA with vitamin C and CoQ10. The results demonstrated that BWA exhibited superior radical scavenging capabilities, suggesting its potential as a potent antioxidant. The study supports the potential of BWA as a natural antioxidant source.
https://www.scilit.com/publications/5b38cad0be6cb4ce0c250ec95bb7329a – This study investigates the protective effects of beeswax alcohol on various organs. The research indicates that BWA provides dose-dependent protection to the liver, kidney, and gonads, suggesting potential benefits for organ health. The findings highlight the potential of BWA as a protective agent against organ damage.