SARS outbreak prompts growth in immune-boosters

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) in Hong Kong has prompted increased demand for the natural bee product propolis, reports New Zealand-based Comvita.

Comvita spokesman David Burnett said there has recently been a 'scramble' for its propolis products in Hong Kong, one of the places worst-affected by Sars. The company has airfreighted a normal year's supply of propolis tablets and capsules to Hong Kong in just one week, he added.

The health authorities in Hong Kong are suggesting people take responsibility for their own health and take steps to build up their immunity to viruses, according to Comvita's Hong Kong-based regional manager, Sam Tsoi.

"People are learning they are more at risk if their immune system isdeficient. As propolis' reputation for supporting the immunesystem becomes better known, Hong Kong residents are stocking up on it,"​ said Tsoi.

Propolis is one of Comvita's major exportproducts to Japan and other Asian destinations, although until now, exports of propolisto Hong Kong have been comparatively low.

"There's a strong conviction among Asians that propolis has very strongimmune-supporting properties. This undoubtedly accounts for the upsurge ofinterest in propolis among Asians - not only overseas but throughoutAustralasia also,"​ said Comvita​ CEO Graeme Boyd.

Propolis comes from unspoilt areas of New Zealand where certaindeciduous trees such as willow, birch and poplar produce natural sap andresins with high flavonoid levels. The variety of flavonoids are thought to givepropolis its exceptional health benefits.

Reports in the Asian press suggest there has also been a frenzied buying of certain vegetables thought to help ward off the virus, still spreading around the world. And today the Press Trust of India reports that two Indian researchers claim to have formulated a 'safe and effective' herbal medicine to combat the disease, currently being evaluated by the country's medicines agency.

US dietary supplement associations have however urged supplement companies not to promote their products as a prevention or cure, although as the virus spreads several members of the industry are likely to see a rise in sales of immune-boosting products.

Comvita propolis, available in tablet, capsule andliquid form and also used in cough elixir and throat lozenges, is marketed throughout Australia via a network of distributors.