According to new research, propolis, a substance bees use to seal their hives, may become a new health resource for athletes as it appears to protect them from overheating.

The study was conducted by Taiwanese researchers who described the finding in the Journal of Food Science where they say propolis, also known as bee glue, has long been used as alternative medicine.
An active ingredient in propolis is caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE).

For the study, the researchers examined blood samples from 30 competitive cyclists who engaged in endurance training for two to four years prior to the investigation. One of the frequent side effects of exercise in the heat is hyperthermia, which leads to the early fatigue and dehydration.

“CAPE rescued mononuclear cells from hyperthermia-induced cell death,” lead researcher Yu-Jen Chen of Chinese Culture University in Taiwan wrote about the outcome of the study.

“This implies that CAPE might not only promote athletic performance but also prevent injury secondary to endurance-exercise-induced hyperthermia,” the scientist added.

CAPE is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.