Propolis

What does it do? Propolis is the resinous substance collected by bees from the leaf buds and bark of trees, especially poplar and conifer trees. Bees use the propolis along with beeswax to construct their hive. Propolis has antibiotic activities that help the hive block out viruses, bacteria, and other organisms. Commercial preparations of propolis appear to retain these antibiotic properties, according to test tube studies.1 2 Test tube and animal studies have also shown that propolis exerts some antioxidant,3 liver protecting,4 anti-inflammatory,5 6 7 and anticancer properties.8

Propolis contains protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids.9 10 11 For this reason, some people use propolis as a general nutritional supplement, although it would take large amounts of propolis to supply meaningful amounts of these nutrients. Propolis may stimulate the body’s immune system, according to preliminary human studies,12 13 and a controlled trial found propolis-containing mouthwash effective in healing surgical wounds in the mouth.14 In test tube studies propolis has shown considerable activity against bacteria and yeast associated with dental cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease,15 16 but one human study showed that propolis was no better than a placebo in inhibiting dental plaque formation.17

Propolis extracts may be helpful in protecting against and shortening the duration of the common cold.18 A preliminary human study reported propolis extract (amount not stated) reduced upper respiratory infections in children.19 In one small double-blind study of 50 patients with the common cold, the group taking propolis extract (amount not stated) became symptom-free more quickly when compared with the placebo group.20

The antimicrobial properties of propolis may also help protect against parasitic infections in the gastrointestinal tract. One preliminary study of children and adults with giardiasis (a common intestinal parasite infection) showed a 52% success rate of parasite elimination in children and a 60% rate in adults in those given propolis extract (amount not stated).21 However, these results are not as impressive as those achieved with conventional drugs used against giardiasis, so propolis should not be used alone for this condition without first consulting a physician about available medical treatment.

Topical applications of propolis-containing ointments and creams are showing promise in the treatment of certain health conditions. A controlled study found that men and women with recurrent genital herpes simplex virus infections (HSV type 2) who applied an ointment containing propolis to their lesions experienced significantly faster healing compared with either a topical antiviral medication or placebo.22 In a small double-blind study, women with inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) due to infection experienced significant healing after applying a vaginal dressing containing 5% propolis for ten days.23 Anti-inflammatory effects from topical application of propolis extract have been noted in one animal study,24 and a preliminary controlled study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with topical propolis extract had greater improvements in symptoms compared with placebo.25

Where is it found? Propolis is available in liquid extract form as well as in capsules and tablets. Topical creams and sprays containing propolis are also available, but whether they closely resemble topical propolis products used in research is unclear.

Propolis has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Rating Health Concerns
2Stars Cervicitis (topical use)
Common cold
Genital Herpes (topical use)
Parasites
Rheumatoid arthritis (topical)
1Star Cold Sores (topical)
Dental caries (topical)
Periodontal disease (topical)
3Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Who is likely to be deficient? Propolis is not an essential nutrient and no deficiency states have been reported.

How much is usually taken? Most manufacturers recommend 500 mg of oral propolis products once or twice daily. For topical applications, follow label instructions.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Propolis is generally nontoxic, though allergic reactions have been reported.26 These reactions are typically limited to skin rashes;27 however, as with other bee products (e.g., pollen and royal jelly), more severe allergic reactions are possible. People who are allergic to bee pollen, honey, or conifer and poplar trees should not use propolis unless tested first by an allergy specialist. As the effects of propolis during pregnancy and breast-feeding have not been sufficiently evaluated, women should not use it during these times unless directed to do so by a physician.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with propolis.

References:

1. Tosi B, Donini A, Romagnoli C, Bruni A. Antimicrobial activity of some commercial extracts of propolis prepared with different solvents. Phytother Res 1996;10:335–6.

2. Dobrowski JW, Vohora SB, Sharma K, et al. Antibacterial, antifungal, antiamoebic, antiinflammatory and antipyretic studies on propolis bee products. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;35:77–82.

3. Pascual C, Gonzalez R, Torricella RG. Scavenging action of propolis extract against oxygen radicals. J Ethnopharmacol 1994;41:9–13.

4. Lin SC, Lin YH, Chen CF, et al. The hepatoprotective and therapeutic effects of propolis ethanol extract on chronic alcohol-induced liver injuries. Am J Chin Med 1997;25:325–32.

5. Dobrowski JW, Vohora SB, Sharma K, et al. Antibacterial, antifungal, antiamoebic, antiinflammatory and antipyretic studies on propolis bee products. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;35:77–82.

6. Khayyal MT, El-Ghazaly MA, El-Khatib AS. Mechanisms involved in the antiinflammatory effect of propolis extract. Drugs Exptl Clin Res 1993;29:197–203.

7. Mirzoeva OK, Calder PC. The effect of propolis and its components on eicosanoid production during the inflammatory response. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1996;55:441–9.

8. Choi YH, Lee WY, Nam SY, et al. Apoptosis induced by propolis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Int J Mol Med 1999;4:29–32.

9. Moreira TF. Chemical composition of propolis: Vitamins and amino acids. Rev Bras Farmacogn 1986;1:12–9.

10. Walker P, Crane E. Constituents of propolis. Apidologie 1987;18:327–34.

11. Stangaciu S. A guide to the composition and properties of propolis. Constanta, Romania: Dao Publishing House, 1997.

12. Bratter C, Tregel M, Liebenthal C, Volk HD. Prophylactic effectiveness of propolis for immunostimulation: a clinical pilot study. Forsch Komplementarmed 1999;6:256–60 [in German].

13. Crisan I, Zaharia CN, Popovici F, et al. Natural propolis extract NIVCRISOL in the treatment of acute and chronic rhinopharyngitis in children. Rom J Virol 1995;46:115–33.

14. Magro-Filho O, de Carvalho AC. Topical effect of propolis in the repair of sulcoplasties by the modified Kazanjian technique. Cytological and clinical evaluation. J Nihon Univ Sch Dent 1994;36:102–11.

15. Steinberg D, Kaine G, Gedalia I. Antibacterial effect of propolis and honey on oral bacteria. Am J Dent 1996;9:236–8.

16. Park YK, Koo MH, Abreu JA, et al. Antimicrobial activity of propolis on oral microorganisms. Curr Microbiol 1998;36:24–8.

17. Murray MC, Worthington HV, Blinkhorn AS. A study to investigate the effect of a propolis-containing mouthrinse on the inhibition of de novo plaque formation. J Clin Periodontol 1997;24:796–8.

18. Dobrowski JW, Vohora SB, Sharma K, et al. Antibacterial, antifungal, antiamoebic, antiinflammatory and antipyretic studies on propolis bee products. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;35:77–82.

19. Crisan I, Zaharia CN, Popovici F, et al. Natural propolis extract NIVCRISOL in the treatment of acute and chronic rhinopharyngitis in children. Rom J Virol 1995;46:115–33.

20. Szmeja Z, Kulczynski B, Sosnowski Z, Konopacki K. Therapeutic value of flavonoids in Rhinovirus infections. Otolaryngol Pol 1989;43(3):180–4 [in Polish].

21. Miyares C, Hollands I, Castaneda C, et al. Clinical trial with a preparation based on propolis “propolisina” in human giardiasis. Acta Gastroenterol Latinoam 1988;18:195–201.

22. Vynograd N, Vynograd I, Sosnowski Z . A comparative multi-centre study of the efficacy of propolis, acyclovir and placebo in the treatment of genital herpes. Phytomedicine 2000;7:1–6.

23. Santana Perez E, Lugones Botell M, Perez Stuart O, Castillo Brito B. Vaginal parasites and acute cervicitis: local treatment with propolis. Preliminary report. Rev Cubana Enferm 1995;11:51–6 [in Spanish].

24. Park EH, Kahng JH. Suppressive effects of propolis in rat adjuvant arthritis. Arch Pharm Res 1999;22:554–8.

25. Siro B, Szelekovszky S, Lakatos B, et al. Local treatment of rheumatic diseases with propolis compounds. Orv Hetil 1996;137:1365–70 [in Hungarian].

26. Burdock GA. Review of the biological properties and toxicity of bee propolis (propolis). Food Chem Toxicol 1998;36:347–63 [review].

27. Hausen BM, Wollenweber E, Senff H, Post B. Propolis allergy. (I). Origin, properties, usage and literature review. Contact Dermatitis 1987;17:163–70 [review].