Brazilian Bee Propolis
Also known as: Bee propolis, Bee glue, Brazilian green propolis, Propolis
Overview
Propolis is a complex, resinous substance produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from plant resins, mixed with bee enzymes. Brazilian bee propolis, specifically, is sourced from local Brazilian flora and is notably rich in unique bioactive compounds like formononetin and artepillin C, alongside other flavonoids and phenolic compounds. It is classified as a natural product and phytochemical supplement, primarily recognized for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Traditionally and in modern supplements, propolis is used for wound healing, metabolic regulation, and supporting cardiometabolic health. Its chemical composition varies significantly based on geographic and botanical origin, influencing its specific therapeutic effects. Research on propolis is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy, though heterogeneity in propolis types and study designs can limit generalizability.
Benefits
Brazilian bee propolis offers several evidence-based benefits. For metabolic and cardiometabolic health, systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that propolis supplementation can significantly reduce liver enzyme AST levels and improve glycemic control in individuals with metabolic syndrome or diabetes, although effects on lipid profiles and ALT are less consistent. For instance, one RCT demonstrated improvements in waist circumference and quality of life with 500 mg/day of Brazilian green propolis over 12 weeks. Propolis also exhibits significant antimicrobial activity, with in vitro studies showing potent antibacterial and antifungal effects, including the inhibition of biofilm formation by Candida species, largely attributed to its high flavonoid content like formononetin. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of clinical and preclinical studies supports propolis's effectiveness in accelerating skin wound healing and ulcer treatment by promoting reepithelization and skin regeneration, often outperforming conventional treatments. Secondary benefits include its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which underpin many of its primary actions. These benefits are particularly relevant for adults with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, skin ulcers, and infections caused by resistant microbes. Clinical trials typically show benefits emerging after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Propolis exerts its therapeutic effects through multiple biological pathways. Its primary mechanism involves potent antioxidant activity, achieved by scavenging free radicals, which helps reduce oxidative stress in the body. Anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through the modulation of various cytokines and inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing systemic and localized inflammation. For its antimicrobial action, propolis compounds disrupt microbial cell walls and inhibit biofilm formation, making it effective against bacteria and fungi. These actions collectively interact with various body systems: it influences liver enzymes and glucose metabolism pathways, supports skin regeneration processes, and modulates microbial flora. The key molecular targets are typically flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which interact with microbial membranes, inflammatory pathways, and oxidative stress pathways. Oral bioavailability varies depending on the extraction method, with ethanol extracts commonly used to enhance the absorption of its active polyphenolic compounds.
Side effects
Brazilian bee propolis is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. The most common side effect, occurring in over 5% of users, is mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of individuals, primarily include allergic reactions, especially in those with known allergies to bee products or other bee-derived substances. Rare but severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, can occur in highly sensitive individuals, though this is very infrequent. Regarding drug interactions, data are limited, but caution is advised when propolis is used concurrently with anticoagulants due to a potential for additive effects, which could increase the risk of bleeding. Propolis is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to bee products or propolis itself. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been well established, therefore, caution is advised for these special populations, and use should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional.
Dosage
Based on clinical trials, the minimum effective dose for standardized propolis extract is around 250 mg per day. However, optimal dosage ranges for significant benefits, particularly in metabolic syndrome, are typically 500 mg per day, often administered as two 250 mg doses, as demonstrated in studies over 12 weeks. While a maximum safe dose has not been clearly established, doses up to 1 gram per day have been used in some research without serious adverse effects. For optimal absorption and efficacy, propolis is often taken in divided doses, commonly before meals. The form of propolis is crucial; ethanol extracts standardized for polyphenol and flavonoid content are generally preferred due to their enhanced bioavailability. The extraction method and overall formulation significantly influence how well the active compounds are absorbed by the body. No specific cofactors are required to enhance its absorption or efficacy.
FAQs
Is Brazilian bee propolis safe for daily use?
Yes, it is generally safe for daily use with a low incidence of side effects, but avoid if you have allergies to bee products.
How long before benefits appear?
Clinical benefits, particularly for metabolic and wound healing outcomes, typically become noticeable after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent supplementation.
Can it replace antibiotics?
No; while propolis has antimicrobial properties, it is not a substitute for prescribed antibiotics and should not be used as such.
Does propolis help with blood sugar?
Evidence suggests propolis can lead to modest improvements in glycemic control in individuals with metabolic syndrome or diabetes.
Is topical or oral use better?
The preferred method depends on the condition: topical application is better for wound healing, while oral intake is for metabolic and systemic effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8588957/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Gheflati et al. (2021) investigated the effects of propolis on lipid profiles and liver enzymes. It found a significant reduction in AST levels but no significant impact on lipid profiles or ALT, noting high heterogeneity among studies despite most included RCTs having low bias risk.
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effects-of-propolis-consumption-on-blood-pressure-lipid-profile-and-glycemic-parameters-in-adults-a-gradeassessed-systematic-review-and-doseresponse-metaanalysis/14D49DFB6FF4B9C36F372BD53DA5D9CC – Bahari et al. (2024) conducted a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis on propolis consumption. They concluded that propolis may improve cardiometabolic parameters, including blood pressure, lipid profile, and glycemic parameters, in adults, with a clear dose-response relationship observed in well-controlled RCTs.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36418601/ – Velho et al. (2023) performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies on propolis for skin wound healing. Their findings indicate that propolis significantly promotes wound healing compared to conventional treatments, supporting its efficacy in accelerating reepithelization and skin regeneration in both clinical and preclinical settings.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-31254-y – Sajjadi et al. (2023) conducted a 12-week randomized controlled trial involving 62 metabolic syndrome patients. The study demonstrated that daily supplementation with 500 mg of Iranian green propolis led to significant reductions in waist circumference and improvements in quality of life metrics, supporting its metabolic benefits.
- https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/6ry7bgfQnVPKQPcZ8VBX6Bt/ – Lazo et al. (2025) provided a narrative systematic review summarizing in vitro studies on Brazilian propolis's antimicrobial activity. The review highlights its potent antibacterial and antifungal effects, including the inhibition of Candida biofilms, attributing these properties to its rich flavonoid content, such as formononetin.
