Brazilian Green Propolis Water Extract
Also known as: Green Propolis Extract, Propolis, EPP-AF®, Brazilian Green Propolis Water Extract
Overview
Brazilian Green Propolis Water Extract is a concentrated aqueous extract of propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees, primarily from *Baccharis dracunculifolia* plants. This extract is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds, giving it its characteristic green color. It is widely recognized for its purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. The extract is often standardized, such as in preparations like EPP-AF®, to ensure consistent potency. Research on Brazilian Green Propolis is growing, with an increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses evaluating its health effects. Evidence quality ranges from well-conducted RCTs to comprehensive meta-analyses, particularly focusing on its impact on inflammation, metabolic parameters, and infection outcomes, positioning it as a natural supplement with promising health benefits.
Benefits
Brazilian Green Propolis Water Extract offers several evidence-based benefits. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis (2025) demonstrated its significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, showing statistically significant reductions in inflammatory markers and oxidative stress parameters across multiple trials (p < 0.05). For infection control, a double-blind RCT (n=188) using a standardized extract (EPP-AF®) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients found a significant reduction in secondary infections (6.1% vs. 18.9%, p=0.01), although it did not impact hospital stay length. In terms of metabolic effects, a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that propolis supplementation could reduce aspartate aminotransferase (AST), suggesting potential liver protective effects, though no significant impact on lipid profiles or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was observed. Another meta-analysis also suggested potential improvements in blood pressure and glycemic control, though these effects require further confirmation regarding their clinical significance.
How it works
Brazilian Green Propolis exerts its effects primarily through its rich content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These compounds modulate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress mediators, thereby reducing inflammation and oxidative damage. Its antimicrobial activity stems from its ability to disrupt microbial membranes and inhibit essential microbial enzymes, which has been demonstrated in vitro and supported by clinical reductions in secondary infections. The extract also influences metabolic enzymes and liver function markers, likely through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Water extracts are believed to enhance the bioavailability of these active compounds due to improved solubility compared to ethanol extracts, though specific pharmacokinetic data remain limited.
Side effects
Brazilian Green Propolis Water Extract is generally considered safe, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse events. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare side effect. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications documented in high-quality studies. However, data for special populations such as pregnant women, children, or individuals with specific medical conditions are insufficient to draw firm safety conclusions. Individuals with known allergies to bee products or specific plant resins (e.g., *Baccharis dracunculifolia*) should exercise caution or avoid use. As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those taking other medications. Long-term safety data beyond the duration of current clinical trials are also limited.
Dosage
Clinical trials have utilized daily doses of standardized Brazilian Green Propolis Water Extract ranging from 300 mg to 900 mg. For instance, a dose of 900 mg/day was safely administered to hospitalized COVID-19 patients for 10 days. While minimum effective doses for anti-inflammatory or metabolic benefits are not definitively established, they typically fall within the 300-900 mg/day range. The timing of administration and the formulation (water vs. ethanol extract) may influence absorption, with water extracts potentially offering better tolerability. There is no established maximum safe dose beyond the ranges studied in clinical trials, and long-term safety data are currently limited. It is recommended to adhere to the dosages used in research or as advised by a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is Brazilian Green Propolis effective for inflammation?
Yes, meta-analyses confirm significant reductions in inflammatory markers and oxidative stress parameters with supplementation, indicating its anti-inflammatory efficacy.
Can it prevent infections?
Evidence from RCTs suggests it can reduce secondary infections in hospitalized patients, but it is not a substitute for standard antimicrobial therapy.
Are there side effects?
Generally, it is well tolerated with minimal and rare side effects reported, primarily mild gastrointestinal discomfort. No serious adverse events have been noted.
How long before effects appear?
Clinical benefits in trials are typically observed within weeks, or as quickly as 10 days, depending on the specific health outcome being studied.
Is it safe for everyone?
It is generally safe for healthy adults, but data for pregnant women, children, or those with specific medical conditions are limited. Consult a doctor if you have concerns.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1542184/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis from 2025 concluded that propolis supplementation significantly reduces inflammatory markers and oxidative stress parameters across various populations. The study highlighted statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in these markers, indicating strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, despite some heterogeneity in study designs.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-43764-w – This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial (n=188) investigated standardized Brazilian Green Propolis extract (EPP-AF®) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. It found a significant reduction in secondary infections (6.1% vs. 18.9%, p=0.01) but no significant impact on the length of hospital stay, demonstrating its potential in infection control.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8588957/ – A systematic review and meta-analysis from 2021 examined propolis supplementation in patients with metabolic syndrome. The findings indicated a beneficial effect in reducing aspartate aminotransferase (AST), suggesting potential liver protective properties, but showed no significant effects on lipid profiles or alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12113167/ – This review, which included a meta-analysis, focused on enhanced extraction methods for propolis and their impact on bioactivity. It highlighted strong antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of propolis, primarily based on preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, supporting the mechanisms of action observed clinically.
- 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 – This meta-analysis investigated the effects of propolis consumption on cardiometabolic parameters in adults. It suggested that propolis might improve blood pressure and glycemic control, although the effect sizes and clinical significance of these findings require further confirmation through additional research.
