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Propolis extract

Also known as: Bee glue, Bee propolis, Propolis

Overview

Propolis is a natural resinous substance collected by honeybees from various plant sources, primarily tree buds and sap flows. Bees use propolis to seal and protect their hives from external threats and pathogens. It is a complex mixture of plant resins, essential oils, waxes, and bee secretions, rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes. Traditionally, propolis has been valued for its purported medicinal properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. It is widely used in dietary supplements, oral health products, and topical applications for wound healing. Research on propolis is expanding, with an increasing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses exploring its diverse health benefits, particularly in areas like glycemic control, inflammation reduction, and periodontal health. While the quality of evidence varies, several high-quality studies support its efficacy in certain conditions.

Benefits

Propolis offers several evidence-based health benefits, primarily due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds. It has shown beneficial effects on glycemic control, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicating that propolis supplementation can improve glycemic status in patients, though specific effect sizes can vary. Its anti-inflammatory properties are well-documented, as propolis consistently reduces inflammatory markers, contributing to its overall health benefits. For instance, a high-quality systematic review supports its role in decreasing inflammation. Propolis also shows promise in improving periodontal health, with some evidence suggesting it can reduce probing pocket depth in individuals with periodontal disease, although this evidence is currently limited to a few studies. Furthermore, propolis intake may contribute to cardiometabolic health by improving blood pressure and lipid profiles. While benefits are observed across various populations, the clinical significance and time course of these effects can vary depending on the specific health condition, dosage, and formulation.

How it works

Propolis exerts its therapeutic effects through multiple biological pathways. Its primary mechanisms involve potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The bioactive compounds in propolis, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, modulate inflammatory responses by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and reducing the production of inflammatory mediators. As an antioxidant, propolis scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage. It interacts with various body systems, including the immune system, by modulating immune cell activity, and the cardiovascular system, by influencing metabolic parameters. Propolis compounds target specific molecular pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and microbial growth, contributing to its broad spectrum of actions. The bioavailability of these compounds can vary depending on the propolis formulation and method of administration.

Side effects

Propolis is generally considered safe for most individuals when used appropriately. However, allergic reactions are the most common side effects, particularly in individuals sensitive to bee products, honey, or pollen. These reactions can manifest as skin irritation, rashes, or contact dermatitis when applied topically, or gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or diarrhea, when taken orally. While uncommon, more severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur in highly sensitive individuals, though these are rare. Propolis may also interact with certain medications. Due to its potential effects on blood sugar levels, it may interact with diabetes medications, potentially leading to hypoglycemia. It may also have anticoagulant properties, increasing the risk of bleeding when taken concurrently with blood thinners like warfarin. Individuals with asthma or known allergies to conifers, poplars, or other plant sources from which bees collect propolis should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before using propolis due to limited safety data in these populations.

Dosage

The optimal dosage of propolis is not definitively established and can vary significantly based on the specific health condition being addressed, the form of propolis, and its concentration of active compounds. Typical oral dosages range from 100 mg to 500 mg per day, often divided into multiple doses. For specific conditions like glycemic control or inflammation, studies have used dosages within this range. There is limited data on the maximum safe dose, and high doses are generally not recommended without medical supervision. Propolis is available in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, extracts, and topical creams. The timing of intake may depend on the intended use; for systemic benefits, consistent daily intake is often suggested. Absorption and bioavailability can be influenced by the formulation (e.g., alcohol-based tinctures versus encapsulated powders). No specific cofactors are required for propolis absorption, but taking it with food may help mitigate potential gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals.

FAQs

How should I use propolis?

Propolis can be used orally in capsules or tinctures, or topically as creams or ointments, depending on the intended benefit. Always follow product-specific instructions and ensure the product is from a reputable source.

Is propolis safe for everyone?

While generally safe, individuals with allergies to bee products, honey, or pollen should avoid propolis. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those on blood thinners or diabetes medication should consult a doctor before use.

How long does it take to see benefits from propolis?

The time to observe benefits varies depending on the condition being treated and individual response. Consistent daily intake is often recommended for systemic effects, with some benefits potentially appearing over weeks to months.

Can propolis interact with medications?

Yes, propolis may interact with blood thinners, increasing bleeding risk, and with diabetes medications, potentially affecting blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor if you are on any medications.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8588957/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of propolis supplementation on glycemic status. The study found that propolis had beneficial effects on glycemic parameters in patients, supporting its potential role in managing blood sugar levels, though heterogeneity among studies was noted.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916329/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of propolis in treating periodontal disease. It concluded that propolis reduced probing pocket depth, indicating a positive effect on periodontal health, but highlighted the limitation of a small number of eligible studies.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1542184/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the anti-inflammatory effects of propolis. The findings indicated that propolis consistently reduces inflammatory markers, providing high-quality evidence for its role in mitigating inflammation across various conditions.
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 GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis examined the effects of propolis consumption on cardiometabolic parameters. It found that propolis intake can improve blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glycemic parameters in adults, contributing to overall cardiometabolic health.