What is it?
Propolis is a resin-like material from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees. Propolis is rarely available in its pure form. It is usually obtained from beehives and contains bee products.
Propolis has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to 350 B.C., the time of Aristotle. Greeks have used propolis for abscesses; Assyrians have used it for healing wounds and tumors; and Egyptians have used it for mummification. It still has many medicinal uses today, although its effectiveness has only been shown for a couple of them.
Propolis is used for infections caused by bacteria (including tuberculosis), by viruses (including flu, H1N1 “swine” flu, and the common cold), by fungus, and by single-celled organisms called protozoans. Propolis is also used for cancer of the nose and throat; for boosting the immune system; and for treating gastrointestinal (GI) problems including Helicobacter pylori infection in peptic ulcer disease. Propolis is also used as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
People sometimes apply propolis directly to the skin for wound cleansing and genital herpes; as a mouth rinse for speeding healing following oral surgery; and for the treatment of minor burns.
In manufacturing, propolis is used as an ingredient in cosmetics.
How effective is it?
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
The effectiveness ratings for PROPOLIS are as follows:
Possibly effective for...
- Genital herpes. A 3% propolis ointment seems to significantly improve healing of recurrent genital lesions caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). It might even heal outbreaks faster and more completely than the conventional treatment 5% acyclovir ointment.
- Improving healing and reducing pain and inflammation after mouth surgery.
Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for...
- Tuberculosis.
- Infections.
- Nose and throat cancer.
- Improving immune response.
- Ulcers.
- Stomach and intestinal disorders.
- Common cold.
- Wounds.
- Inflammation.
- Minor burns.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of propolis for these uses.
How does it work?
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Propolis seems to have activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It might also have anti-inflammatory effects and help skin heal.
Are there safety concerns?
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There isn't enough information to know if propolis is safe. It can cause allergic reactions, particularly in people who are allergic to bees or bee products. Lozenges containing propolis can cause irritation and mouth ulcers.
Special precautions & warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of propolis during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Asthma: Some experts believe some chemicals in propolis may make asthma worse. Avoid using propolis if you have asthma.
Allergies: Don’t use propolis if you are allergic to bee by-products including honey, conifers, poplars, Peru balsam, and salicylates.
Are there interactions with medications?
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It is not known if this product interacts with any medicines.
Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?
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There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Are there interactions with foods?
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There are no known interactions with foods.
What dose is used?
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The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
- As a mouth rinse after mouth surgery: A solution containing propolis, water, and alcohol.
- For herpes outbreak: A 3% propolis ointment applied to the blisters 4 times daily.
Other names
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Bee Glue, Bee Propolis, Beeswax Acid, Hive Dross, Propóleos, Propolis Balsam, Propolis Cera, Propolis d'abeille, Propolis Resin, Propolis Wax, Résine de Propolis, Russian Penicillin, Synthetic Beeswax.
Methodology
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To learn more about how this article was written, please see the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database methodology.
References
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- Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- 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.
- Magro-Filho O, de Carvalho AC. Application of propolis to dental sockets and skin wounds. J Nihon Univ Sch Dent 1990;32:4-13.
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