Propolis: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Bee Wax
Scientific name(s)
Propolis
Family or group:
Super Food
Active ingredients:
Flavonoids
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Type 2 Diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
A meta-analysis of six clinical trials including 374 patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking propolis for 8 weeks to 6 months reduces glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 0.5% and fasting blood sugar by 13.5 mg/dL compared to placebo. However, significant improvements in insulin levels or insulin resistance measures were lacking. Propolis treatment 3 times 500 mg per day for 2 months may be useful as a dietary supplement in patients with type 2 diabetes, by improving glycemic status, reducing insulin resistance, and improving antioxidant status.
Posologie
Oral route
400 - 1500 mg
12 - weeks
standardized extract, dry extract
Effect of Propolis Intake on Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) Levels in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
Effects of bee propolis supplementation on glycemic control, lipid profile and insulin resistance indices in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.
Effect of Brazilian green propolis in patients with type 2 diabetes: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study
The Effect of Iranian Propolis on Glucose Metabolism, Lipid Profile, Insulin Resistance, Renal Function and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial
The Efficacy of Propolis on Markers of Glycemic Control in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Brazilian Green Propolis Improves Antioxidant Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Serum Antioxidant Parameters are Significantly Increased in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus after Consumption of Chinese Propolis: A Randomized Controlled Trial Based on Fasting Serum Glucose Level
ENT Infections ✪✪✪✪✪
The data from clinical studies lack robustness. According to a trial conducted with 50 subjects, propolis reduced the duration of cold symptoms more quickly than a placebo. Propolis, in nasal spray form, reduced the number of rhinopharyngitis episodes in treated children compared to a control group who received no treatment (94 subjects). However, the methodological quality of these 2 studies is low.
Posologie
Nasally, orally
500 - 750 mg
aqueous extract, spray, mother tincture, dry extract
Effectiveness of a propolis and zinc solution in preventing acute otitis media in children with a history of recurrent acute otitis media
Effectiveness of an Herbal Preparation Containing Echinacea, Propolis, and Vitamin C in Preventing Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study
Natural Propolis Extract NIVCRISOL in the Treatment of Acute and Chronic Rhinopharyngitis in Children
Oral Infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Most studies show that a propolis-based mouthwash promotes healing of wounds caused by cancer drugs or dental prostheses. Propolis, used topically, promotes the healing process of oral mucosal infections (gingivitis, periodontitis, abscess, injuries, fungi) and may reduce the recurrence of canker sores in individuals suffering from them recurrently (internal use).
Posologie
Orally
400 mg
gel, standardized extract, mouthwash
Topical Effect of Propolis in the Repair of Sulcoplasties by the Modified Kazanjian Technique. Cytological and Clinical Evaluation
Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of the Efficacy of Propolis Mouthwash in Cancer Therapy-Induced Oral Mucositis
Double-blind Randomized Phase III Study Comparing a Mixture of Natural Agents Versus Placebo in the Prevention of Acute Mucositis During Chemoradiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Efficacy of Hypozalix Spray and Propolis Mouthwash for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Leukemic Patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Efficacy of Propolis on the Denture Stomatitis Treatment in Older Adults: A Multicentric Randomized Trial
Propolis Extract as an Adjuvant to Periodontal Treatment
Effect of topical administration of propolis in chronic periodontitis
Preparation and Antimicrobial Activity of Gelatin Microparticles Containing Propolis Against Oral Pathogens
Efficacy of Brazilian Propolis Gel for the Management of Denture Stomatitis: A Pilot Study
Propolis in the Prevention of Oral Mucositis in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Randomized DoubleBlind PlaceboControlled Trial of Propolis for Oral Mucositis in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Efficacy of Brazilian Propolis Gel for the Management of Denture Stomatitis: A Pilot Study
The Effect of Bee Propolis on Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Pilot Study
Respiratory Infections ✪✪✪✪✪
A well-conducted methodological trial was carried out with 328 preschool children over 12 weeks. Compared to a placebo, taking 5 to 7.5 ml twice daily of a preparation (Chizukit®) with 50 mg/ml of echinacea, 50 mg/ml of propolis, and 10 mg/ml of vitamin C reduced the number and severity of respiratory tract infections. Echinacea and vitamin C may also have effects on the symptoms of these infections. In another double-blind randomized trial, a standardized polyphenol mixture extracted from poplar-type propolis in spray form providing 15 mg/ml of polyphenols improved the symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infections, both viral and bacterial.
Posologie
Orally
500 - 750 mg
Spray, standardized extract
Synergies
Effectiveness of an Herbal Preparation Containing Echinacea, Propolis, and Vitamin C in Preventing Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study
Efficacy of Brazilian green propolis (EPP-AF®) as an adjunct treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A randomized, controlled clinical trial
[Therapeutic value of flavonoids in Rhinovirus infections]
Herpes ✪✪✪✪✪
Some clinical research shows that the application of ointments or creams containing propolis may improve the healing and symptoms of cold sores. A preliminary clinical study shows that the application of a specific propolis ointment at 3% (Herstat), five times a day at the onset of symptoms, reduces the duration of cold sores by about 3 to 4 days and may reduce the pain associated with labial herpes compared to placebo. Its application in another study, four times a day for 10 days, significantly improves the healing of recurrent genital lesions caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2. Another clinical study conducted on patients with vesicular stage cold sores shows that the application of a lip cream containing a specific propolis extract at 0.5% five times a day for 5 to 10 days reduces the duration of labial herpes by about 1 day and improves symptoms of pain, burning, itching, tension, and swelling compared to a 5% acyclovir cream. Further preliminary clinical research shows that the application of a lip cream with 0.5% propolis five times a day on the affected site for 10 days reduces the time needed for complete crusting/epithelialization by about 1 day compared to the application of 5% acyclovir cream.
Posologie
Topically
0.5 - 3 %
ointment, cream
The effects of Herstat (3% propolis ointment ACF) application in cold sores: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Lip creams with propolis special extract GH 2002 0.5% versus aciclovir 5.0% for herpes labialis (vesicular stage): Randomized, controlled double-blind study
Comparative Study with a Lip Balm Containing 0.5% Propolis Special Extract GH 2002 versus 5% Aciclovir Cream in Patients with Herpes Labialis in the Papular/Erythematous Stage: A Single-blind, Randomized, Two-arm Study
Canker Sores ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research indicates that taking 500 mg of propolis orally per day for 6 to 13 months considerably reduces the occurrence of canker sores compared to placebo in patients with recurrent canker sores.
Posologie
Orally
500 mg
13 - months
aqueous extract, mother tincture, dry extract
Warts ✪✪✪✪✪
Propolis supplementation would increase the recovery rate of warts in adults and children frequently affected by plane warts. A trial was conducted in Egypt with 135 people with warts. They took propolis (500 mg per day), echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, 600 mg per day), or a placebo (orally) for 3 months. In the case of common and plane warts, propolis was significantly more effective than the placebo and echinacea for healing participants. Propolis is not effective against plantar warts.
Posologie
Orally
500 mg
3 - months
aqueous extract, mother tincture, dry extract
Candidiasis ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research shows that the topical application of a 20% Brazilian green propolis extract four times a day for 7 days may inhibit oral candidiasis in patients with dentures suffering from stomatitis candidiasis.
Posologie
Topically
aqueous extract, mother tincture, dry extract
Digestive Parasitoses ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a 30% propolis extract (Propolisina, Apis Flora) for 5 days may cure giardiasis, an intestinal infection caused by a flagellate protozoan, in a higher percentage of adult patients compared to tinidazole. The cure rate was 60% with the propolis extract, compared to only 40% with tinidazole (an antiprotozoal and antibacterial drug).
Posologie
Oral
aqueous extract, mother tincture, dry extract
Urinary Infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research conducted on women with recurrent urinary infections shows that taking two capsules daily of a specific combined product (DUAB, Nutrivercell) containing 200 mg propolis, 300 mg cranberry, and zinc for 6 months reduces the number of recurrent urinary infections by about 0.8 and delays the onset of the first recurrent urinary infection by about 26 days compared to placebo. Other preliminary clinical research conducted on women with recurrent urinary infections shows that taking a specific combined product (Utipro Plus, Noventure) containing 100 mg propolis, 100 mg xyloglucan extract (from tamarind seed), 100 mg hibiscus extract, and 50 mg gelatin once daily for 15 consecutive days each month for 6 months seems to improve quality of life, reduce the rate of urinary infections, and decrease antibiotic use compared to baseline. The validity of the results of the latter study is limited by the lack of blinding and a control group. Overall, the use of combinations does not allow conclusions on the effect of propolis alone.
Posologie
Oral
200 mg
aqueous extract, mother tincture, dry extract
Synergies
A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of a Combination of Propolis and Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) (DUAB®) in Preventing Low Urinary Tract Infection Recurrence in Women Complaining of Recurrent Cystitis
Detoxification ✪✪✪✪✪
The use of propolis to remove toxins from the body is of some interest. A small clinical study conducted on individuals smoking 20 or more cigarettes a day shows that the consumption of 600 mg of propolis per day for 4 weeks increases urinary excretion of tobacco carcinogens and nicotine.
Posologie
Oral
600 mg
aqueous extract, mother tincture, dry extract
Synergies
Properties
Antibacterial
Propolis contains flavonoids, including pinocembrin, galangin, pinobanksin, and pinobanksin-3-acetate, which are believed to be responsible for its antibacterial effects. It has been shown that propolis extracts containing the constituents pinocembrin and galangin inhibit the growth and enzymatic activity of Streptococcus mutans, an organism that causes dental caries. Propolis also appears to have activity in vitro and in vivo against a variety of bacteria causing periodontal diseases such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum.
Usages associés
Antiviral
Propolis possesses antiviral properties by preventing viruses from entering cells and disrupting their replication. It is particularly effective against the genital herpes virus (HSV-2) thanks to its flavonoid compounds such as kaempferol and quercetin. Other propolis compounds, like 3-methyl-but-2-enyl caffeate and isopentyl ferulated, have shown activity against herpes simplex virus (type 1) and influenza A1 virus. Additionally, propolis has proven effective against several other viruses, including those responsible for flu.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
There is preliminary evidence that propolis might suppress the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism and decrease the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes involved in inflammation. In humans, propolis reduces levels of the inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).
Usages associés
Antioxidant
It has been demonstrated that propolis has antioxidant properties as a free radical scavenger. Propolis has also been studied for its anti-radical properties to protect foods from oxidation. It has also been suggested that the potential antioxidant and anti-radical properties of propolis may be due to the action of phenylpropanoid constituents. Animal research suggests that propolis has radioprotective effects, attributed to its free radical scavenging properties. In vitro research suggests that propolis extract protects against gamma irradiation-induced DNA damage, with more than a 50% reduction in radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations observed for all doses.
Usages associés
Antifungal
In vitro studies indicate that propolis is effective against fungi such as Candida species. It has been successfully used against C. albicans, C. glabrata, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Pinocembrin, a component of propolis, has been found effective against Penicillium italicum (responsible for molds), inhibiting mycelial growth and disrupting the pathogen's metabolism. Other components of propolis, including caffeic acid, have demonstrated antifungal activity. Propolis has also shown good results against other pathogenic fungi affecting the skin.
Usages associés
Anticancer
Propolis contains compounds like phenolic esters of caffeic acid, which could help prevent cancer. Laboratory studies have revealed that the ability of propolis to destroy cancer cells varies depending on its geographical origin. For example, brown and red propolis has been particularly effective in destroying these cells, while green propolis has shown lesser efficacy, and yellow propolis was effective against only one type of cancer cell tested.
Antiparasitic
In a laboratory study, it was discovered that ethanol-based propolis extract can inhibit the growth and adherence of Giardia duodenalis, an intestinal parasite. Propolis also helped detach these parasites from the surface to which they had attached. Microscopic examination showed changes in the typical pear shape of these parasites and a decrease in their flagellar activity.
Usages associés
Hepatoprotective
Propolis is known for its protective effects on the liver. It increases glutathione levels, an important antioxidant, while decreasing lipid peroxidation and oxidized glutathione levels, helping to protect the liver against damage caused by toxic substances like mercury. Studies have shown that propolis also protects the liver and kidneys against oxidative stress and damage caused by certain chemicals and drugs. Phenolic compounds and diterpenic acids present in propolis play a key role in this liver protection.
Usages associés
Immunomodulatory
All forms of propolis have activity that stimulates the immune system. Research has shown that they increase the activity of macrophages and natural killer cells, thereby strengthening the body's defense against infections and cancer cells. Poplar and baccharis propolis are particularly effective in increasing antibody production and activating B and T lymphocytes, contributing to a stronger immune response.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 200 mg - 1500 mg
- Tinctures: The most used form is the tincture at 10 or 20% in ethanol at 70 or 100%. The percentage of propolis tinctures is calculated based on the amount of propolis used. However, the actual concentration of propolis components is only half this percentage, as the alcohol-soluble resin represents about 50% of total propolis. A daily intake of 3 times 20 drops of 20% tincture corresponds to about 1 g of tincture or about 200 mg of propolis per day, far from the maximum of 1500 mg per day. - Propolis in honey: in many countries, propolis is mixed with honey in a ratio of about 1 g/100 g. 10 g of honey (a full teaspoon) corresponds to about 100 mg of propolis. A consumption of 3 teaspoons a day is often recommended, corresponding to a total of 300 mg of propolis. - Tablets/capsules: 300 mg of propolis per day is recommended.
Lactating woman: 200 mg - 300 mg
In a clinical study, 300 mg of propolis per day were used for 4 to 10 months by breastfeeding women, with no apparent adverse effects on infants.
Child from 6 to 18 years: 100 mg - 200 mg
Half-dose compared to adults.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant: weak interaction
The anticoagulant effects of propolis could add to those of drugs.
Cytochrome P450 substrates: weak interaction
Propolis may inhibit cytochrome isoenzymes and interfere with the metabolism of its substrates.
Warfarin: weak interaction
Propolis decreases the effectiveness of Warfarin.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant: weak interaction
The anticoagulant effects of propolis could add to those of other anticoagulants.
Precautions
Pregnant woman: use with caution
In a mouse study, Indonesian propolis at 380 mg/kg does not inhibit fetal development. However, Indonesian propolis at 1400 mg/kg of body weight appears to inhibit fetal development. Insufficient clinical data, use with caution in pregnant women.
Asthma: avoid
Some sources suggest that allergens contained in propolis may worsen asthma.
Allergies: avoid
Avoid using propolis in people hypersensitive or allergic to bee by-products, including honey, poplars, pollen, and salicylates.
