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Propolis is a resin-like material made by bees from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees. Bees use it to build hives, and it may contain beehive byproducts.
Propolis seems to help fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It might also have anti-inflammatory effects and help skin heal. Propolis is rarely available in its pure form. It's usually obtained from beehives.
People commonly use propolis for diabetes, cold sores, and swelling and sores inside the mouth. It's also used for burns, canker sores, genital herpes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using propolis for COVID-19.
- Diabetes. Oral propolis seems to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes; however, some conflicting evidence exists.
Login for details - Herpes labialis (cold sores). Login for details
- Oral mucositis. Most clinical research shows that oral propolis or propolis-containing mouthwash can reduce the risk for severe, chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.
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- Atopic disease. It is unclear if oral propolis can prevent atopic disease in lactating adults or their infants.
Login for details - Burns. It is unclear if topical propolis is beneficial in patients with minor burns.
Login for details - Canker sores. It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with canker sores.
Login for details - Chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with CKD.
Login for details - Common cold. It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with the common cold.
Login for details - Dengue fever. It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with dengue fever.
Login for details - Dental caries. It is unclear if topical propolis, used either as a chewing gum or mouthwash, can prevent dental caries in children.
Login for details - Diabetic foot ulcers. It is unclear if topical propolis is beneficial in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
Login for details - Genital herpes. It is unclear if topical propolis is beneficial in patients with genital herpes.
Login for details - Gingivitis. It is unclear if topical propolis is beneficial in patients with gingivitis.
Login for details - Helicobacter pylori. It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with H. pylori infection.
Login for details - HIV/AIDS. Login for details
- Intestinal parasite infection. It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with giardiasis.
Login for details - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with NAFLD.
Login for details - Oropharyngeal candidiasis. Small clinical studies suggest that topical propolis may speed recovery in patients with denture stomatitis.
Login for details - Peptic ulcers. Login for details
- Periodontitis. It is unclear if oral propolis or propolis extract rinse is beneficial in patients with periodontitis.
Login for details - Tinea pedis. It is unclear if topical propolis is beneficial in patients with tinea pedis.
Login for details - Tuberculosis. Login for details
- Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). It is unclear if oral propolis spray is beneficial in patients with URTI.
Login for details - Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Oral propolis has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Vaginitis. It is unclear if topical propolis is beneficial in patients with vaginitis.
Login for details - Warts. It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with warts.
Login for details - Wound healing. It is unclear if topical propolis or propolis mouth rinse improves wound healing.
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When taken by mouth: Propolis is possibly safe when used appropriately. It can cause allergic reactions, especially in people who are allergic to other bee products. Lozenges containing propolis can cause irritation and mouth ulcers.
When applied to the skin: Propolis is possibly safe when used appropriately. It can cause allergic reactions, especially in people who are allergic to other bee products.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: There isn't enough reliable information to know if propolis is safe to use when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Breast-feeding: Propolis is possibly safe when taken by mouth while breastfeeding. Doses of 300 mg daily for up to 10 months have been used safely. Stay on the safe side and avoid higher doses when breast-feeding.
Bleeding conditions: A certain chemical in propolis might slow blood clotting. Taking propolis might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Allergies: Some propolis products might be contaminated with bee byproducts. Use propolis with caution if you are allergic to bee byproducts.
Surgery: A certain chemical in propolis might slow blood clotting. Taking propolis might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking propolis 2 weeks before surgery.
There are no known interactions with medications. Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Propolis might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Propolis has most often been used by adults in doses of 400-500 mg by mouth daily for up to 13 months. It's also used in many types of products, including creams, ointments, gels, and mouth rinses. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
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