Propolis: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Beeswax
Scientific name(s)
Propolis
Family or group:
Superfood
Active ingredients:
Flavonoids
Indications
Scoring 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 glucose by 13.5 mg/dL compared with placebo. However, significant improvements in insulin levels or measures of insulin resistance were lacking. Treatment with propolis 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 administration
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 ✪✪✪✪✪
Data from clinical studies are not robust. In a trial conducted with 50 subjects, propolis reduced the duration of common cold symptoms more quickly than a placebo. Propolis, in the form of a nasal spray, reduced the number of rhinopharyngitis episodes in treated children compared with an untreated control group (94 subjects). However, the methodological quality of these two studies is low.
Posologie
Nasal or oral administration
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 and dental infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Most studies show that a propolis-based mouthwash promotes the healing of wounds caused by anticancer drugs or by dental prostheses. Propolis, when used topically, supports the healing process of infections of the oral mucosa (gingivitis, periodontitis, abscesses, injuries, fungal infections) and may reduce the recurrence of canker sores in people who suffer from them recurrently (internal use).
Posologie
Oral administration
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 Randomized 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 trial of good methodological quality was conducted with 328 preschool-aged children over 12 weeks. Compared with a placebo, taking 5 to 7.5 ml twice daily of a preparation (Chizukit®) containing 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 randomized, double-blind trial, a standardized polyphenol mixture extracted from poplar-type propolis in spray form providing 15 mg/ml of polyphenols improved the symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection, whether viral or bacterial.
Posologie
Oral administration
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 applying ointments or creams containing propolis may improve healing and the symptoms of cold sores. A preliminary clinical study shows that applying a specific 3% propolis-based ointment (Herstat) five times a day at the onset of symptoms reduces the duration of oral herpes by about 3 to 4 days and may reduce pain associated with oral herpes compared with placebo. Its use in another study, four times a day for 10 days, significantly improved healing of recurrent genital lesions caused by herpes simplex virus type 2. Another clinical study conducted in patients with cold sores at the vesicular stage shows that applying a lip cream containing a specific 0.5% propolis extract five times a day for 5 to 10 days reduces the duration of oral herpes by about 1 day and improves symptoms of pain, burning, itching, tightness, and swelling compared with 5% acyclovir cream. Other preliminary clinical research shows that applying a 0.5% propolis-based lip cream five times a day to the affected site for 10 days shortens the time to complete crusting/epithelialization by about 1 day compared with application of 5% acyclovir cream.
Posologie
Topical
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 shows that taking 500 mg of propolis per day orally for 6 to 13 months significantly reduces the occurrence of canker sores compared with placebo in patients with recurrent canker sores.nn
Posologie
Orally
500 mg
13 months
aqueous extract, mother tincture, dry extract
Warts ✪✪✪✪✪
Propolis supplementation would increase the healing rate of warts in adults and children who are frequently affected by flat warts. A trial was conducted in Egypt on 135 people with warts. They took propolis (500 mg per day), echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, 600 mg per day) or a placebo (oral administration) for 3 months. In the case of common and flat warts, propolis was significantly more effective than placebo and echinacea in curing the participants.nnPropolis is not effective against plantar warts.nn
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 denture-wearing patients with stomatitis-related candidiasis.
Posologie
Topically
aqueous extract, mother tincture, dry extract
Intestinal parasitic infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a 30% propolis extract (Propolisina, Apis Flora) for 5 days can cure giardiasis, an intestinal infection by a flagellated protozoan, in a higher percentage of adult patients compared with tinidazole. The cure rate was 60% with the propolis extract, versus only 40% with tinidazole (an antiprotozoal and antibacterial drug).
Posologie
Orally
aqueous extract, mother tincture, dry extract
Urinary tract infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research conducted in women suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections shows that the daily intake of two capsules 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 tract infections by about 0.8 and delays the time to the first recurrent urinary tract infection by about 26 days compared with placebo. Other preliminary clinical research conducted in women suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections shows that taking a specific combined product (Utipro Plus, Noventure) containing 100 mg of propolis, 100 mg of xyloglucan extract (derived from tamarind seed), 100 mg of hibiscus extract and 50 mg of gelatin once daily for 15 consecutive days each month for 6 months appears to improve quality of life, reduce the rate of urinary tract infections and decrease the use of antibiotics compared with baseline values. The validity of the results of this latter study is limited by the lack of blinding and a control group. Overall, the use of combinations does not allow conclusions about the effect of propolis alone.
Posologie
Oral administration
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 eliminate toxins from the body has generated some interest. A small clinical study conducted on people who smoke 20 cigarettes or more per day shows that consuming 600 mg of propolis per day for 4 weeks increases urinary excretion of tobacco carcinogens and nicotine.
Posologie
Orally
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. Propolis extracts that contain the constituents pinocembrin and galangin have been shown to inhibit the growth and enzymatic activity of Streptococcus mutans, an organism that causes dental caries. Propolis also appears to have in vitro and in vivo activity against a variety of bacteria that cause periodontal diseases such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Fusobacterium nucleatum.
Usages associés
Antiviral
Propolis has antiviral properties, notably by preventing viruses from entering cells and by 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, such as 3-methyl-but-2-enyl caffeate and isopentyl ferulate, have shown activity against herpes simplex virus (type 1) and influenza A1 virus. In addition, propolis has been found effective against several other viruses, including those responsible for influenza.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
There is preliminary evidence that propolis may 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 pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).
Usages associés
Antioxidant
It has been shown that propolis has antioxidant properties as a free radical scavenger. Propolis has also been studied for its antiradical properties to protect foods from oxidation. It has also been suggested that the potential antioxidant and antiradical properties of propolis may be due to the action of phenylpropanoid constituents. Animal research suggests that propolis has radioprotective effects, which are attributed to its free radical–scavenging properties. In vitro research suggests that propolis extract protects against DNA damage induced by gamma irradiation, with a reduction in radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations observed at more than 50% for all doses.
Usages associés
Antifungal
In vitro studies indicate that propolis is effective against fungi such as Candida species. It has been used successfully against C. albicans, C. glabrata, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Pinocembrin, a component of propolis, has been found effective against Penicillium italicum (responsible for mold), 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 such as phenyl esters of caffeic acid, which may help prevent cancer. Laboratory studies have shown that propolis's ability to kill cancer cells varies depending on its geographic origin. For example, brown and red propolis proved particularly effective at killing these cells, while green propolis showed lower effectiveness, and yellow propolis was effective against only one type of tested cancer cells.
Antiparasitic
In a laboratory study, it was found that ethanolic propolis extract can inhibit the growth and attachment of Giardia duodenalis, an intestinal parasite. Propolis also helped detach these parasites from the surface to which they had adhered. Microscopic examination showed changes in the parasites' typically pear-shaped form and a decrease in the activity of their flagella.
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 levels of oxidized glutathione, which helps protect the liver from damage caused by toxic substances such as mercury. Studies have shown that propolis also protects the liver and kidneys against oxidative stress and damage caused by certain chemicals and drugs. The phenolic compounds and diterpene acids present in propolis play a key role in this liver protection.
Usages associés
Immunomodulatory
All forms of propolis have immune-stimulating activity. 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 at increasing antibody production and activating B and T lymphocytes, thus contributing to a stronger immune response.
Safe dosage
Adults aged 18 years and older: 200 mg - 1500 mg
- Tinctures :nnThe most commonly used form is a 10% or 20% tincture in 70% or 100% ethanol. The percentage of propolis tinctures is calculated based on the amount of propolis used. However, the actual concentration of propolis components is only half of that percentage, because the alcohol-soluble resin represents about 50% of the total propolis. Taking 20 drops three times a day of a 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.nn- Propolis in honey : in many countries,nnpropolis is mixed with honey at 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 per day is often recommended, which corresponds to a total of 300 mg of propolis.nn- Tablets/capsules : 300 mg of propolis per day is recommended.nn
Breastfeeding woman: 200 mg - 300 mg
In a clinical study, breastfeeding women received 300 mg of propolis per day for 4 to 10 months, with no apparent adverse effects in the infants.nn
Child aged 6 to 18 years: 100 mg - 200 mg
Half the adult dose.nn
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: low interaction
The anticoagulant effects of propolis could add to those of medications.
Cytochrome P450 substrate: low interaction
Propolis may inhibit cytochrome isoenzymes and interfere with the metabolism of their substrates.
Warfarin: low interaction
Propolis decreases the effectiveness of warfarin.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: low 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 did not inhibit fetal development. However, Indonesian propolis at 1400 mg/kg body weight appears to inhibit fetal development.nnThere is insufficient clinical data; use with caution in pregnant women.nn
Asthma: avoid
Some sources suggest that allergens contained in propolis may worsen asthma.nn
Allergies: avoid
Avoid using propolis in people who are hypersensitive or allergic to bee by-products, including honey, poplars, pollen, and salicylates.
