What Is Propolis?

Propolis is a mixture of pollen and beeswax collected by bees from certain plants and trees. Rich in flavonoids, a class of antioxidants, propolis has a long history of use as a natural treatment for many health problems, but more research is needed in humans to support its use.

Although found in small quantities in honey, propolis is also widely available in supplement form. Propolis is also used as an ingredient in certain products applied directly to the skin, such as ointments and creams. In addition, propolis is sometimes found in nasal sprays and throat sprays, as well as in mouthwash and toothpaste.

This article discusses the potential uses of propolis. It also covers the risk factors and side effects of taking this supplement.

Purported Uses of Propolis

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian nutritionist, pharmacist, or healthcare provider No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent a disease.

Research on the potential health benefits of propolis is limited. While propolis has been studied in lab and animal studies for health conditions (e.g., cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stomach ulcers, cavity control, cold sore treatment), there is NOT enough evidence to support its use for any of these conditions due to lack of human research.

The limited research that has been done on the use of propolis for oral, skin, and genital diseases has been inconclusive per researchers due to "small sample sizes and low methodological quality (i.e., how the studies were organized and carried out) of the studies". More clinical-based studies with humans are needed to support propolis' use.

What Are the Side Effects of Propolis?

Propolis may lead to side effects in some individuals. Due to a lack of research, little is known about the short-term or long-term side effects when using propolis. If any side effects were to occur, please stop using propolis and contact your healthcare provider.

Do not use propolis if you are allergic to bee products (including honey). Propolis may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders or during surgery. Stop taking propolis two weeks before surgery.

Precautions

Pregnant or lactating individuals and children should not take propolis as not enough research has been done in these populations. Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any type of supplement.

Dosage: How Much Propolis Should I Take?

There is no recommended daily dose of propolis and there are not enough human studies to determine how much propolis should be taken to support health conditions. However, propolis has been used by adults in doses of 400 to 500 milligrams by mouth daily for up to 13 months. More research is needed on the appropriate dosage.

What Happens if I Take Too Much Propolis?

As a general guideline, never take more than the manufacturer's recommended dosage. If you experience side effects of any kind, stop taking propolis and speak with your healthcare provider.

Interactions

It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with food, other supplements, and medications.

Propolis has been noted to have interactions with certain medications and herbal supplements:

• Medications that use an enzyme called cytochrome P450 to break them down: Propolis could change the effect of these medications.
• Jantoven (warfarin): Propolis might decrease the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of blood clotting.
• Garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, and nattokinase: Propolis might slow blood clotting, so taking it with other supplements with similar effects may increase the risk of bleeding.

Please check with your healthcare provider before using propolis if you have any questions or concerns.

How to Store Propolis

Store propolis according to the manufacturer's directions on the package. Discard as indicated on the packaging.

Sources of Propolis & What to Look For

Propolis is available in many forms, including tablets, capsules, powder, extract, and lozenge. When used topically, it's found in ointments, creams, lotions, and other personal-care products. Propolis can be purchased online or at health food stores.

Remember that it is illegal for any company to market a dietary supplement product as a treatment or cure for a disease.

Summary

Propolis is a mixture of pollen and beeswax collected by bees from certain plants and trees. It is available in many forms and can be taken by mouth and applied to the skin. More research is needed on the health benefits of propolis, as many of its uses are not backed up by human research. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will need to take propolis in supplement form for any health reasons. If you are considering taking propolis for any reason, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider first.