Propolis Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Propolis Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Propolis is generally considered safe for most people when taken orally or applied topically. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using propolis, especially if you have known allergies or medical conditions.

How Is Propolis Thought to Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Propolis is a natural substance produced by bees from tree buds and bark. It contains various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, terpenes, and amino acids. The mechanism of action of propolis is not fully understood, but it is believed to work through several potential effects:

• Antibacterial effects: Flavonoids in propolis may help inhibit the growth of bacteria, including those involved in dental caries and periodontal disease.
• Antidiabetic effects: Propolis has shown promising results in improving glycemic control, potentially by stimulating insulin production, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammation.
• Antifungal properties: Propolis has demonstrated antifungal activity against certain fungal species, including Candida and Trichosporon.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Propolis may help reduce inflammation by suppressing inflammatory pathways and reducing the levels of inflammatory markers in the body.
• Antineoplastic effects: Some components of propolis, such as caffeic acid phenethyl esters (CAPE), have shown potential for cancer prevention, although more research is needed.
• Antioxidant effects: Propolis exhibits antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize free radicals and protect against oxidative stress.
• Antiviral effects: Certain constituents of propolis have demonstrated activity against herpes simplex viruses and have shown potential binding affinity to the spike protein of the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19.
• Detoxification effects: Preliminary research suggests that propolis may aid in the elimination of toxins from the body.
• Hepatoprotective effects: Propolis has shown potential for protecting the liver, possibly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Immune effects: Propolis has been studied for its immune-enhancing properties, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
• Radioprotective effects: Animal studies suggest that propolis may have protective effects against radiation-induced damage, likely due to its ability to scavenge free radicals.
• Wound healing effects: Topical application of propolis has shown promise in promoting epithelial repair and wound healing in animal models.

Pharmacokinetics

There is currently insufficient reliable information available about the pharmacokinetics of propolis.

Interaction Overview

Propolis may interact with certain drugs and supplements. It's important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional if you are taking medications or other supplements. Some potential interactions include:

• Interaction with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Interaction with drugs metabolized by specific cytochrome P450 enzymes, which may affect their blood levels.
• Possible interaction with warfarin, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
• Interaction with certain supplements that have anticoagulant/antiplatelet effects.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

While propolis is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience the following side effects:

• Allergic reactions, especially in individuals with known allergies to bee products.
• Skin irritation or rash when propolis is applied topically.

Are Supplements Standardized?

The chemical composition and quality of propolis products can vary significantly depending on their geographical origin. Propolis from different regions may have different colors and chemical profiles. Standardization of propolis is challenging due to its natural variation and potential contamination with beehive by-products. However, some clinical studies have used propolis standardized to specific compounds, such as galangin.

What Is Propolis Used For as a Supplement?

Propolis supplements have been used for various purposes. While some uses have shown promising results, others require further research to determine their effectiveness. Here are some of the conditions and areas where propolis supplements have been explored:

• Possibly Effective:
• Diabetes: Oral propolis may improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Herpes labialis (cold sores): Topical propolis ointment or cream may improve lesion healing and reduce symptoms.
• Oral mucositis: Propolis-containing mouthwash can reduce the risk of severe chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.
• Insufficient Reliable Evidence to Rate:
• Athletic performance: It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial for improving athletic performance.
• Atopic disease: It is unclear if oral propolis can prevent atopic disease in lactating adults or their infants.
• Breast cancer: It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with breast cancer.
• Burns: It is unclear if topical propolis is beneficial in patients with minor burns.
• Canker sores: It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with canker sores.
• Catheter-related infections: It is unclear if topical propolis is beneficial for the prevention of catheter-related infections.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD): It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with CKD.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Oral propolis has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
• Common cold: It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with the common cold.
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
• Dengue fever: It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with dengue fever.
• Dental caries: It is unclear if topical propolis can prevent dental caries in children.
• Denture stomatitis: Topical propolis may speed recovery in patients with denture stomatitis.
• Depression: It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial as adjunct therapy in patients with depression.
• Diabetic foot ulcers: It is unclear if topical propolis is beneficial in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
• Genital herpes: It is unclear if topical propolis is beneficial in patients with genital herpes.
• Gingivitis: Topical propolis may modestly improve symptoms in patients with gingivitis.
• Helicobacter pylori: It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with H. pylori infection.
• HIV/AIDS: There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of propolis for this purpose.
• Intestinal parasite infection: It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with giardiasis.
• Malnutrition: It is unclear if oral red propolis is beneficial in malnourished children with frequent respiratory tract infections.
• Muscle fatigue: It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial for speeding recovery from muscle fatigue.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with NAFLD.
• Peptic ulcers: There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of propolis for this purpose.
• Periodontitis: It is unclear if oral propolis or propolis extract rinse is beneficial in patients with periodontitis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with RA.
• Sepsis: It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with sepsis.
• Tinea pedis: It is unclear if topical propolis is beneficial in patients with tinea pedis.
• Tuberculosis: There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of propolis for this purpose.
• Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI): It is unclear if oral propolis spray is beneficial in patients with URTI.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Oral propolis has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
• Vaginitis: It is unclear if topical propolis is beneficial in patients with vaginitis.
• Warts: It is unclear if oral propolis is beneficial in patients with warts.
• Wound healing: It is unclear if topical propolis or propolis mouth rinse improves wound healing.

Drugs that interact with Propolis