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Dietary supplement

Bee Propolis Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natural Factors

Bee Propolis label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Bee Propolis against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bee Propolis is a dietary supplement by Natural Factors with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for cold sores and herpes lesions (topical), sore throat and mouth sores, wound and skin healing.Based on those ingredients, 921 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bee propolis. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Bee Propolis by Natural Factors

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Bee Propolis by Natural Factors — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bee Propolis by Natural Factors

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Bee Propolis by Natural Factors is a single-ingredient supplement: bee propolis, a resinous mixture that honeybees collect from plants. The capsule also contains microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin, silica, and magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients to hold it together.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immune system support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Common cold, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Herpes labialis (cold sores), Genital herpes, Oral mucositis, Gingivitis — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Propolis is rated "Possibly Effective" for Herpes labialis (cold sores) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Propolis is rated "Possibly Effective" for Oral mucositis.
  • Also on file: Propolis is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Common cold, Gingivitis, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Periodontitis, and more.

The evidence supports bee propolis for oral mucositis (mouth inflammation and ulcers) and herpes labialis (cold sores) — both are rated possibly effective. There's also possibly effective evidence for diabetes.

For dengue fever, we don't have enough reliable evidence yet to say whether it works.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Propolis

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bee propolis is generally well tolerated by most people over the short term. Headache is the most common side effect when taken by mouth — about 7% of people in one trial reported mild headache while taking 250 mg twice daily for 4 months.

Topically, it can cause contact dermatitis or contact cheilitis (lip inflammation) in sensitive individuals. Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially in people sensitive to bee products.

Don't use this during pregnancy — there isn't enough safety data. While breastfeeding, the data suggests it may be possibly safe, but talk with your pharmacist or doctor to be sure it's right for you.

If you have a known allergy to bees or bee products, avoid propolis.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Propolis

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Propolis.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 922 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate risk of bleeding). Also double-check if you're on warfarin (Coumadin), as propolis may reduce its effectiveness.

Additionally, review any medications your liver metabolizes — including heart drugs, psychiatric medicines, and many others — since high doses of propolis theoretically could raise their blood levels.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Bee propolis may help with mouth ulcers, cold sores, or blood sugar, but check your medications first — it interacts with blood thinners and many drugs your liver breaks down. If you're on warfarin, anticoagulants, or antiplatelets, talk to your pharmacist before adding this.

Avoid during pregnancy; discuss with your pharmacist if you're breastfeeding.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2018.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Bee Propolis, straight from the product label.

Brand Natural Factors
Barcode (UPC) 068958031613
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2018
DSLD ID 179202
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Bee Propolis by Natural Factors, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
068958031613
IngredientAmount% DV
Bee propolis250 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gelatin capsule, Silica, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Seals/Symbols

isura Non-GMO - Mass spec Documentation Lab tested

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: 1 capsule 1–2 times per day or as directed by a health professional.

Precautions

Cautions: As with any supplement, consult your health professional before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, or if you are taking any medication, have a medical condition, or anticipate a surgery.

People allergic to bees or bee products should avoid taking this product.

Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is broken.

General Statements

Propolis is a gummy substance made by bees. They combine it with beeswax to fortify and sterilize their hives. Propolis has been traditionally used for centuries as support for the immune system.

Manufactured by Natural Factors to ensure safety and potency in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of the FDA and Health Canada.

Product of Canada

Purity & potency guaranteed

Recyclable container and label.

500 mg

Formulation

Contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, starch, sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, corn, egg, fish, shellfish, salt, tree nuts, or GMOs.

Storage

For freshness, store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Enriching bee factors

General

R5

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Bee Propolis by Natural Factors label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Bee Propolis label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bee Propolis by Natural Factors

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Bee propolis

Interacts with
921 drugs
250 mg per serving

Propolis is a natural, resin-like substance made by bees that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in lab studies. Early research sugges...

Bee propolis monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gelatin capsule, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bee Propolis by Natural Factors Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bee Propolis?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
921Drugs
921 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bee propolis 921

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Bee Propolis interact with 921 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Bee Propolis interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Bee propolis

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bee Propolis with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Bee propolis8 drug types · 921 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, propolis might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
In vitro research shows that propolis water extract and the propolis constituent, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, can inhibit platelet aggregation. Additionally, evidence from an animal model shows that taking propolis in addition to warfarin decreases INR, suggesting that propolis can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that propolis extract can inhibit CYP1A2. However, animal research shows that propolis extract does not significantly affect CYP1A2 activity when administered to rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg. It is postulated that the constituents of propolis that inhibit CYP1A2 in vitro do not have significant effects in vivo due to low bioavailability and hepatic first-pass effect. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
In vitro research shows that propolis extract can inhibit CYP2C19. However, animal research shows that propolis extract does not significantly affect CYP2C19 activity when administered to rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg. It is postulated that the constituents of propolis that inhibit CYP2C19 in vitro do not have significant effects in vivo due to low bioavailability and hepatic first-pass effect. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that propolis extract can inhibit CYP2C9. However, animal research shows that propolis extract does not significantly affect CYP2C9 activity when administered to rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg. It is postulated that the constituents of propolis that inhibit CYP2C9 in vitro do not have significant effects in vivo due to low bioavailability and hepatic first-pass effect. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research shows that propolis extract can inhibit CYP2D6. However, animal research shows that propolis extract does not significantly affect CYP2D6 activity when administered to rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg. It is postulated that the constituents of propolis that inhibit CYP2D6 in vitro do not have significant effects in vivo due to low bioavailability and hepatic first-pass effect. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Theoretically, propolis might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
In vitro research shows that propolis can inhibit CYP2E1. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, high doses of propolis might increase blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Some in vitro research shows that propolis extract can inhibit CYP3A4; however, other in vitro research shows that propolis has no effect on CYP3A4 activity. Furthermore, animal research shows that propolis extract does not significantly affect CYP3A4 activity when administered to rats at doses up to 250 mg/kg. It is postulated that the constituents of propolis that might in inhibit CYP3A4 in vitro do not have significant effects in vivo due to low bioavailability and hepatic first-pass effect. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, propolis might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin.
Animal research shows that taking propolis in addition to warfarin decreases the international normalized ratio (INR). This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Bee propolis full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bee Propolis, from the product label.

Natural Factors

See all Natural Factors products
Name
Natural Factors Canada
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bee Propolis by Natural Factors: Common Questions

Does Bee Propolis by Natural Factors interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bee Propolis has a known interaction with 921 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bee Propolis contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this help my cold sores?
Possibly. Herpes labialis — cold sores — is rated possibly effective for bee propolis, so there's some evidence it may help, but it's not guaranteed to work for everyone.
Can I take bee propolis if I'm allergic to bee products?
No. People with allergies to bees or bee products are more likely to have allergic reactions to propolis, including rare severe reactions. Stick with something else.
What's the most common side effect?
Headache is the main one — about 7% of people in a trial reported mild headache when taking 250 mg twice daily for 4 months. Most people tolerate it well otherwise.
Is it safe to take during pregnancy?
No, we don't have enough safety information yet. It's best avoided during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about whether it's right for you.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
There's some evidence it may be possibly safe, but the data is limited. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor first — they know your whole picture and can give you personalized advice.
Does bee propolis really work for diabetes?
There's possibly effective evidence for it, meaning some research suggests it may help with blood sugar, but it's not proven. Don't use it as a replacement for your diabetes medication — talk with your doctor about whether to add it.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Bee Propolis label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Bee Propolis’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Propolis

Interacts with 921 drugs

Propolis is a natural, resin-like substance made by bees that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in lab studies. Early research suggests it may help with cold sores, mouth so...

Read the full Propolis monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bee Propolis's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 21 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Propolis 21 references
  1. Hay KD, Greig DE. Propolis allergy: a cause of oral mucositis with ulceration. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1990;70:584-6. PubMed
  2. Li YJ, Lin JL, Yang CW, Yu CC. Acute renal failure induced by a Brazilian variety of propolis. Am J Kidney Dis 2005;46:e125-9. PubMed
  3. Jensen CD, Andersen KE. Allergic contact dermatitis from cera alba (purified propolis) in a lip balm and candy. Contact Dermatitis 2006;55:312-3. PubMed
  4. Chen, T. G., Lee, J. J., Lin, K. H., Shen, C. H., Chou, D. S., and Sheu, J. R. Antiplatelet activity of caffeic acid phenethyl ester is mediated through a cyclic GMP-dependent pathway in human platelets. Chin J Physiol 6-30-2007;50(3):121-126.
  5. Hsu, C. Y., Chiang, W. C., Weng, T. I., Chen, W. J., and Yuan, A. Laryngeal edema and anaphalactic shock after topical propolis use for acute pharyngitis. Am J Emerg.Med 2004;22(5):432-433. PubMed
  6. Black, R. J. Vulval eczema associated with propolis sensitization from topical therapies treated successfully with pimecrolimus cream. Clin Exp.Dermatol. 2005;30(1):91-92. PubMed
  7. Matos D, Serrano P, Brandao FM. A case of allergic contact dermatitis caused by propolis-enriched honey. Contact Dermatitis 2015;72(1):59-60. PubMed
  8. Naramoto K, Kato M, Ichihara K. Effects of an ethanol extract of Brazilian green propolis on human cytochrome P450 enzyme activities in vitro. J Agric Food Chem 2014;62(46):11296-302. PubMed
  9. Nyman G, Hagvall L. A case of allergic contact cheilitis caused by propolis and honey. Contact Dermatitis 2016;74(3):186-7. PubMed
  10. Ryu CS, Oh SJ, Oh JM, et al. Inhibition of cytochrome P450 by propolis in human liver microsomes. Toxicol Res 2016;32(3):207-13. PubMed
  11. Akbay E, Özenirler Ç, Çelemli ÖG, Durukan AB, Onur MA, Sorkun K. Effects of propolis on warfarin efficacy. Kardiochir Torakochirurgia Pol. 2017;14(1):43-46. PubMed
  12. Lamoureux A, Meharon M, Durand AL, Darrigade AS, Doutre MS, Milpied B. A first case of erythema multiforme-like contact dermatitis caused by propolis. Contact Dermatitis. 2017;77(4):263-264. PubMed
  13. Piredda M, Facchinetti G, Biagioli V, et al. Propolis in the prevention of oral mucositis in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy: A pilot randomised controlled trial. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2017;26(6). PubMed
  14. Zhang YX, Yang TT, Xia L, Zhang WF, Wang JF, Wu YP. Inhibitory Effect of Propolis on Platelet Aggregation In Vitro. J Healthc Eng. 2017;2017:3050895. PubMed
  15. Nyman GSA, Tang M, Inerot A, Osmancevic A, Malmberg P, Hagvall L. Contact allergy to beeswax and propolis among patients with cheilitis or facial dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 2019;81(2):110-6. PubMed
  16. Igarashi G, Segawa T, Akiyama N, et al. Efficacy of Brazilian propolis supplementation for japanese lactating women for atopic sensitization and nonspecific symptoms in their offspring: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Comp PubMed
  17. Soleimani D, Rezaie M, Rajabzadeh F, et al. Protective effects of propolis on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) evaluated by real-time two-dimensional shear wave elastography: a randomized clinical
  18. D'Ercole MC. Prolonged use of propolis can increase liver enzymes. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2020;29(3):468-9. PubMed
  19. Cho E, Lee JD, Cho SH. Systemic contact dermatitis from propolis ingestion. Ann Dermatol. 2011;23(1):85-88. PubMed
  20. Hallajzadeh J, Milajerdi A, Amirani E, Attari VE, Maghsoudi H, Mirhashemi SM. Effects of propolis supplementation on glycemic status, lipid profiles, inflammation and oxidative stress, liver enzymes, and body weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  21. Gheflati A, Dehnavi Z, Ghannadzadeh Yazdi A, Khorasanchi Z, Raeisi-Dehkordi H, Ranjbar G. The effects of propolis supplementation on metabolic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Avicenna J Phytomed

See these in context on the Propolis monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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