Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Honeybee Propolis Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GPI

Honeybee Propolis label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Honeybee 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

Honeybee Propolis is a dietary supplement by GPI with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart and blood vessel health, high blood pressure, high cholesterol.Based on those ingredients, 2,141 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Carob, Bee propolis, Honey. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Honeybee Propolis by GPI

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Honeybee Propolis by GPI

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 Aug 6, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1,000 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Honeybee Propolis by GPI contains 6 active ingredients: cocoa, honey, bee propolis, carob, dextrose, and molasses. Cocoa and honey are traditional bee-related ingredients; bee propolis is the resinous substance bees collect from plants and use to seal their hives; carob is a legume-derived ingredient often used as a chocolate substitute.

The product also contains inactive ingredients including gelatin capsule, silica, wheat germ, magnesium stearate, talc, natural and artificial flavor, and riboflavin.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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
Not assessable

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: source of antioxidants for maintenance of good health.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

The evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed. Honey is possibly effective for cough, cold sores (herpes labialis), oral mouth sores (oral mucositis), burns, and dry eye.

Cocoa is possibly effective for heart and blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease), though it was found possibly ineffective for stretch marks. Bee propolis is possibly effective for oral mouth sores, cold sores, and blood sugar control (diabetes).

Carob is possibly effective for diarrhea. The remaining claims—cocoa for aging skin and asthma, honey for various conditions beyond those listed, carob for athletic performance and high cholesterol, and propolis for dengue fever—have insufficient reliable evidence to rate.

The evidence we hold does not establish whether this combination product works for any particular condition.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Cocoa Honey Carob 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 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Cocoa and honey are generally well tolerated when consumed as food, though cocoa contains caffeine and related stimulants. The most common side effects from cocoa in trials include stomach noises (borborygmi), constipation, excess urination, stomach discomfort, headaches, and nausea; rarely, it may cause a rapid heartbeat.

Honey may cause nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting orally. Bee propolis is generally well tolerated short-term but can cause headache and serious allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially those allergic to bee products; it is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Carob is generally safe in food amounts but has limited study at supplement doses. Because cocoa's caffeine passes into breast milk, keep intake modest if breastfeeding and watch for fussiness in your baby.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Cocoa Honey Carob 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?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Carob, Propolis, Honey, Cocoa.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; lithium.
  • For scale: 2,142 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, have your doctor or pharmacist check your medications against these drug types, which have documented interactions: ephedrine or other stimulants (worst risk: serious, life-threatening effects), blood pressure medications, heart medications including dipyridamole and beta-agonists, sedatives, quinolone antibiotics, flutamide, disulfiram, seizure medications (phenytoin), drugs metabolized by your liver through multiple pathways (CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP2E1 substrates), blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs, and warfarin. Carob may also reduce absorption of other oral medications taken at the same time.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines ingredients with some evidence for cough, cold sores, wound healing, and diarrhea, but the combination's overall effectiveness is not established in our data. If you take any prescription medications—especially heart, blood pressure, seizure, diabetes, antibiotic, or blood-thinning drugs—you need to check this product against your exact medications before starting, since cocoa and bee propolis in particular interact with numerous common drugs.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 24, 2013.

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 Honeybee Propolis, straight from the product label.

Brand GPI
Net contents 180 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 24, 2013
DSLD ID 28677
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Honeybee Propolis by GPI, 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)
Servings per container
90
IngredientAmount% DV
Dextrose0 NP--
Cocoa0 NP--
Proprietary Blend1000 mg--
Honey0 NP--
Molasses0 NP--
Carob0 NP--
Bee propolis0 NP--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Silica, Wheat Germ, Magnesium Stearate, Talc, Natural & Artificial Flavor, Riboflavin

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.
Precautions

If seal around cap is broken or missing, do not use. Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen and for use beyond one month.

CONTAINS: WHEAT

Hypersensitivity, such as allergy, has been known to occur; in which case, discontinue use immediately

Caution: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Keep out of reach of children

Do not purchase if seal is broken

Warning: Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are allergic to bee products, poplar tree products, or balsam of Peru.

Warning: Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are allergic to bee products, poplar tree products, or balsam of Peru.

Formula

Each capsule contains: Daily dose: Honey (apis mellifera honey) 80 mg 160 mg Propolis bee hive of the honey bee 163 mg 326 mg Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Carob powder, cocoa extract, dextrose, gelatin (encapsulating agent), magnesium stearate, molasses, silicon dioxide, talc, vanilla flavour, wheat germ oil.

CONTAINS: WHEAT

General Statements

Made in the USA

Note: The color, taste, and texture of this product may vary due to its natural ingredients and/or seasonal changes.

Source of antioxidants for the maintenance of good health.

Nature's Wonder Food

General

Item #100850

Seals/Symbols

GPi

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults take one capsule with breakfast and one capsule with dinner, or as directed by a health care practitioner.

Suggested Usage: As a dietary supplement take two capsules daily, or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

Protect from heat, light, and moisture Store at 59-86(0)F (15-30(0)C)

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.

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

See for yourself

Honeybee Propolis by GPI label

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

Honeybee 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 Honeybee Propolis by GPI

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Blend

1000 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Silica, Wheat Germ, Magnesium Stearate, Talc, Natural & Artificial Flavor, Riboflavin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Honeybee Propolis by GPI Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Honeybee 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
2,141Drugs
1,178 Moderate 963 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Carob 2,022
Bee propolis 921
Honey 736
Cocoa 661

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Honeybee Propolis interact with 2,141 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 6 ingredients in Honeybee Propolis interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Carob Bee propolis Honey Cocoa

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Carob1 drug type · 2,022 drugs

Oral Drugs

Theoretically, carob might also impair the absorption of oral drugs.
Laboratory research shows that carob, when consumed as part of the diet or used as a thickening agent in infant formula, reduces the absorption of certain minerals. Take carob 30-60 minutes after oral medications.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Carob full monograph & interactions

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

Honey3 drug types · 736 drugs

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, honey might increase levels of phenytoin.
In an animal model, the rate and extent of absorption of phenytoin was increased by honey. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, honey may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, honey inhibits platelet aggregation and increases the time to clotting. Furthermore, animal research suggests that feeding mice large doses of honey for 12 days increases bleeding time when compared with no intervention. However, these effects have not been reported in humans.

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

Theoretically, honey might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, but research is conflicting.
Some clinical research shows that honey induces CYP3A4. However, other clinical studies found no effect on CYP3A4 activity. Different honey preparations may have different effects on CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Honey full monograph & interactions

Cocoa37 drug types · 661 drugs

Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Theoretically, taking cocoa with ACEIs might increase the risk of adverse effects.
Human research shows that dark chocolate can inhibit ACE. Additionally, prolonged angioedema in an elderly patient on an ACE inhibitor was precipitated with intake of diabetic chocolate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Adenosine (Adenocard)

Theoretically, cocoa might decrease the vasodilatory effects of adenosine and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine is a competitive inhibitor of adenosine at the cellular level. However, caffeine does not seem to affect supplemental adenosine because high interstitial levels of adenosine overcome the antagonistic effects of caffeine. It is recommended that methylxanthines and methylxanthine-containing products be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. However, methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole than adenosine-induced stress testing.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Alcohol (Ethanol)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Alcohol reduces caffeine metabolism. Concomitant use of alcohol can increase caffeine serum concentrations and the risk of caffeine adverse effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, cocoa may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical research shows that intake of cocoa can inhibit platelet adhesion, aggregation, and activity and increase aspirin-induced bleeding time. For patients on dual antiplatelet therapy, cocoa may enhance the inhibitory effect of clopidogrel, but not aspirin, on platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking cocoa with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Clinical research shows that cocoa can modestly decrease blood pressure in hypertensive and normotensive patients.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Beta-Adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, large amounts of cocoa might increase the cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Theoretically, large amounts of caffeine might increase cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists. A case of atrial fibrillation associated with consumption of large quantities of chocolate in a patient with chronic albuterol inhalation abuse has also been reported.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Inhibitors

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2),. Theoretically, drugs that inhibit CYP1A2 may decrease the clearance rate of caffeine from cocoa and increase caffeine levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Dipyridamole (Persantine)

Theoretically, cocoa might decrease the vasodilatory effects of dipyridamole and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine may inhibit dipyridamole-induced vasodilation. It is recommended that methylxanthines and methylxanthine-containing products be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. Methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole than adenosine-induced stress testing.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Theoretically, disulfiram might increase the risk of adverse effects from caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. In human research, disulfiram decreases the rate of caffeine clearance.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, using cocoa with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Cocoa contains caffeine. In excessive amounts, caffeine can reduce potassium levels due to stimulation of the sodium-potassium pump. Diuretics can also cause lower potassium levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ephedrine

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk for stimulant adverse effects.
Cocoa contains caffeine. There is evidence that using ephedrine with caffeine might increase the risk of serious life-threatening or debilitating adverse effects such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, seizures, and death.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, estrogens might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Estrogen inhibits caffeine metabolism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Flutamide (Eulexin)

Theoretically, cocoa might increase the levels and adverse effects of flutamide.
Cocoa contains caffeine. In vitro evidence suggests that caffeine can inhibit the metabolism of flutamide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Theoretically, fluvoxamine might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Fluvoxamine reduces caffeine metabolism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, abrupt cocoa withdrawal might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Cocoa contains caffeine. There are two case reports of lithium tremor that worsened upon abrupt coffee withdrawal.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of a hypertensive crisis.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine with MAOIs might precipitate a hypertensive crisis.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nicotine

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of hypertension.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Concomitant use of caffeine and nicotine has been shown to have additive cardiovascular effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Blood pressure was increased by 10.8/12.4 mmHg when the agents were used concomitantly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, cocoa might decrease the effects of pentobarbital.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine might negate the hypnotic effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

Theoretically, cocoa might reduce the effects of phenobarbital and increase the risk for convulsions.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of phenobarbital. The exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenylpropanolamine

Theoretically, phenylpropanolamine might increase the risk of hypertension, as well as the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Concomitant use of phenylpropanolamine and caffeine might cause an additive increase in blood pressure. Phenylpropanolamine also seems to increase caffeine serum levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, cocoa might reduce the effects of phenytoin and increase the risk for convulsions.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of phenytoin. The effect does not seem to be related to the seizure threshold-lowering effects of caffeine. However, the exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Theoretically, quinolone antibiotics might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Quinolones (also referred to as fluoroquinolones) decrease caffeine clearance.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Riluzole (Rilutek)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of both caffeine and riluzole.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine and riluzole are both metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2, and concomitant use might reduce metabolism of one or both agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase stimulant adverse effects.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Concomitant use might increase the risk of stimulant adverse effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Theophylline

Theoretically, cocoa might increase the levels and adverse effects of theophylline.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine might inhibit theophylline metabolism. Caffeine decreases theophylline clearance 23% to 29%.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cocoa full monograph & all 37 interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

GPI

See all GPI products
Name
Golden Pride International
City
West Palm Beach
State
FL
ZipCode
33407
Phone Number
800-575-1634
Web Address
www.goldenprideonline.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Honeybee Propolis by GPI: Common Questions

Does Honeybee Propolis by GPI interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Honeybee Propolis has a known interaction with 2,141 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Honeybee Propolis contains 6 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
Is this safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The data is mixed. Cocoa is possibly safe in pregnancy, though safety ratings for it vary. Honey is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation as a food, but medicinal use should be discussed with your provider. Bee propolis, however, has insufficient safety data and should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Molasses and carob safety in pregnancy and lactation are not detailed in the data we hold. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What is bee propolis and why is it in this product?
Bee propolis is a resinous mixture that honeybees collect from plants and use to seal and protect their hive. It's included here because it has some evidence for oral mouth sores, cold sores, and blood sugar control. However, it can trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to bee products, so if you have a bee allergy, you should avoid this product.
Can this help with a cough or cold sores?
Honey in this product is possibly effective for cough and cold sores (herpes labialis), and bee propolis is also possibly effective for cold sores. Cocoa is possibly effective for cardiovascular health, not cough or cold sores. Whether the combination works for you as a finished product is not established in our data.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects come from cocoa: stomach noises, constipation, excess urination, stomach discomfort, headaches, and nausea. Honey may cause nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Bee propolis may cause headache. These are generally mild, but allergic reactions to bee products are possible in sensitive individuals.
Why should I be careful if I take blood pressure or heart medications?
Cocoa in this product contains caffeine, which can interfere with several heart and blood pressure drugs—it may reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect of blood pressure medications, interfere with certain stress-test medications, and theoretically increase the heart effects of asthma and heart medications. Bee propolis may also affect how your liver breaks down many medications, including some heart drugs. Your doctor or pharmacist needs to review your specific medications before you start this product.
Are there any fillers or other inactive ingredients I should know about?
Yes. The capsule contains gelatin, silica, wheat germ, magnesium stearate, talc, natural and artificial flavor, and riboflavin. If you have allergies or sensitivities to any of these—especially gelatin (if vegetarian or vegan) or wheat germ—check the label or talk with your pharmacist.

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.

Honeybee Propolis label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Honeybee Propolis’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Cocoa

Interacts with 661 drugs

Cocoa is rich in plant compounds called flavanols that may modestly support blood vessel function and blood pressure, but most chocolate products are high in sugar, fat, and calories, which...

Read the full Cocoa monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Honey

Interacts with 736 drugs

Honey is a natural food with some real, modest evidence for easing coughs and helping certain wounds, especially when special medical-grade or Manuka honey is used. It is generally safe for...

Read the full Honey monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Carob

Interacts with 2,022 drugs

Carob is a Mediterranean tree whose pods are widely used as a caffeine-free, naturally sweet cocoa alternative and as a thickener (carob gum). It is mostly eaten as a food and is generally w...

Read the full Carob monograph → 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

Honeybee 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 189 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.

Cocoa 119 references
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See these in context on the Cocoa monograph →

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  33. Oduwole O, Meremikwu MM, Oyo-Ita A, Udoh EE. Honey for acute cough in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Dec 23;12:CD007094. PubMed
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  37. Wong D, Albietz JM, Tran H, et al. Treatment of contact lens related dry eye with antibacterial honey. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2017;40(6):389-393. PubMed
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See these in context on the Honey monograph →

Carob 9 references
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See these in context on the Carob monograph →

Propolis 21 references
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  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
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  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
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  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 →

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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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