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 Nutrients for Health

Honeybee Propolis label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
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 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 Nutrients for Health 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 Nutrients for Health

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

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Honeybee Propolis by Nutrients for Health

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.

This capsule contains 6 ingredients, with active components being cocoa, honey, bee propolis, and carob—plus dextrose, molasses, and a proprietary blend. Cocoa brings caffeine and related compounds; honey offers enzymes and antimicrobial compounds; bee propolis supplies flavonoids and plant extracts that bees use to protect their hives; and carob provides natural thickening and mild bioactive compounds.

The remaining inactive ingredients—gelatin, silica, wheat germ, magnesium stearate, talc, artificial flavor, and riboflavin—are excipients used to form and preserve the capsule.

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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Dry eye — rated "Possibly Effective" (Honey) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Cocoa) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Rosacea — rated "Possibly Effective" (Honey) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Diabetic foot ulcers — rated "Possibly Effective" (Honey) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Herpes labialis (cold sores) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Honey) (Natural Medicines).

Cocoa shows possibly effective evidence for cardiovascular disease but is possibly ineffective for stretch marks; evidence is insufficient for aging skin, asthma, and HIV-related lipid abnormalities. Honey is possibly effective for cold sores, cough, oral mucositis (mouth sores from cancer treatment), burns, and dry eye.

Bee propolis is possibly effective for oral mucositis, cold sores, and diabetes, but evidence is insufficient for dengue fever. Carob is possibly effective for diarrhea but has insufficient evidence for athletic performance, diabetes, and familial high cholesterol.

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 is generally well tolerated when used in food amounts, but it contains caffeine and stimulants; chocolate products are often high in sugar and calories. Common side effects include constipation, headaches, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort; rarely, tachycardia (fast heart rate) can occur.

Honey is generally safe for adults and children over 1 year of age; common side effects are nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Bee propolis is generally well tolerated short-term but can cause allergic reactions, especially in people sensitive to bee products; mild headache occurs in about 7% of trial users.

Carob is safe in normal food amounts, though concentrated supplement doses are not well studied. Do not use honey from the Black Sea coast of Turkey, as it may contain grayanotoxins from rhododendrons that can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems.

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.

Check these medication types before taking this product: blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (anticoagulants/antiplatelet agents) because cocoa, honey, and propolis may increase bleeding risk; seizure drugs like phenytoin because honey may raise their levels; heart and blood-pressure drugs including ephedrine, beta-agonists, and antihypertensive medications because cocoa may interfere with them; warfarin specifically because propolis may reduce its effect; and antibiotics (especially quinolones) and any drug your liver breaks down, because cocoa and propolis may change their levels. The Moderate severity interactions with propolis affecting liver-metabolized drugs span multiple enzyme systems (CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, and CYP2E1 substrates).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may help with cough, cold sores, diarrhea, or oral sores based on its honey and propolis content, though the evidence varies by condition. If you take any prescription medication—especially blood thinners, seizure drugs, beta-blockers, antibiotics, blood-pressure drugs, or anything metabolized by your liver—check your specific medications with the tool on this page before starting.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to confirm it's 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 Sep 21, 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 Honeybee Propolis, straight from the product label.

Brand Nutrients for Health
Net contents 180 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 21, 2018
DSLD ID 180993
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 Nutrients for Health, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 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, 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.
General Statements

HoneyBee Propolis is a protective substance metabolized by bees. Records of its dietary and topical uses date back to the ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates (460-377 B.C).

Serving your family with pride since 1889 Rawleigh

A Wonder of Nature

By W.T. Rawleigh

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested usage: As a dietary supplement take two (2) capsules daily, or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

Caution: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are under 18 years old, pregnant, nursing, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Caution: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are under 18 years old, pregnant, nursing, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Keep out of the reach of children

Do not use if seal is broken

Contains: Wheat.

Storage

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

Formula

Contains: Wheat.

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

See for yourself

Honeybee Propolis by Nutrients for Health 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 Nutrients for Health

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

Serving size2 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, Artificial flavor, Riboflavin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Honeybee Propolis by Nutrients for Health 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.

Nutrients for Health

Name
Vitamins Direct
City
West Palm Beach
State
FL
ZipCode
33407
Phone Number
866-354-8384
Web Address
www.vitaminsdirectonline.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Honeybee Propolis by Nutrients for Health: Common Questions

Does Honeybee Propolis by Nutrients for Health 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 while pregnant?
Cocoa is rated possibly safe and possibly unsafe in pregnancy—the data is mixed. Honey is likely safe. Bee propolis is best avoided in pregnancy due to insufficient safety information. There is not enough data on dextrose, molasses, or carob in pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you during pregnancy.
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
Cocoa's caffeine passes into breast milk; modest amounts are likely fine, but watch your baby for fussiness. Honey is likely safe while breastfeeding. Bee propolis is best avoided while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. If you want to use this product, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
What is bee propolis and what does it do?
Bee propolis is a resinous mixture bees collect from plants and use to seal and protect their hive. The product facts show it is possibly effective for oral mucositis, cold sores, and diabetes, though evidence is insufficient for other uses like dengue fever. It's generally well tolerated but can trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to bee products.
Does this product really help with cough or cold sores?
Yes—honey in this product is possibly effective for cough and cold sores based on available evidence. Bee propolis is also possibly effective for cold sores. However, the strength of evidence varies, and results may differ from person to person.
What are the most common side effects?
From cocoa and honey, the most common side effects are nausea, stomach discomfort, headaches, and constipation. Bee propolis most often causes mild headache (reported in about 7% of trial users). Gastrointestinal symptoms like gas and bloating are also possible. These are generally mild.
Can I take this with my stomach medication?
Cocoa in this product has been linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), so if you take medication for acid reflux or ulcers, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting. Use the search tool on this page to check your specific medications.

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
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
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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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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
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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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