Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Comvita

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 is a dietary supplement by Comvita 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 Propolis extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 by Comvita

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

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.

This product contains a single active ingredient: propolis extract. Propolis is a resin-like mixture collected by honeybees from tree buds and other plant sources; it's been used traditionally for immune support and oral health.

The capsule also includes several inactive ingredients (microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, water, and silicon dioxide) that help form and preserve the supplement.

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: Antioxidant and immune 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.

Propolis extract is possibly effective for oral mucositis (mouth sores, often from cancer treatment) and herpes labialis (cold sores). The evidence base for diabetes is also possibly effective, though data is limited.

For dengue fever, we don't yet hold enough reliable evidence to rate it. If you're considering this product for one of those first two uses, the data suggests it may help — but talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether it fits your specific situation.

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.

Propolis is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, though allergic reactions are possible, particularly if you're sensitive to bee products or bee-derived substances. The most common side effect reported in trials is mild headache — around 7% of people taking 250 mg twice daily for 4 months experienced it.

Rarely, severe allergic reactions can occur. Because there isn't enough reliable safety information, this product should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

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, double-check blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin) — propolis may increase bleeding risk or reduce warfarin's effect. Also check any medications broken down by your liver's cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, or CYP2E1), including certain antidepressants, heart and blood pressure medications, cancer drugs, and seizure medications — propolis might raise their blood levels.

Use the medication checker on this page with your exact drug list.

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.

Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 may be worth considering if you're looking at it for cold sores or mouth sores and you have no drug interactions. If you take any prescription medications — especially blood thinners, antidepressants, heart drugs, or cancer medications — check them first with the tool on this page.

People allergic to bee products should skip this supplement.

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 Dec 21, 2024.

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 Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15, straight from the product label.

Brand Comvita
Net contents 30 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 21, 2024
DSLD ID 319406
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 by Comvita, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Propolis extract100 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Water, Silicon Dioxide

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: Antioxidant support: Take 1 capsule daily. Immune support: Take 2 capsules daily.

Precautions

Do not use if carton seal is broken.

Warnings: Propolis may cause severe allergic reactions. If irritation or swelling of the mouth or throat occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner.

Not recommended for use by pregnant and lactating women.

Keep out of reach of children.

Formulation

Honey bees are clever They make propolis by collecting resin from trees and combine it with beeswax and enzymes to seal and protect the hive.

Regular strength Immune support

Made in New Zealand from imported and New Zealand ingredients.

General Statements

Jar made from 100% recycled plastic Recycle me again

Seals/Symbols

NewZealand.com Licence No. 100014

Brand IP Statement(s)

Beekeeping since 1974 Comvita

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

Storage: Store out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place (below25 degrees C/ 77 degrees F).

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Formula

Bee Propolis originates from a plant's defense system and contains over 300 powerful natural bioactive compounds, flavonoids and phenolics (antioxidants) which can support health and wellbeing.

See for yourself

Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 by Comvita label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 by Comvita

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Propolis extract

Interacts with
921 drugs
100 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...

Propolis extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Water, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 by Comvita Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 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.

Propolis extract8 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15, from the product label.

Comvita

See all Comvita products
Name
Comvita USA Inc.
Street Address
506 Chapala St.
City
Santa Barbara
State
CA
Web Address
comvita.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 by Comvita: Common Questions

Does Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 by Comvita interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 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?
Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 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.
Can I take this if I'm allergic to bees?
No. Propolis is a bee product, and people allergic to bees or bee-derived substances are more likely to have allergic reactions to it. If you have any bee allergy, avoid this supplement.
Does propolis really help with cold sores?
The evidence suggests it's possibly effective for herpes labialis (cold sores), but the data is still limited. Talk with your pharmacist about whether it makes sense for your situation.
What's the most common side effect?
Mild headache — about 7% of people in clinical trials taking 250 mg twice daily for 4 months reported it. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially in sensitive individuals.
Is it safe to take during pregnancy?
No. There isn't enough reliable safety information about propolis in pregnancy, so it's best avoided. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What exactly is propolis?
Propolis is a resin-like mixture that honeybees collect from tree buds and other plants. Bees use it to seal their hives. It's been used traditionally for immune support and oral health.

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

Not sure if Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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.

Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Immune Bee Propolis PFL 15'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

Keep exploring