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Dietary supplement

Propolis Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hawaii Pharm

Propolis label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking 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

Propolis is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm 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 raw and unprocessed Propolis extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Propolis by Hawaii Pharm

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Propolis by Hawaii Pharm

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 Sep 3, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

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

This product contains one active ingredient: raw and unprocessed propolis extract. Propolis is a resinous compound that bees produce and use to seal their hives.

It's delivered here in a liquid form with vegetable palm glycerin and pharmaceutical-grade alcohol as inactive ingredients.

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 Propolis's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Propolis 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 ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Diabetes — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Herpes labialis (cold sores) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Oral mucositis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The data we hold shows propolis is possibly effective for oral mucositis (mouth sores) and herpes labialis (cold sores) when taken orally or applied topically. It's also rated possibly effective for diabetes.

For dengue fever, the evidence isn't established enough to rate reliably.

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 in the short term. The most common side effect when taken by mouth is headache — around 7% of people in one trial reported mild headache at a dose of 250 mg twice daily over 4 months.

Applied to skin, it can cause contact dermatitis or a form of rash (erythema multiforme-like contact dermatitis) in sensitive people. Rare but serious allergic reactions are possible, especially if you're sensitive to bee products.

Because there isn't enough reliable safety information, propolis should be avoided during pregnancy and 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 with your pharmacist or doctor if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel) — propolis may increase bleeding risk or reduce warfarin's effectiveness. Also verify any other medications you take, especially those processed by your liver, since propolis may theoretically raise their blood levels.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Propolis may help with cold sores, mouth sores, or blood sugar support, and most people tolerate it without problems. However, it's important for anyone taking blood thinners or medications that rely on specific liver enzymes to clear it — which includes a large number of drugs — to check with their doctor or pharmacist before adding this product, since it could affect how those medications work.

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 Nov 21, 2020.

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 Propolis, straight from the product label.

Brand Hawaii Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 650905465994
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 21, 2020
DSLD ID 237711
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Propolis by Hawaii Pharm, 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:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
650905465994
IngredientAmount% DV
raw and unprocessed Propolis extract970 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Palm Glycerin, pharmaceutical grade Alcohol

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

Hawaii Pharm Herbal Extract Highest quality since 2008

Made with Aloha!

Formulation

Contains no GMO, gluten, artificial colors, heavy metals, preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers.

Super concentrated liquid herbal extract. Dry herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3.

Manufactured in an FDA registered facility.

Non GMO Gluten free

Made in USA, Hawaii

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: Shake well before using. Take about 20-30 drops (0.7-1 ml, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) to 2-4 oz of juice or water up to 4 times per day.

Precautions

Warning: Keep out of the reach of children.

May have contraindications. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing or taking any medications.

Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Dietary Supplement

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.

Seals/Symbols

FDA Registered Facility Made in United States of America USA

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

See for yourself

Propolis by Hawaii Pharm label

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

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 Propolis by Hawaii Pharm

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

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Raw and unprocessed Propolis extract

Interacts with
921 drugs
970 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...

Raw and unprocessed Propolis extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Palm Glycerin, Pharmaceutical grade Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Propolis by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Propolis?

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

 Go to the checker
921Drugs
921 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

raw and unprocessed Propolis extract 921

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Propolis interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. raw and unprocessed Propolis extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

raw and unprocessed 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
raw and unprocessed Propolis extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Hawaii Pharm

See all Hawaii Pharm products
Name
Hawaii Pharm LLC
City
Honolulu
State
HI
ZipCode
96815
Web Address
www.hawaiipharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Propolis by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions

Does Propolis by Hawaii Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Propolis has a known interaction with 921 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Propolis contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm allergic to bee products?
You should not use propolis if you're allergic to bees or bee products — it can trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe. If you're unsure about your bee sensitivity, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
Is it safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable safety information to know either way during pregnancy, so it's best avoided then. For breastfeeding, the data suggests it may be okay, but you should discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it's right for your situation.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most people have no problems. The most common side effect is a mild headache. Applied to skin, it can cause rash or dermatitis in sensitive people. Rare serious allergic reactions are possible — stop use and seek care immediately if you notice signs of allergy like swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe rash.
Does propolis actually work for cold sores?
Yes — propolis is rated possibly effective for herpes labialis (cold sores) based on the evidence we hold. It may also help with mouth sores and blood sugar, though you should still talk to your doctor about whether it's a good fit alongside your other treatments.
What are the inactive ingredients in this liquid?
The liquid form contains vegetable palm glycerin and pharmaceutical-grade alcohol as inactive ingredients — these are fillers and carriers to deliver the propolis.

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

Not sure if Propolis is safe with your meds?

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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.

Propolis label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Propolis’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Propolis

Interacts with 921 drugs

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

Read the full Propolis monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

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

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

The 21 references behind this product’s interaction data

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

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

See these in context on the Propolis monograph →

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

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

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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