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Propolis

What is propolis?

Propolis is a resin-like material from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees. Propolis is rarely available in its pure form. It is extracted from honeycombs and contains bee products.

Propolis has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to the time of Aristotle in 350 BC. The Greeks used propolis for abscesses, the Assyrians used propolis to heal wounds and tumors and the Egyptians used propolis for mummification. Even today, propolis still has many medicinal uses, although it has been shown to be ineffective for some of these applications. Propolis is used for mouth ulcers, infections caused by bacteria including tuberculosis, infections caused by viruses including H1N1 swine flu and the common cold, fungal infections and infections caused by single-celled organisms (protozoa). Propolis is also used to treat cancer of the nose and mouth, to promote immune system function and to treat digestive tract problems including Helicobacter Pylori infections. Propolis is also used as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Some people apply propolis to the skin to clean wounds, for genital herpes, cold sores and to treat minor burns, or use propolis as a mouthwash to speed up healing after oral surgery. In the industrial sector, propolis is used as an ingredient in cosmetics.

How effective is propolis?

Propolis may be effective for the following conditions:

  • Cold sores: Applying a specific 3% propolis ointment (Herstat or ColdSore-FX) could help speed the healing of cold sores and reduce pain caused by cold sores.
  • Genital herpes: Applying a specific 3% propolis ointment (Herstat or ColdSore-FX) may improve the healing of recurrent genital lesions caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Some studies suggest that this ointment could heal such lesions faster and more completely than conventional treatment with a 5% acyclovir ointment.
  • Improve healing and reduce pain and inflammation after oral surgery.

There is not enough scientific data to assess the effectiveness of propolis for mouth ulcers, tuberculosis, infections, cancer of the nose and mouth, stomach ulcers, stomach and intestinal complaints, colds, wounds, inflammations and minor burns, as well as for improving immune function. Further scientific research is required for this.

How does propolis work?

Propolis appears to have activity against bacteria, viruses and fungi. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects and help to heal the skin.

Are there any safety concerns?

There is not enough information to know if propolis is safe. It can cause allergic reactions, which is particularly the case for people who are allergic to bees or bee products. Lozenges containing propolis can cause irritation and ulcers in the mouth.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not enough is known about the use of propolis during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should play it safe and avoid propolis.

Asthma: Some experts believe that some chemicals contained in propolis may aggravate asthma. For this reason, you should avoid propolis if you suffer from asthma.

Allergies: You should not use propolis if you are allergic to bee products including honey, conifers, silver poplar, Peru balsam and salicylates.

Are there any interactions with medication?

It is not known whether propolis interacts with any medications. Before using propolis, you should consult your doctor if you are taking any medication.

Are there any interactions with medicinal herbs or supplements?

There are no known interactions with medicinal herbs or supplements

Are there any interactions with food?

There are no known interactions with food.

Dosage

The following dosages have been scientifically investigated:

Applied to the skin:

  • For cold sores: One 3% propolis ointment (Herstat or ColdSore-FX) applied to the skin five times daily.
  • For herpes: Apply a 3% propolis ointment (Herstat or ColdSore-FX) to the blisters four times a day.
  • As a mouthwash after operations around the mouth: A solution containing propolis, water and alcohol.

References

  1. Hoheisel O. The effects of Herstat (3% propolis ointment ACF ) application in cold sores: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Research 2001;4:65-75.
  2. Szmeja Z, Kulczynski B, Konopacki K. [Clinical usefulness of the preparation Herpestat in the treatment of Herpes labialis]. Otolaryngol Pol 1987;41:183-8.
  3. Amoros M, Lurton E, Boustie J, et al. Comparison of the anti-herpes simplex virus activities of propolis and 3-methyl-but-2-enyl caffeate. J Nat Prod 1994;57:644-7.
  4. Samet N, Laurent C, Susarla SM, Samet-Rubinsteen N. The effect of bee pollen on recurrent aphthous stomatitis. A pilot study. Clin Oral Investig 2007;11:143-7.
  5. Jensen CD, Andersen KE. Allergic contact dermatitis from cera alba (purified propolis) in a lip balm and candy. Contact Dermatitis 2006;55:312-3.
  6. 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.
  7. Santos FA, Bastos EM, Uzeda M, et al. Antibacterial activity of Brazilian propolis and fractions against oral anaerobic bacteria. J Ethnopharmacol 2002;80:1-7.
  8. Gregory SR, Piccolo N, Piccolo MT, et al. Comparison of propolis skin cream to silver sulfadiazine: a naturopathic alternative to antibiotics in treatment of minor burns. J Altern Complement Med 2002;8:77-83.
  9. Szmeja Z, Kulczynski B, Sosnowski Z, Konopacki K. [Therapeutic value of flavonoids in rhinovirus infections]. Otolaryngol Pol 1989;43:180-4.
  10. Anon. Bee Propolis. MotherNature.com 1999. http://www.mothernature.com/library/books/natmed/bee_propolis.asp (Accessed 28 May 2000).
  11. Hashimoto T, Tori M, Asakawa Y, Wollenweber E. Synthesis of two allergenic constituents of propolis and poplar bud excretion. Z Naturforsch [C] 1988;43:470-2.
  12. Hay KD, Greig DE. Propolis allergy: a cause of oral mucositis with ulceration. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1990;70:584-6.
  13. Park YK, et al. Antimicrobial activity of propolis on oral microorganisms. Curr Microbiol 1998;36:24-8.
  14. Mirzoeva OK, Calder PC. The effect of propolis and its components on eicosanoid production during the inflammatory response. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1996;55:441-9.
  15. Lee SK, Song L, Mata-Greenwood E, et al. Modulation of in vitro biomarkers of the carcinogenic process by chemopreventive agents. Anticancer Res 1999;19:35-44.
  16. Vynograd N, Vynograd I, Sosnowski Z. A comparative multi-center study of the efficacy of propolis, acyclovir and placebo in the treatment of genital herpes (HSV). Phytomedicine 2000;7:1-6.
  17. Magro-Filho O, de Carvalho AC. Application of propolis to dental sockets and skin wounds. J Nihon Univ Sch Dent 1990;32:4-13.
  18. Magro-Filho O, de Carvalho AC. Topical effect of propolis in the repair of sulcoplasties by the modified Kazanjian technique. Cytological and clinical evaluation. J Nihon Univ Sch Dent 1994;36:102-11.