Propolis is a mixture of pollen and beeswax produced by honey bees. It contains flavonoids and has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Propolis has a long history of use as a natural treatment for many health problems.

Propolis is widely available in supplement form and as an ingredient in certain products applied directly to the skin, such as ointments and creams. In addition, propolis is sometimes found in nasal and throat sprays, mouthwash, and toothpaste.

Benefits and Uses

Propolis has many purported health benefits:

Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Anticancer
Antibacterial
Wound healing

Propolis' protective immune defense and antioxidant properties are attributed to its bioactive phytochemical components, for example:

Flavonoids: Well-known for their beneficial effects in reducing inflammation, flavonoids are found (in varying amounts) in fruits, vegetables, grains, bark, flowering plants, tea, and wine.
Polyphenols: Polyphenols act as antioxidants, helping to protect the body and neutralize free radicals that cause damage to cells. They are found in foods like fruits, vegetables, coffee, and dark chocolate.
Amino acids: According to a 2024 study, propolis contains 28 amino acids including arginine, tyrosine, and leucine. Amino acids break down food, build muscle, and strengthen immunity among other functions.

While studied for issues ranging from cavity control and core sores to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stomach ulcers, there is not enough research done on humans to support using propolis for these purposes.

The limited research that has been done on the use of propolis for oral, skin, and genital diseases has been inconclusive. Researchers attribute this to small sample sizes and how studies were organized and carried out.

Dosage

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements the way it regulates prescription medications. As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label. When choosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such as NSF, U.S. Pharmacopeia, or ConsumerLab.com. For personalized guidance, consult your healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.

Propolis is present in small quantities in honey but is also widely available as an ingredient in ointments and creams, sprays, and oral hygiene products as well as in supplement form.

There is no recommended daily dose of propolis and there are not enough human studies to determine how much propolis should be taken to support health conditions.

While more research is needed on the appropriate dosage, adults have used propolis in doses of 400 to 500 milligrams (mg) by mouth daily for up to 13 months.

Be sure to follow all product use instructions.

Precautions

Propolis may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders or during surgery. Stop taking propolis two weeks before surgery.

Do not use propolis if you are allergic to bee products (including honey).

Children and those who are pregnant or lactating should not take propolis as not enough research has been done in these populations. Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any type of supplement.

Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage is appropriate for your individual needs.

Side Effects

Propolis may lead to side effects in some individuals. Due to a lack of research, little is known about propolis's short-term or long-term side effects. Stop using propolis and contact your healthcare provider if any side effects occur.

Interactions

Propolis has been noted to have interactions with certain medications and herbal supplements, which include:

Medications that use cytochrome P450 to break them down: Propolis could change the effect of these medications.
Jantoven (warfarin): Propolis might decrease the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of blood clotting.
Garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, and nattokinase: Propolis might slow blood clotting, so taking it with other supplements with similar effects may increase the risk of bleeding.

Always check with your healthcare provider before using propolis, especially if you are taking any medications.

Summary

Propolis is a mixture of pollen and beeswax collected by bees from certain plants and trees. It is available in many forms and can be taken by mouth and applied to the skin. More research is needed on the health benefits of propolis, as many of its uses are not backed up by human research.

Therefore, it is unlikely that you will need to take propolis in supplement form for any health reasons. However, if you are considering taking propolis for any reason, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider first.

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