Propolis

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a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

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This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Amount	Why
Common Cold and Sore Throat	500 mg one to two times per day	Propolis extracts may be helpful in preventing and shortening the duration of the common cold.
Common Cold and Sore Throat 500 mg one to two times per day Propolis is the resinous substance collected by bees from the leaf buds and bark of trees, especially poplar and conifer trees. Propolis extracts may be helpful in preventing and shortening the duration of the common cold. A preliminary clinical trial reported propolis extract (daily dose not given) reduced upper respiratory infections in children.¹ In one small, double-blind trial of propolis for the common cold, the group taking propolis extract (amount unstated) became free of symptoms more quickly than the placebo group.² Most manufacturers recommend 500 mg of oral propolis products once or twice daily. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Female Infertility and Endometriosis	500 mg twice per day	For infertile women with endometriosis, taking propolis may improve the likelihood of pregnancy.
Female Infertility and Endometriosis 500 mg twice per day In a preliminary study of women with infertility and mild endometriosis, supplementation with propolis (500 mg twice a day for six months) was associated with a pregnancy rate of 60%, compared with a rate of 20% in the placebo group (a statistically significant difference).³ Whether propolis would be beneficial for infertile women who do not have endometriosis is not known.

Used for	Amount	Why
Genital Herpes	Apply a 3% propolis ointment to the lesions four times per day	One study found that an ointment containing propolis was almost twice as effective against herpes as topical antiviral medication or a placebo ointment.
Genital Herpes Apply a 3% propolis ointment to the lesions four times per day A test tube study found that flavonoids present in propolis are responsible for the supplement’s antiviral action.⁴ A controlled study found that an ointment containing propolis, used four times daily, was almost twice as effective as topical antiviral medication or a placebo ointment.⁵ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Parasites	Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner	Propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees from trees, has antimicrobial properties that may help protect against parasitic infections in the gastrointestinal tract.
Parasites Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees from the leaf buds and bark of trees, especially poplar and conifer trees. The antimicrobial properties of propolis may help protect against parasitic infections in the gastrointestinal tract. One preliminary trial of propolis extract for children and adults with giardiasis showed a 52% rate of successful parasite elimination in children and a 60% elimination rate in adults (amount not stated).⁶ These results are not as impressive as those achieved with conventional drugs for giardiasis, though, so propolis should not be used as the sole therapy for parasites without first consulting a physician about available medical treatment. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Rheumatoid Arthritis	Apply a topical product according to package directions	Propolis, the resinous substance collected by bees from trees, has anti-inflammatory effects and appears to improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Apply a topical product according to package directions Propolis is the resinous substance collected by bees from the leaf buds and bark of trees, especially poplar and conifer trees. Anti-inflammatory effects from topical application of propolis extract have been noted in one animal study,⁷and a preliminary controlled trial found that patients with RA treated with topical propolis extract (amount and duration not noted) had greater improvements in symptoms compared to placebo.⁸ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Yeast Infection	Apply an alcohol extract containing 2 grams per 25 ml four times per day	In one study, topical application of an alcohol extract of Brazilian propolis resolved candidiasis people who were had oral candidiasis associated with denture use.
Yeast Infection Apply an alcohol extract containing 2 grams per 25 ml four times per day In a preliminary study, topical application of an alcohol extract of Brazilian propolis resolved candidiasis in 12 of 12 people who were experiencing oral candidiasis associated with the use of dentures. The extract, which was prepared by mixing 2 grams of dried propolis in 25 ml of an 80:20 alcohol:water solution, was applied to the lesions four times a day for seven days.⁹ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Cold Sores	Refer to label instructions	Applying an ointment containing propolis has been shown to relieve genital herpes. It is likely that this treatment might also benefit people with cold sores.
Cold Sores Application of an ointment containing propolis, the resin collected by bees from trees, has been shown to relieve genital herpes more effectively than topical acyclovir.¹⁰ It is likely that this treatment might also benefit people with cold sores, although this has not been tested. Propolis ointment should be applied four times per day. Learn More

Also indexed as:

propolis

About this treatment

How to Use It

Most manufacturers recommend 500 mg of oral propolis products once or twice daily. For topical applications, follow label instructions.

Where to Find It

Propolis is available in liquid extract form as well as in capsules and tablets. Topical creams and sprays containing propolis are also available, but whether they closely resemble topical propolis products used in research is unclear.

Possible Deficiencies

Propolis is not an essential nutrient and no deficiency states have been reported.

Interactions

Last Review: 05-11-2011

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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