Propolis : Uses and Health Benefits

by MedlinePlus

Propolis is a natural resin created by bees, used in the construction of hives. Propolis is produced from the buds of conifer and poplar tress, in combination with beeswax and other bee secretions. Historically, propolis was used in Greece to treat abscesses, by the Assyrians to heal wounds and tumors, and by the Egyptians for mummification. Today, propolis is commonly found in chewing gum, cosmetics, creams, lozenges, and ointments.

Propolis has shown promise in dentistry for dental caries, as a natural sealant and enamel hardener. Effectiveness of propolis against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and parasitic infections has been demonstrated in preliminary studies. However, properly controlled randomized human trials are lacking, and further evidence is warranted in order to establish the therapeutic efficacy of propolis for any indication.

Numerous case reports have demonstrated propolis to be a potent allergen and sensitizing agent, and therefore it should be used cautiously in hypersensitive individuals. Toxicity with propolis is rare, although there are multiple case reports of contact dermatitis, erythema, eczema, vesiculitis, and pruritis.

Synonyms

Bee glue, bee propolis, bee putty, Bienenharz (German), hive dross, propolis balsam, propolis resin, propolis wax, propolisina (Spanish), Russian penicillin.

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Acute cervicitis

Laboratory studies suggest anti-bacterial activity of propolis. Preliminary poor-quality research has examined the use of propolis (applied as a cream or ointment) for cervicitis. Further study is necessary before a recommendation can be made.

Burns

Preliminary research reports that propolis may have a beneficial effect on the healing of partial thickness burn wounds.

Cornea complications from zoster

Laboratory studies suggest anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activity of propolis. There is limited poor-quality study of propolis for the treatment of corneal complications of varicella zoster, reporting faster healing and improvement of sight. Better human research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Dental pain

There is preliminary evidence that propolis may reduce dental pain, for example with the use of a propolis gel. Additional research is needed before a clear recommendation can be made.

Dental plaque and gingivitis (mouthwash)

Propolis is a natural resin created by bees, used in the construction of hives. Propolis is produced from the buds of conifer and poplar tress, in combination with beeswax and other bee secretions.Propolis has been suggested for multiple oral problems, including reduction of pain, treatment of infection, and sealing/helping bone to re-form. Laboratory studies suggest activity of propolis against bacteria found in the mouth. Although preliminary human studies report reduction in oral bacterial counts and short-term reduction of plaque formation, these experiments have been poorly designed. Without additional research in this area, the evidence cannot be considered conclusive.

Dental wound healing

Propolis has been reported to assist in repair after tooth extraction in animal studies. Reliable human research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection

Laboratory studies report anti-viral activity of propolis, including against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. Preliminary results from poorly designed human studies suggest propolis used on the skin may improve lesions from genital herpes virus infections. However, without better human study, including comparisons to prescription drugs, firm conclusions cannot be drawn.

Infections

Animal and laboratory studies suggest activity of propolis in the treatment of various types of infections. Initial human research reports possible benefits against oral/dental bacteria, genital herpes, urine bacteria, intestinal giardia infections, or H. pylori . Additional research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease/avascular hip necrosis

These diseases are characterized by the death of bone at the hip joint (femoral head). There is limited human study of injection of propolis into the joint following hip replacement surgery for these conditions. However, without additional human study of safety and effectiveness, no clear conclusions can be drawn.

Prevention of colds

Laboratory studies suggest anti-infectious activity of propolis. Limited research in humans does not provide clear conclusions.

Rheumatic diseases

Based on anti-inflammatory action observed in laboratory research, propolis has been proposed as a possible treatment for rheumatic and other inflammatory diseases. However, there is currently not enough scientific human study to make a clear recommendation.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Acne, anti-spasm, anticoagulant, antioxidant, blood clots, bowel diseases, cancer, Crohn's disease, dermatitis, dilation of veins (vasorelaxant), diverticulitis, eczema, eye infections/inflammation, fungal infections, HIV, immune stimulation, immunomodulatory, laryngitis, liver protection, low blood pressure, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, osteoporosis, prostate carcinoma, pruritis (itching), psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, skin rejuvenator, stomach ulcer, thyroid disease, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis, viral infections, wound healing.

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