Propolis


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Propolis

	Original Author Healthocrates Staff
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Background

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	Grade^*
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.	C
Burns Preliminary research reports that propolis may have a beneficial effect on the healing of partial thickness burn wounds.	C
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.	C
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.	C
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.	C
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.	C
Fungal infections (of the mouth) The Brazilian commercial ethanol propolis extract, also formulated to ensure physical and chemical stability, was found to inhibit oral candidiasis in 12 denture-bearing patients with prosthesis stomatitis candidiasis association.	C
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.	C
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.	C
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.	C
Prevention of colds Laboratory studies suggest anti-infectious activity of propolis. Limited research in humans does not provide clear conclusions.	C
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.	C

*Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;

B: Good scientific evidence for this use;

C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;

D: Fair scientific evidence against this use;

F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.

Grading rationale

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, 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.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

Acute cervicitis: 5% ointment/cream of propolis applied in the form of vaginal dressings daily for ten days has been studied.

Dental plaque: 10 milliliters of 0.2% to 10% propolis ethanol extract mouthwash has been used in studies, swished in the mouth for 60 to 90 seconds, then spit, used once or twice daily.

Genital herpes simplex virus infection: 3% propolis ointment (made from 75% to 85% concentrated propolis extract) applied topically four times daily for 10 days has been studied. In cases of cervical or vaginal lesions, the same amount of ointment has been applied to the tip of a tampon and inserted vaginally four times daily for 10 days. Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Infections: Two 250 milligram propolis capsules taken by mouth, three times daily for three days has been used for treating bacteria in the urine. 20% to 30% propolis extract taken by mouth for five days has been studied for giardiasis (milligram dosing not clearly described). Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Children (younger than 18 years)

Infections: 10% ethanol extract of propolis taken by mouth over five days has been studied for giardiasis (milligram dosing not established). Note that ethanol (alcohol) preparations should be used cautiously in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Rhinopharyingitis: 0.5 milliliter propolis nasal spray (Nivcrisol®), once weekly for five months has been used in preschool children (mean age 6 years) and school-age children (mean age 9 years), over a five-month period. Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Patients should avoid propolis who have had an allergic/hypersensitivity reaction to propolis, Populus nigra L. (black poplar), poplar bud, bee stings/bee products (including honey), or balsam of Peru. There are multiple reports of swelling, fluid collection, redness, burning, eczema, swelling, fever and other allergic reactions with repeated use of propolis on the skin.

Notes:

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EditText of this page (last edited February 14, 2008)