For centuries, people have collected propolis, a gummy resin that bees use to fill in the cracks of their beehives and keep predators at bay. These days, propolis is sold in capsules (pills) or as a liquid extract \u2014 and modern-day fans claim that it has all types of health benefits.<\/p>\n
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy<\/a><\/p>\n But not so fast.<\/p>\n Wellness and preventive medicine specialist\u00a0Robert Saper, MD, MPH<\/a>,\u00a0says science doesn\u2019t support most claims about propolis\u2019s medicinal properties.<\/p>\n Dr. Saper explains what propolis is and what the research says.<\/p>\n What is propolis?<\/p>\n Propolis (aka bee glue, bee putty or hive dross) is a substance that bees collect and use to build and repair their hives. It\u2019s made up of beeswax, resin and oils. It\u2019s not the same thing as honey, beeswax or bee pollen<\/a>, though they all fall into the category of \u201cbee byproducts,\u201d aka products made by bees.<\/p>\n Since ancient times, propolis has been used for everything from varnishing Italian violins to making Greek perfume. Historically, it was thought to help heal wounds, prevent infections and even ease the symptoms of cancer treatments.<\/p>\n Today\u2019s proponents say propolis has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a worthwhile supplement. But Dr. Saper reiterates that modern science doesn\u2019t support most claims about propolis\u2019s medicinal properties.<\/p>\n It\u2019s true that propolis is a natural substance that contains more than 500 compounds, including\u00a0polyphenols<\/a>, which are plant-based nutrients that help your body manage inflammation and fight\u00a0oxidative stress.<\/p>\n But here\u2019s the thing: Nearly\u00a0all\u00a0natural foods contain\u00a0antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other various good stuff \u2014 and propolis isn\u2019t the best way to get them.<\/p>\n \u201cThe best way to get those benefits is to eat abundant amounts of fruits and vegetables, rather than by adding on supplements,\u201d Dr. Saper says.<\/p>\n Possible propolis benefits<\/p>\n There are three areas where propolis may have some uses, though Dr. Saper reminds us that more research is needed on all of them.<\/p>\n 1. May help with diabetes management<\/p>\n Propolis could have a positive effect on people with\u00a0Type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n In 2019, a meta-analysis\u00a0examined six studies<\/a>\u00a0on the effects of propolis in under 400 people with diabetes. In the grand scheme of things, that\u2019s a small number of study participants \u2014 but still, the data showed some promise.<\/p>\n Participants\u2019\u00a0hemoglobin A1C<\/a>\u00a0reduced by about half a percent, and their\u00a0fasting blood sugar\u00a0went down by 25 milligrams.<\/p>\n That said, Dr. Saper points out that there are other, more scientifically proven ways to manage diabetes.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are many existing treatments that are known to be very effective for this condition,\u201d he says. \u201cThere is great scientific evidence that\u00a0reducing refined carbohydrates\u00a0can improve diabetes, as can\u00a0exercise, better sleep and a number of different\u00a0medications.\u201d<\/p>\n In other words, there\u2019s no real need for propolis when there are so many other evidence-based ways to effectively manage diabetes.<\/p>\n 2. May help heal cold sores<\/p>\n Propolis may be able to speed up the healing of\u00a0cold sores<\/a>\u00a0from oral herpes, aka herpes labialis or HSV-1. This infection, caused by the\u00a0herpes simplex virus<\/a>, causes fluid-filled blisters around the mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cSome small, placebo<\/a>-controlled studies show that using an ointment that contains propolis on cold sores seems to reduce the length of time it takes for them to heal,\u201d Dr. Saper explains.<\/p>\n One study<\/a>, for example, found that applying propolis to cold sores three times a day helped them heal faster than no treatment at all. But that doesn\u2019t mean propolis is your best option.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are stronger, more evidence-based treatments, like antiviral pills and ointments, that are very effective for the same purpose,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n 3. May relieve some side effects of chemotherapy<\/p>\n Propolis may be able to help lessen the effects of oral mucositis, a common and painful\u00a0side effect of chemotherapy.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a common condition that, in the context of a serious illness like cancer, can be incredibly disturbing,\u201d Dr. Saper says. \u201cAnd there aren\u2019t many good treatments for it.\u201d<\/p>\n Oral mucositis<\/a>\u00a0occurs when the mucous membranes of your mouth become inflamed, making the inside of your mouth red, shiny, swollen and raw. It can also cause sores or white patches of pus to form inside your mouth.<\/p>\n Oral mucositis is a temporary condition that will eventually heal \u2014 but in the meantime, it can be very painful. Studies show<\/a>\u00a0that people sometimes even stop or scale back on their chemo treatments because the condition becomes so unbearable.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are certain treatments we try for oral mucositis that can be helpful,\u201d he continues. \u201cIf you\u2019re dealing with this condition, it may be reasonable to try propolis, but you should only do so under the guidance of your physician.\u201d<\/p>\n What else can propolis do?<\/p>\n You might\u2019ve heard that propolis can cure all kinds of ailments, including:<\/p>\n Sore throatsAcneAllergies<\/p>\n But again, Dr. Saper says there isn\u2019t evidence that propolis can effectively treat any of these conditions \u2014 and in fact, it could make them worse. For example, he says the belief that propolis can treat allergies comes from just a few small studies.<\/p>\n \u201cOn the other hand, propolis has also been found<\/a> to be a risk factor for causing allergic reactions,\u201d he cautions, \u201cand that can make asthma worse, too.\u201d<\/p>\n Is it safe to take propolis?<\/p>\n Just because propolis is a natural substance doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s risk-free. Dr. Saper explains who should avoid propolis and what negative effects it may have.<\/p>\n May be unsafe for people with certain health conditions<\/p>\n Allergic reactions to propolis are rare and unlikely. But speak with your healthcare provider before trying propolis if you have allergic conditions like:<\/p>\n AsthmaEczemaSeasonal allergies<\/p>\n Propolis may also pose an increased risk to people with:<\/p>\n Bleeding disorders<\/a>Pregnancy<\/p>\n A healthcare provider can help you determine whether propolis is safe for you.<\/p>\n Can interact with some medications<\/p>\n Like other vitamins and supplements, propolis can interact with other medications, making them less effective and even raising your risk for certain conditions. Avoid propolis if you take:<\/p>\n Blood thinners:\u00a0Because propolis can slow the blood clotting process, it may interfere with\u00a0anticoagulants<\/a>\u00a0(including\u00a0warfarin) that you take to prevent and treat blood clots.CYP450 substrates:\u00a0Propolis can affect your liver\u2019s ability to break down\u00a0certain medications<\/a>, including many types of statins, immunosuppressants, antidepressants and beta-blockers.Other supplements:\u00a0Taking propolis with other supplements that slow blood clotting, like garlic, ginger and ginkgo, can further raise your risk of bleeding.<\/p>\n Because propolis can make it harder for your blood to clot, it\u2019s not safe to take before surgery. If you\u2019ve been taking propolis and have a surgery coming up, stop taking it at least two weeks beforehand.<\/p>\n No guarantee of product quality<\/p>\n The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn\u2019t regulate supplements the way they do with medications, so there\u2019s no real way to be sure what you\u2019re getting \u2014 with propolis or any other supplement. A study of 42 samples of raw propolis<\/a>\u00a0found varying levels of:<\/p>\n