Oral extract or spray depending on the product.
Speeds the healing of canker sores and helps with gingivitis (as a rinse).
View the study (systematic review) →Possible mild relief.
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Propolis is a resinous substance that Apis mellifera bees make from exudates of tree buds and bark (mainly poplars, willows, birches, and pines) mixed with wax and salivary enzymes; they use it in the hive as a sealant for cracks, as an antiseptic to keep the internal environment sterile (essential for the health of a community of thousands of individuals in close contact), and to embalm dead invaders too large to remove; these biological functions reflect the pharmacological properties that have made propolis a universally recognized traditional remedy: antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and immunomodulatory.
The chemical composition of propolis is exceptionally complex and varies with geographic origin, the surrounding flora, the season, and the bee species: it contains more than 300 identified compounds, including flavonoids (galangin, pinocembrin, chrysin), phenolic acids (especially caffeic acid phenethyl ester, or CAPE), essential oils, waxes, pollen, and minerals; this geographic variability is important: Brazilian green propolis (rich in artepillin C, from Baccharis dracunculifolia) has a different profile from European propolis (rich in poplar flavonoids) and from Russian or Cuban propolis, each with partially different clinical profiles.
The indication with the most widespread clinical use is acute upper respiratory tract infections (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, cold sores): several trials have shown significant reductions in symptom severity and faster recovery with sprays, gargle solutions, or chewable tablets of standardized propolis for 5-10 days; typical commercial products are hydroalcoholic tinctures, oropharyngeal sprays, or capsules with dry extracts.
In recurrent herpes simplex labialis, several studies have documented significant reductions in healing time and pain with topical application of creams containing 0.5-3 percent propolis, an indication with interesting clinical support and a tolerability profile that compares favorably with topical acyclovir.
In skin lesions (minor burns, wounds, superficial ulcers), topical propolis preparations (creams, ointments, aqueous solutions) speed healing and reduce the risk of bacterial superinfection; several trials have shown efficacy comparable to silver sulfadiazine in mild second-degree burns, a traditional indication with reasonable modern clinical support.
In gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral mucositis (especially that associated with chemotherapy), propolis mouthwashes have shown significant reductions in gingival inflammation and in microbiological markers, an indication with growing clinical support and integrated use in natural dentistry; some commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes include propolis.
In people prone to recurrent infections (especially in pediatrics with recurrent colds), several studies have documented reductions in the frequency and severity of infectious episodes with supplementation over months, an indication consistent with the immunomodulatory activity documented in vitro and with the traditional use as a winter immune tonic.
Doses vary enormously depending on the product and the indication: for systemic use, 200-500 mg/day of dry extract standardized for flavonoids; for hydroalcoholic tincture, 20-40 drops diluted in water, 2-3 times a day; for oropharyngeal use, sprays or tablets according to the product directions; for topical use, specific preparations with declared concentrations; cheap products may have a very low flavonoid content and reduced clinical efficacy, an important consideration when choosing products.
Generally well tolerated; the most frequent adverse effects are allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis) in people sensitive to bee products, the most relevant limitation; people with a known allergy to bees or bee products (honey, royal jelly, pollen) should be cautious and ideally try small amounts first; hydroalcoholic tinctures are unsuitable for recovering alcoholics, people with severe liver disease, and young children (alcohol-free formulations are preferable); in pregnancy and breastfeeding the data are limited, although it has traditionally been used without problems at moderate doses; in severe allergic asthma, caution is advised because of the increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions; products with a declared geographic origin and standardization (flavonoid percentage, chromatographic profile) are more reliable than generic products without characterization.
Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.