Drug Digest: Propolis

Other Names: Bee Glue, Hive Dross, Propolis Balsam, Propolis Resin, Propolis Wax

The actual ingredients in individual propolis products may differ significantly, according to a number of variables including the type of bees that produced the propolis and the geographic location of the hives.

Historically, propolis has been taken by mouth for bacterial infections such as tuberculosis; fungal infections such as oral candidiasis (thrush); parasitic infections such as malaria; and viral infections such as colds. Multiple laboratory, animal, and human studies show that it may have some mild anti-infective effects, possibly due to chemical components known as flavonoids. In laboratory studies, flavonoids have been shown to slow down or stop the division of bacterial cells. Propolis is believed to have similar inhibitory effects on viral and fungal cells. Some research suggests that it may block the entry of viral cells into normal cells, effectively stopping the viral cells from replicating. Propolis may also increase the anti-infective effects of some drugs or other herbals when taken in combination. For example, results from a recent study involving more than 400 Israeli children seem to show that a commercial combination product containing propolis, echinacea, and vitamin C helped not only to shorten and lessen the severity of colds and other infections of the respiratory tract, but also to prevent them in some cases. However, propolis generally is not as effective as prescription anti-infective medications.

Orally, propolis may also have a number of additional effects. A chemical that it contains--caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE--may interfere with the formation of substances, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), that promote inflammation in the body. This possible effect may help to relieve inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Additionally, results from some animal studies also show that propolis may enhance the function of the immune system, potentially strengthening the body's ability to resist infection and inflammation. In other studies, propolis has shown some activity against cancer cells. In test tube and animal studies, it appeared to cause some types of cancer cells to disintegrate. It may also increase the activity of some anticancer drugs and/or decrease the side effects associated with many anticancer drugs. Several other laboratory studies found that propolis may protect the liver from damage by alcohol or environmental toxins. These potential uses of propolis have not been well-studied in humans and the unpredictable composition of propolis makes reproducing the study results difficult.

Preliminary laboratory evidence also shows that propolis may have some effects on the heart. The anti-inflammatory effects of CAPE may help to prevent or lessen general inflammation that may play a role in heart disease. Additionally, in some studies, propolis helped to lower high blood pressure and regulate heart rate in rats. Another study showed that CAPE may have reduced heart rhythm abnormalities and possibly prevented some heart damage in an animal model of heart attacks. Much more research is needed before propolis can be recommended for any heart condition, however.

Topically, propolis has been used in folk medicine to treat skin wounds. Because propolis has a sticky consistency, it was used to protect raw skin before bandages were available. Its mild anti-infective properties may have promoted healing. In a recent study of individuals with second-degree burns, a propolis cream and a prescription burn cream produced about equal results in preventing infection, but the propolis cream promoted earlier healing and seemed to decrease inflammation more than the prescription. In animals, eye drops containing propolis have been studied to reduce inflammation and promote healing of injuries to the cornea of the eye. Also studied recently, an alcohol-based mouth rinse of propolis has shown promise for eliminating oral bacteria that may contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. It has also been used to prevent infections after oral surgery. A recent laboratory study found that it may be less damaging than commonly used antimicrobial agents to normal cells in the mouth. Propolis may have additional value for the temporary storage of teeth that have been knocked out accidentally. More research is needed to prove or disprove all these topical effects, however.

When should I be careful taking it?

Individuals who have asthma should avoid using propolis because the chemicals or contaminants in it may provoke asthma attacks.

Although no cases of cross reactions have been reported, individuals with allergies to bee stings are advised to avoid propolis due to possibly heightened sensitivity to any bee products.

Precautions

Oral propolis may cause allergic reactions in individuals who have allergies to pollen-producing plants or evergreens. Since propolis may originate in nearly any part of the world, the pollens in it may come from a variety of plants, not just the plants in the immediate area where the product is purchased. Therefore, individuals with allergies to any type of plant pollen should use caution when taking propolis by mouth.

What side effects should I watch for?

One case has been reported of a cancer patient whose kidneys suddenly failed after the patient took propolis for about two weeks. When propolis was stopped, kidney function recovered partially. Whether contaminants may have contributed is not known.

Mouth sores from oral propolis or skin rashes from topical propolis have been reported by individuals who were allergic to bee stings. Rashes have also been reported among bee-keepers and others who come into direct contact with propolis or products that contain it. While a rash is most likely to occur at the places where propolis touches the skin, some individuals have developed a general rash on parts of the body that were not in direct contact with propolis.

What interactions should I watch for?

No interactions have been reported between propolis and prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other herbal supplements, or foods. However, the composition of propolis and possible contaminants in it may vary dramatically, even between batches collected from the same bee hive. Additionally, few reliable studies of propolis have been conducted, therefore its possible interactions with drugs, foods, and other dietary supplements are not understood completely.

Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how propolis interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.

Should I take it?

Honeybees are found in nearly every part of the world. Although they are believed to have evolved from tropical wasps millions of years ago, different species of bees have adapted for cool areas. Essential to the reproduction of crops as well as to wild plants, bees are often kept in artificial hives near orchards and farm fields. In addition to collecting nectar and pollen from blooming plants, most bees gather the sticky sap from poplar or evergreen trees. Bees process the sap into propolis, which they use along with the wax they produce to make, defend, and repair their hives. Although honey is the main commercial product that humans harvest from bee hives, other bee products such as wax, propolis, and royal jelly are also collected for human use.

Propolis consists mainly of a sticky resin, which is highly likely to be contaminated with pollen, bee's wax, dust, and other materials depending on the climate, the geographic location of the bee hives, the predominant vegetation in the area, and any environmental pollutants where the bee hives are located. Propolis may have been used by prehistoric humans who suffered bee stings while raiding wild hives for honey. Over the centuries since then, it has been included in folk medicine--usually for topical application to the skin--in most parts of the world. Today, propolis may be included in cosmetics and in health products, such as shampoo and toothpaste.

Dosage and Administration
Oral propolis is available as capsules, extracts, powders, tablets, and other forms. No dosing recommendations are available, and the composition of propolis varies considerably. In general, it is about half evergreen or poplar resin with high percentages of wax and pollen. Actual components depend on the type of bees that produced the propolis, the plants in the vicinity, and the location where it originated. Propolis may contain traces of impurities such as pesticides or environmental pollutants. Individuals who decide to use propolis should purchase a commercial product and follow the directions on the package. Only experienced bee-keepers should try to collect propolis from bee hives.

Topical forms of propolis include creams, lotions, ointments, and even a spray. Generally, they may be applied as often as needed or as often as directed by the manufacturer of the specific product purchased. A fairly large percentage of individuals have sensitivities to contact with propolis, however; so it should be discontinued if itching, pain, redness, or swelling develop at the site of application.


Summary
Propolis may be taken orally to treat various kinds of infections. It is also being studied for anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and liver protective effects. Topical propolis is used mainly for treating minor to moderate skin injuries. It may also help to heal eye injuries and prevent bacterial diseases of the mouth.

Risks
Propolis may cause asthma attacks in individuals who have asthma. It may also provoke allergy symptoms in individuals who are allergic to bee stings, evergreen resin, or plant pollens.

Side Effects
The only side effects known to be associated with propolis are irritations of the skin or mucous membranes where it is applied.

Interactions
No interactions have been identified between propolis and drugs, herbal products, or foods.

Last Revised July 26, 2007

Content source:
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsWho/0,3923,4068|Propolis,00.html

Image source:
http://www.helpinternational.co.uk