Bee Propolis Plant Extract
Also known as: Bee propolis, Bee glue, Resinous bee product, Propolis
Overview
Propolis is a complex, resinous substance produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera and other Apis species) from plant resins, buds, and exudates, combined with bee enzymes and wax. Its chemical composition is rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and aromatic acids. The specific composition varies significantly based on geographic location, plant sources, season, and bee species. Traditionally, propolis has been utilized for its diverse biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. In modern applications, it is commonly used as a dietary supplement to support metabolic health, aid in glycemic control, reduce inflammation, and act as a natural antimicrobial agent. Research on propolis has reached a moderate to high maturity level, with numerous randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses supporting its various health benefits. While evidence quality varies, several studies indicate moderate to high certainty for specific effects like improvements in glycemic control and reduction of inflammatory markers.
Benefits
Propolis offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in metabolic health and inflammation. Meta-analyses demonstrate that propolis supplementation significantly improves glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), leading to reductions in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels (p < 0.05). This effect is considered statistically significant and clinically relevant. Furthermore, systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that propolis effectively reduces inflammatory markers and oxidative stress biomarkers, with the extent of these effects modulated by dose, duration, and the health status of the population. Propolis also shows potential liver protective effects, evidenced by a reduction in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, although its impact on other liver enzymes and lipid profiles remains inconsistent. Beyond these primary effects, propolis has been observed to improve mood and quality of life in patients with metabolic syndrome. Its well-documented antimicrobial and antiviral properties, demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo studies, further contribute to its health benefits. The majority of evidence supports its use in adults with metabolic syndrome, T2DM, and inflammatory conditions, with benefits typically observed after 8–12 weeks of consistent supplementation at doses ranging from 500–1000 mg/day.
How it works
Propolis exerts its therapeutic effects through multiple biological pathways. Its potent antioxidant activity stems from its ability to scavenge free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory effects are achieved by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulating key signaling pathways like NF-κB. Propolis also influences glucose metabolism pathways, contributing to improved glycemic control. Its antimicrobial action involves disrupting microbial cell walls and inhibiting replication, making it effective against various pathogens. The active compounds, primarily flavonoids and phenolic acids, interact with various enzymes and cellular processes. Bioavailability is influenced by the extraction method, with ethanol extracts commonly used to enhance the absorption of these beneficial compounds.
Side effects
Propolis is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. The most common side effect, occurring in more than 5% of users, is mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with known allergies to bee products or plant resins. Rare but possible severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, can occur in highly sensitive individuals. Caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions; propolis may theoretically interact with anticoagulants and immunosuppressants due to its immunomodulatory properties, although clinical data supporting these interactions are limited. Propolis is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to bee products or propolis itself. Due to limited safety data, caution is recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for propolis is approximately 500 mg/day of a standardized extract. Optimal dosage ranges from 500–1000 mg/day, typically taken for 8–12 weeks, based on randomized controlled trials demonstrating efficacy in improving metabolic and inflammatory markers. While a maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, doses up to 1000 mg/day have been well-tolerated in clinical trials. For optimal absorption and efficacy, propolis supplementation is often recommended in divided doses, such as before lunch and dinner, as used in some clinical studies. The form of propolis is important; ethanol extracts standardized for flavonoid content are common and enhance bioavailability. Tablets and capsules are preferred for accurate dosing. The extraction method significantly impacts the absorption and bioavailability of active compounds.
FAQs
Is propolis safe for long-term use?
Limited long-term safety data exist for propolis. Short-term use, typically up to 12 weeks, has been generally well-tolerated and is considered safe based on current research.
Can propolis replace diabetes medication?
No, propolis should not replace prescribed diabetes medication. While it may support glycemic control, it is a supplement and not a substitute for medical treatment.
When are effects noticeable?
Benefits from propolis supplementation are typically observed after 8–12 weeks of consistent daily use, as indicated by clinical studies on metabolic and inflammatory markers.
Does propolis cause allergies?
Yes, propolis can cause allergic reactions, especially in individuals with allergies to bee products or plant resins. Patch testing may be advisable for sensitive individuals.
Is propolis effective for infections?
Propolis has demonstrated antimicrobial and antiviral properties in laboratory settings. However, clinical evidence for its effectiveness in treating specific human infections is currently limited.
Research Sources
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-31254-y – This randomized, double-blind controlled trial investigated the effects of 500 mg/day propolis in 62 adults with metabolic syndrome over 12 weeks. It found that propolis improved mood, quality of life, and metabolic markers, demonstrating its safety and tolerability. The study provides moderate quality evidence, though its generalizability is limited by sample size and single geographic location.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1542184/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized findings from multiple RCTs, concluding that propolis reduces inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The study highlighted that the effects are influenced by dose, duration, and the health status of the population. It is a moderate to high-quality review, applying GRADE methodology, but noted heterogeneity among studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8588957/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on RCTs involving patients with T2DM and metabolic syndrome. It reported that propolis lowers AST levels and improves glycemic control, but found no significant effect on lipid profiles. The study is of moderate quality, minimizing bias, but was limited by a small number of included studies and high inter-study heterogeneity.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12113167/ – This source discusses the broad antimicrobial and antiviral properties of propolis. It provides a general overview of its efficacy against various pathogens, supporting its traditional use as a natural antimicrobial agent. The article contributes to the understanding of propolis's mechanisms of action in combating microbial threats.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00218839.2025.2498192?src= – This source provides additional context on the chemical composition and biological activities of propolis. It likely delves into the specific flavonoids and phenolic compounds responsible for its health benefits, reinforcing the understanding of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The article supports the multifaceted nature of propolis as a dietary supplement.
