Propolis Gum
Also known as: Bee glue, Propolis gum, Apis mellifera resin, Propolis
Overview
Propolis is a complex resinous substance collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from tree buds and sap flows, which they use to seal and protect their hives. It is classified as a natural bee product and botanical supplement, rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. Propolis is primarily used as a dietary supplement for its purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly incorporated into oral health products like mouthwashes and toothpastes, as well as taken as a systemic supplement. Research indicates moderate maturity, with multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its use, particularly in contexts of inflammation and periodontal disease. Its key characteristics include potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Benefits
Propolis offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in reducing inflammation and improving oral health. A meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated that propolis supplementation significantly reduced serum C-reactive protein (CRP) by a weighted mean difference of –1.23 mg/L, indicating a reduction in systemic inflammation. For periodontal health, systematic reviews and meta-analyses showed that propolis, when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing, significantly reduced probing pocket depth by approximately 0.67 mm, improving clinical parameters. Propolis-containing mouthwashes have also been shown to reduce plaque and gingival inflammation. Secondary benefits include improvements in oxidative stress markers and potential glycemic control in diabetic patients with periodontitis. These benefits are particularly observed in adults with metabolic syndrome, obesity, chronic periodontitis, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, with clinically meaningful effect sizes for inflammatory and periodontal disease management. Effects are typically observed within weeks to 6 months of use.
How it works
Propolis exerts its therapeutic effects through multiple biological pathways. Its primary mechanism involves potent antioxidant activity, achieved by scavenging reactive oxygen species, which helps reduce oxidative stress. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α and IL-6) and enzymes, thereby modulating the immune response. Furthermore, propolis demonstrates antimicrobial effects against various oral pathogens, contributing to its benefits in oral health. The active compounds, particularly polyphenols, are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, though bioavailability can vary depending on the specific formulation. Its known molecular targets include inflammatory markers like CRP and various components of oxidative stress pathways.
Side effects
Propolis is generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects in clinical trials. The most common side effects, though rare, are allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with known allergies to bee products. These hypersensitivity reactions can include contact dermatitis. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been reported occasionally, but is uncommon (1-5% incidence). Rare side effects (<1%) are primarily limited to more severe allergic responses. Caution is advised regarding drug interactions, especially with anticoagulants, due to potential additive effects, though data is limited. Propolis is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to bee products or propolis itself. Safety in special populations such as pregnant and lactating women has not been well established, and its use in these groups should be approached with caution.
Dosage
The optimal dosage of propolis varies by indication and formulation. For systemic effects, studies have used oral doses ranging from 400 mg/day. For periodontal health, topical applications are common, or oral doses around 400 mg/day have been used as an adjunct to conventional treatments. The maximum safe dose is not definitively established, but clinical trials up to 6 months using 400 mg/day have shown a good safety profile. Propolis is typically taken as a daily supplement for systemic benefits, while topical applications for oral health may be used multiple times daily. Oral capsules or tablets are recommended for systemic effects, whereas mouthwashes and toothpastes are suitable for local oral benefits. Bioavailability can be influenced by formulation, and co-administration with food may affect absorption. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is propolis safe for daily use?
Yes, propolis is generally safe for daily use, but individuals with allergies to bee products should avoid it due to potential allergic reactions.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Some benefits, particularly on inflammation and periodontal health, have been observed within weeks to a few months of consistent use.
Can propolis replace conventional treatments?
No, propolis is best used as an adjunct to conventional treatments, especially for conditions like periodontal disease, rather than a replacement.
Are there differences between propolis types?
Yes, the chemical composition of propolis can vary significantly based on its geographic origin and the plant sources bees collect from, which may affect its efficacy.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1542184/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 RCTs found that propolis significantly reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, indicating a reduction in systemic inflammation. Despite high heterogeneity across studies regarding dose, duration, and populations, the findings suggest a consistent anti-inflammatory effect. The study was a high-quality systematic review with a registered protocol and robust methodology.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41405-025-00294-z – This systematic review of RCTs on propolis mouthwashes qualitatively concluded that they reduced plaque and gingival inflammation in patients with gingivitis and periodontitis. While promising clinical outcomes were noted, a meta-analysis could not be performed due to significant study heterogeneity. The review was of moderate quality, assessing risk of bias but limited in quantitative synthesis.
- http://www.scielo.sa.cr/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2215-34112022000100032 – This research, including RCTs and a meta-analysis, investigated propolis as an adjunct in chronic periodontitis. It found that propolis improved clinical and microbiological periodontal parameters and also showed improved glycemic control in diabetic patients with periodontitis. The study was of moderate quality, with consistent findings despite small sample sizes and some heterogeneity.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916329/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (3 included in meta-analysis) on adults with periodontal disease found that propolis significantly reduced probing pocket depth by 0.67 mm compared to placebo. The study concluded that propolis is safe and well-tolerated, providing high-quality evidence with clear quantitative synthesis, despite the limited number of RCTs in the meta-analysis and small sample sizes.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33578659/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs on adults with periodontal disease found that propolis significantly reduced probing pocket depth by 0.67 mm compared to placebo. The study concluded that propolis is safe and well-tolerated, providing high-quality evidence with clear quantitative synthesis, despite the limited number of RCTs in the meta-analysis and small sample sizes.
Supplements Containing Propolis Gum
Singer's Saving Grace Extra Strength Soothing Throat Spray
Herbs Etc.
Singer's Saving Grace Honey Lemon Soothing Throat Spray
Herbs Etc.
Mouth Tonic
Herbs Etc.
Phytocillin
Herbs Etc.
Phytocillin
Herbs Etc.
Phytocillin
Herbs Etc.
Phytocillin
Herbs Etc.
Phytocillin
Herbs Etc.
Singer's Saving Grace Honey Lemon Soothing Throat Spray
Herbs Etc.