Other
    Moderate Evidence

    Propolis

    Propolis

    TL;DR

    Propolis is a flavonoid-rich bee resin with decent evidence for topical cold sores and mouth ulcers, and more preliminary support for immune and oral health.

    Ideal For

    • Recurrent cold sores
    • Mouth ulcers or chemotherapy-related mucositis
    • People wanting an antimicrobial oral rinse adjunct

    Avoid If

    • You are allergic to bees, bee products, or poplar
    • You have asthma triggered by inhaled bee products

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Overview

    Propolis composition varies enormously by geography and plant source — Brazilian green propolis (artepillin C), European poplar propolis (pinocembrin, galangin), and red Cuban propolis all have distinct chemistries, which is a persistent obstacle to clean evidence. Where trials are strongest is topical: propolis ointments accelerate healing of herpes labialis about as well as acyclovir cream in randomized comparisons, and propolis mouthwash reduces the severity of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis and plaque scores. Oral propolis for colds and upper respiratory infections shows modest symptom-duration reductions in small trials, and a few studies suggest glycemic and lipid benefits in type 2 diabetes, but these are underpowered. In vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activity is robust and explains much of the mechanistic interest. The main practical caution is allergy: people sensitive to bee products, poplar, or Peru balsam can develop contact dermatitis or, rarely, systemic reactions.

    How It Works

    • Flavonoids (galangin, pinocembrin) disrupt bacterial and viral membranes
    • CAPE inhibits NF-kB signaling, damping inflammatory cytokines
    • Antioxidant scavenging of reactive oxygen species in mucosal tissue
    • Stimulates fibroblast activity and collagen deposition in wound repair

    Benefits & Outcomes

    No linked outcomes yet. Research is ongoing.

    Health Concerns Addressed

    Sore Throat

    symptom
    Mixed evidence
    Limited
    Effectiveness 3/5

    A reasonable soothing option for a scratchy throat if you are not allergic to bee products; not a substitute for treating bacterial pharyngitis.

    Supporting Research
    6 studies

    Effects of propolis supplementation on glycemic status, lipid profiles, inflammation and oxidative stress, liver enzymes, and body weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials

    Score: 7/10
    2021
    meta_analysis
    0

    Jalali M, Ranjbar T, Mosallanezhad Z

    Pooled RCTs showed significant reductions in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c and improvements in inflammatory markers with propolis.

    View source

    Propolis supplementation improves cardiometabolic health in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: findings from a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

    Score: 7/10
    2025
    meta_analysis
    0

    Various

    GRADE-assessed pooled analysis found improvements in glycemic indices and some cardiometabolic markers, with low to moderate certainty of evidence.

    View source

    Effect of propolis on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

    Score: 6/10
    2021
    meta_analysis
    0

    Soleimani D, Rezaie M, Rajabzadeh F

    Propolis significantly lowered fasting glucose and HbA1c versus control in type 2 diabetes.

    View source

    Propolis Improves Periodontal Status and Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

    Score: 6/10
    2016
    rct
    n=52

    El-Sharkawy HM, Anees MM, Van Dyke TE

    Propolis 400 mg/day alongside periodontal therapy improved clinical attachment level and reduced HbA1c versus therapy alone.

    View source

    Efficacy of propolis-based mouthwashes on dental plaque and gingival inflammation: a systematic review

    Score: 6/10
    2020
    systematic_review
    0

    Halboub E, Al-Maweri SA, Al-Wesabi M +4 more

    Propolis mouthwashes reduced plaque and gingival indices comparably to chlorhexidine in most included trials.

    View source

    Cognitive Improvement and Safety Assessment of a Dietary Supplement Containing Propolis Extract in Elderly Japanese: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Parallel-Group, Double-Blind Human Clinical Study

    Score: 5/10
    2021
    rct
    n=79

    Asama T, Hiraoka T, Ohkuma A

    Brazilian green propolis for 24 weeks showed no significant benefit on the primary cognitive endpoint.

    View source

    Safety Information

    Potential Side Effects

    {"Allergic contact dermatitis, mouth irritation, rare systemic allergic reactions"}

    Contraindications

    {"Bee product allergy","Known Peru balsam or poplar sensitivity"}

    Drug Interactions

    • Possible mild antiplatelet additivity with anticoagulants

    Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

    Pregnancy: insufficient_data

    Breastfeeding: insufficient_data

    Dosage Guidelines

    Dosage Used in Studies

    Consult healthcare provider

    Forms Compared

    Food & Timing

    With food if taken orally; tinctures may irritate an empty stomach.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.