Active Ingredient Propolis

bees create propolis, a natural resin, to build their hives. propolis is made from the buds of conifer and poplar trees, beeswax, and other bee secretions. historically, propolis was used in greece to treat abscesses. the assyrians also used propolis to heal wounds and tumors, while the egyptians used it for mummification. today, propolis is commonly found in chewing gum, cosmetics, creams, lozenges, and skin creams. it is frequently used in foods and beverages with the claim that it can

Source:

medlineplus herbs and supplements: propolis

Medical Condition	Uses based on scientific evidence	Grade*
acute nasopharyngitis (common cold)	there is some evidence that propolis may help prevent infections with the virus that causes the common cold. propolis nasal sprays have been suggested as a treatment for runny nose, congestion, and fever in children with nose or throat infections. however, there is not enough clinical evidence to support this use of propolis.	c
burns	propolis may have a beneficial effect on the healing of minor burns. more studies are needed before propolis can be recommended as a burn treatment.	c
cervicitis and endocervicitis	several studies suggest that using propolis as a cream or ointment may help heal an inflamed cervix, the narrow passage at the lower end of the uterus. these studies, however, have been small, low quality, and not fully convincing. better studies are needed.	c
chronic gingivitis, plaque induced	early studies suggest that using a propolis mouthwash may reduce plaque formation, reduce bacteria in the mouth, relieve dental pain and gum inflammation (periodontitis), be useful as a sealant after root canal surgery, and help heal dental wounds. early study using a gel prepared with propolis and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (cape) applied to the gums found that the gel provided comfort and was accepted by the volunteers. although there has been promising research, particularly in the area of	c
gastric ulcer unspecified as acute or chronic without mention of hemorrhage or perforation	some evidence suggests that propolis and some of its components may stop the growth of helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that causes stomach ulcers. further studies are needed to determine safe and effective doses of propolis to treat stomach ulcers.	c
herpes simplex iridocyclitis	laboratory studies report that propolis may have action against viruses, including herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. early results from poorly designed human studies suggest that propolis used on the skin may improve lesions from genital herpes virus infections. however, without better human research, including comparisons to prescription drugs, firm conclusions cannot be drawn.	c
herpes zoster keratoconjunctivitis	laboratory studies suggest that propolis has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects. there is limited research of propolis for the treatment of eye complications of varicella zoster, the virus that causes chicken pox or shingles. some evidence suggests that propolis may speed up healing and improve sight. however, human research is needed before a recommendation can be made.	c
juvenile osteochondrosis of hip and pelvis	these diseases are characterized by the death of bone at the hip joint (called the femoral head). limited human research has tested propolis injections into the joint after hip replacement surgery for these conditions. however, without additional human study of safety and effectiveness, no clear conclusions can be drawn.	c
oral aphthae	there is some evidence that propolis taken by mouth may help reduce outbreaks of canker sores. further research is needed to confirm this.	c
other and unspecified diseases of the oral soft tissues	a brazilian commercial ethanol propolis extract, formulated to ensure physical and chemical stability, was found to inhibit oral candidiasis, a fungal infection of the mouth. more studies are needed to determine if propolis is safe and effective for treating oral candidiasis.	c
rheumatism unspecified and fibrositis	based on anti-inflammatory effects observed in laboratory research, propolis has been proposed as a possible treatment for rheumatic and other inflammatory diseases. however, there is currently not enough scientific human study to make a clear recommendation.	c
vaginitis and vulvovaginitis	propolis may be an effective treatment for vaginal inflammation. however, more research is needed before propolis can be recommended.	c

*Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use;
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.