What is Propolis?
This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Propolis is a natural resinous substance produced by honeybees from various plant sources. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its numerous biological and pharmacological properties. Recent scientific studies have highlighted its potential benefits in various medical and health-related applications. Other names include: Acide de Cire d’Abeille, Baume de Propolis, Bee Glue, Bee Propolis, Beeswax Acid, Brazilian Green Propolis, Brazilian Propolis, Brown Propolis, Cire d’Abeille Synthétique, Cire de Propolis, Colle d’Abeille, Green Propolis, Hive Dross, Pénicilline Russe, Propóleos, Propolis Balsam, Propolis Cera, Propolis d’Abeille, Propolis Resin, Propolis Wax, Red Propolis, Résine de Propolis, Russian Penicillin, Synthetic Beeswax, Yellow Propolis.
Composition and Properties
Propolis is composed of plant resins, beeswax, essential oils, pollen, and other organic compounds. Its chemical composition can vary depending on the geographical location and the specific plants from which the bees collect the resins. The primary bioactive components of propolis include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and esters, which contribute to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties1 2 3.
Medical Applications of Propolis
Diabetes Management
Propolis has shown promising results in managing diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Studies have demonstrated that propolis supplementation can significantly reduce levels of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and serum Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML) in patients with T2DM. Additionally, it has been found to improve periodontal therapy outcomes in individuals with chronic periodontitis and T2DM1 4.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Propolis is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that it can suppress the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in inflamed tissues. This makes it a valuable agent in treating various inflammatory conditions, including dental pulp inflammation and other oral diseases2 7.
Antioxidant and Protective Effects
Propolis acts as a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. It has been found to protect against oxidative stress and tissue damage induced by harmful agents such as methotrexate. In animal studies, propolis supplementation has been shown to prevent testicular injury and improve testicular morphology and function3.
Immune System Modulation
Propolis has immunomodulatory effects, which can be beneficial in managing immune-related conditions. For instance, in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), propolis intake has been associated with increased expression of Foxp3 and enhanced lymphocyte proliferation, suggesting an improvement in immune response and a decrease in inflammatory status7.
Respiratory Health
Propolis has also been studied for its efficacy in treating upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Clinical trials have shown that propolis oral spray can significantly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms associated with mild uncomplicated URTIs, providing a natural alternative to pharmacological treatments8.
COVID-19
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, propolis has been investigated for its potential benefits as an adjunct treatment. A study involving hospitalized COVID-19 patients found that propolis supplementation reduced the length of hospital stay and the incidence of acute kidney injury, highlighting its potential role in managing the disease5.
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Adverse Effects of Propolis
Fetal Development and Placental Health
High doses of propolis (1400 mg/kg) during pregnancy can reduce fetal weight, crown-rump length, and increase the number of resorptions. It also causes histopathological changes in the placenta, such as reduced labyrinth development6.
Reproductive Toxicity
Propolis alone did not show adverse effects on reproductive parameters. However, when combined with toxic substances like aluminium chloride, it helped mitigate reproductive toxicity, suggesting its protective rather than harmful role in reproductive health7 9.
Liver and Kidney Function
Propolis did not cause adverse effects on liver and kidney functions when administered alone. In fact, it showed protective effects against toxicity induced by substances like aluminium chloride and cisplatin, reducing liver enzyme levels and oxidative stress markers2 3 9.
General Toxicity and Safety
In clinical trials, propolis did not significantly increase the rate of adverse events compared to control groups. For instance, in a study on rheumatoid arthritis patients, the adverse event rate was similar between the propolis and placebo groups4. Similarly, in a study on COVID-19 patients, no significant adverse events were reported due to propolis5.
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How has Propolis Improved Patient Outcomes?
Improvement in Glycemic Control and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetes
Propolis significantly reduces fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and improves lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes1 3 4 7.
It also decreases insulin resistance and increases antioxidant status, enhancing overall glycemic control4 7.
Enhanced Periodontal Health
Propolis supplementation, when combined with scaling and root planing (SRP), significantly improves periodontal parameters such as probing depth reduction and clinical attachment level gain in patients with chronic periodontitis1 8.
Reduction in Hospital Stay for COVID-19 Patients
Propolis reduces the length of hospital stay in COVID-19 patients, with higher doses showing more significant effects. It also lowers the rate of acute kidney injury in these patients2.
Improvement in Liver Health in NAFLD
Propolis shows protective effects on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), reducing liver stiffness and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels5 6.
Asthma Management
Propolis improves clinical and physiological outcomes in patients with moderate persistent asthma, including increased Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores, improved lung function, and reduced eosinophilic inflammation9.
Reduction in Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Pneumosepsis
Propolis, especially when combined with melatonin, reduces inflammation markers such as interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, and improves clinical outcomes in patients with primary pneumosepsis10.
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Propolis Mechanisms of Action
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Propolis reduces oxidative stress and inflammation by increasing antioxidant enzyme levels (e.g., SOD, GPx) and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β)1 2 5 6 7 8 9 10.
It also inhibits lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage in various tissues, including the liver, brain, and kidneys1 2 5 6 7 8 9 10.
Modulation of Signaling Pathways
Propolis modulates several signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, TGF-β/Smad2, and Bcl2/BAX/P53, which are involved in cell survival, apoptosis, and fibrosis1 2.
It also affects the nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathways, contributing to vascular protection and endothelial function8 9.
Immune System Enhancement
Propolis enhances immune responses by increasing the levels of immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG) and cytokines (e.g., IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ), thereby boosting both humoral and cellular immunity3.
It also shows antiviral properties, particularly against porcine parvovirus (PPV), by enhancing the immune response and directly inhibiting viral activity3.
Neuroprotective Effects
Propolis exhibits neuroprotective effects in models of cerebral ischemia by reducing neuronal injury, improving motor coordination, and upregulating neuroprotective factors like TGF-β1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)2 10.
It also reduces neurodegeneration and histological alterations in brain tissues2 10.
Hormonal and Developmental Effects
Propolis can influence hormonal pathways, as evidenced by its ability to trigger precocious puberty in female rats, likely through interaction with estrogen receptors4.
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Common Complaints Associated with Propolis Use
Efficacy in Reducing Symptoms
Propolis mouthwash significantly reduced the incidence and duration of oral mucositis in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy, with fewer days of symptoms compared to the control group1.
Propolis oral spray led to a quicker remission of symptoms in patients with mild uncomplicated URTIs, with no adverse reactions reported2.
Safety and Adverse Reactions
No adverse reactions were associated with the use of propolis oral spray in the treatment of URTIs, indicating a favorable safety profile2.
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Disclaimer
The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.
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