Benefits of Propolis: Guide to Benefits and Safety

Propolis

Propolis is a natural resin created by bees, that bees use to build their hives. There are several purported benefits of propolis, ranging from treating the common cold to rheumatic diseases. Most of the purported benefits have not been researched thoroughly enough to determine exactly how effective they are, therefore, more research is necessary.

Propolis Benefits

Acute Cervicitis: This condition is best defined as an inflamed cervix. It is suggested that a propolis ointment or cream can help to heal the inflammation.

Burns: As a topical solution, cream or ointment, this natural resin is said to be beneficial in healing minor burns.

Cornea Complications from Zoster: It is thought that propolis possesses anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It is thought that this resin can help increase healing and improve sight.

Canker Sores: Some evidence suggests that the outbreak of canker sores can be reduced when this resin is taken by mouth.

Dental Issues: The benefits of propolis extend to dentistry. Propolis gel has some early evidence that suggests it could be helpful in decreasing dental-related pain. When tested in animals, it was shown this resin helped heal the mouth after tooth extraction. Propolis mouthwash may help to reduce bacteria in the mouth, be a beneficial sealant to use following root canal surgery, reduce plaque formation, and relieve gum inflammation and dental pain. As a gel with caffeic acid phenethyl ester, it is said to comfort the gums.

Colds: A small amount of evidence shows that this resin may help prevent viral infections that cause the common cold. When used as a nasal spray, it is said to help treat congestion, fever and runny nose in children with throat or nose infections.

Infections: Animal laboratory studies state that this resin may be effective in treating a variety of infections, such as mouth bacteria, urine bacteria, genital herpes, H. pylori or intestinal giardia infections.

Rheumatic Diseases: Rheumatic diseases are characterized by inflammation. Propolis is said to be beneficial in alleviating inflammation, therefore, improving some of the symptoms of rheumatic diseases.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This condition involves the hip joint bone necrosing. It is thought that injecting this resin into the hip joint after the patient has hip replacement surgery could be helpful in slowing down the progression of this condition.

Helicobacter pylori Bacteria-Related Stomach Ulcers: It is thought that this resin, as well as some of its components, are beneficial in stopping Helicobacter pylori bacteria growth. This bacteria is responsible for causing stomach ulcers.

Vaginitis: Since propolis is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, it is thought to help decrease vaginal inflammation.

Propolis Safety

Those who are allergic to the following should avoid propolis:

• Propolis
• Black poplar
• Poplar bud
• Bee products including honey
• Balsam of Peru
• Bees

When used on the skin, this resin can cause contact dermatitis, swelling, redness, eczema, fever, fluid collection, burning and other allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis can also occur.

Nursing and pregnant women should avoid this resin. It could interact with disulfiram, metronidazole, anti-cancer agents, antibiotics, antifungals, anti-HIV agents, anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, infertility agents, osteoporosis agents, anticoagulants, antioxidants and immunostimulants.

Resources

Medline Plus. (2010). Propolis. Retrieved on July 23, 2010 from Medline Plus: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-propolis.html

Drugs.com. (2009). Propolis. Retrieved on July 23, 2010 from Drugs.com: https://www.drugs.com/npc/propolis.html

Photo Credit

Image courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Propolis_in_beehives.jpg (in the public domain)

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