Natural Products

Propolis

Efficacy

• Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy - the use of this product cannot be recommended:
  Dental pain and wound healing
  Dental plaque and gingivitis
  Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection
• Also used for these other indications, but with no proof of efficacy:
  Bacterial and fungal infections
  Minor burns
  Cold prevention

Safety

• Risk of Drug Interaction: Low
• Adverse effects: Not Frequent

Description

Propolis is a resinous substance that honeybees collect from the buds and bark of certain trees. It is used, among other things, to seal gaps in the hive and to protect bees from infection. Propolis has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Propolis is made up of resin, wax, essential oils and pollen and contains organic acids, flavonoids, trace elements and vitamins.

Propolis is available in gum, lozenge, cream and ointment form.

Warning

In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) or homeopathic medicine number (DIN-HM) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.

Medicinal plants content varies naturally from plant to plant – just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

Does it work?

There is evidence that propolis may be useful in the treatment of dental diseases or genital herpes simplex infection but available data are limited.

• Dental pain and wound, dental plaque and gingivitis:
  Rinse mouth with propolis solution (0.2 to 10%) one to two times a day.
• Genital herpes simplex infection:
  Apply ointment (3 to 5%) on the affected areas, four times daily.

There is insufficient reliable information to conclude that propolis is effective in any other indication.

Is it safe?

• Propolis causes very few adverse events.
• The risk of developing an allergy is high, particularly in those who are hypersensitive and increases with the duration of treatment. It is therefore recommended to avoid prolonged usage.
• Propolis is contra-indicated for those with any allergies to bee products and there is a possible crossallergy with Peru balsam.
• There is no information on the use of propolis during pregnancy or when nursing. It is therefore recommended that the product not be used by pregnant or nursing women.

References

1. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2007
2. Passeportsanté.net. Propolis. http://www.passeportsante.net
3. Medline Plus, Propolis, medlineplus.gov, January 2007