Propolis

Both support immune function

Enhanced immune defense

⟡ Vitamin C

Both support immune function

Comprehensive immune support

⟡ Bee Pollen

Both bee products support immunity

Comprehensive bee product immune support

⟡ Royal Jelly

Both bee products with different benefits

Comprehensive bee product support

Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers

📚meta-analysisn=3544

Norouzzadeh M et al. • Nutrition & diabetes (2025)

“This meta-analysis examined the effects of Propolis.”

Key Findings:

Propolis demonstrated reductions in anthropometric measures and improvements in lipid profile, glycemic control, liver enzymes, and inflammation and oxidative stress markers.
While long-term or high-dose honey consumption in individuals with health concerns warrants caution, RJ and propolis demonstrated dose-dependent benefits for cardiometabolic health with proper certainty.
Future research should focus on population-specific characteristics and optimized dosages.

📚meta-analysisn=1139

Zhong-Yong L et al. • Prostaglandins & other lipid mediators (2024)

“The propolis supplementation significantly reduced IL-6 (WMD = -2.48; 95 % CI: -4.62, -0.34; P = 0.023) and TNF-α (WMD = -0.86; 95 % CI: -1.45, -0.26; P = 0.005) compared with control groups.”

Key Findings:

The propolis supplementation significantly reduced IL-6 (WMD = -2.48; 95 % CI: -4.62, -0.34; P = 0.023) and TNF-α (WMD = -0.86; 95 % CI: -1.45, -0.26; P = 0.005) compared with control groups.
Although the CRP concentration was not reduced (WMD = 0.01; 95 % CI: -0.03, 0.05, P = 0.646), a significant reduction in CRP levels was revealed in supplementation durations ≥ 10 weeks.
These results suggest that propolis has a beneficial effect on TNF-α and IL-6 levels and may be an effective adjunctive therapy for diseases where inflammation is a key factor in the etiology.
Due to the limited number of studies, clinical diversity, and other limitations, it is necessary to conduct more high-quality studies to provide more precise and comprehensive recommendations.

📚systematic-review

Josa E et al. • Nutrients (2024)

“These results suggest that bioactive compounds of plant-based foods and medicinal plants have promising effects in terms of preventing or treating CKD progression and appear to improve inflammation and antioxidant capacity and support cardiovascular benefits and renoprotective effects; however, it is recommended that further studies be carried out.”

Key Findings:

Systematic review examining Propolis efficacy
Further research warranted to confirm findings

📚meta-analysisn=2083

Lee CC et al. • Critical reviews in oncology/hematology (2024)

“Regarding pain relief, honey, and P. major L. emerged as effective, significantly reducing pain severity with a mean difference (MD) of -2.96 (95% CI: -3.80 to -1.94) compared to placebo.”

Key Findings:

Honey, notably, was found to significantly reduce the overall incidence of oral mucositis compared to standard care, with a relative risk (RR) of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.67-0.96).
It was particularly effective against moderate-to-severe oral mucositis (grade ≥ 2), reducing incidence with RR of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.30-0.75) versus placebo and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.34-0.93) against standard care.
Regarding pain relief, honey, and P. major L. emerged as effective, significantly reducing pain severity with a mean difference (MD) of -2.96 (95% CI: -3.80 to -1.94) compared to placebo.

📚meta-analysisn=602

Compare with Others Find Based on Your Goals

Karamani I et al. • Oral health & preventive dentistry (2022)

“Chlorhexidine mouthwash in orthodontic patients successfully controls gingival inflammation and bleeding when compared to untreated controls, but is equally effective as other mouthrinses where various oral health indices are concerned.”

Key Findings:

The experimental solution was a 0.06%, 0.12%, or 0.2% CHX mouthwash with the control either a placebo mouthwash or a selection from a variety of mouthwashes.
No statistically significant difference was detected in the meta-analysis between CHX and mouthwashes with propolis/probiotics/herbs in terms of the gingival index at 3 to 4 weeks (mean difference 0.07, 95% CI: -0.18, 0.31, p = 0.59).
Chlorhexidine mouthwash in orthodontic patients successfully controls gingival inflammation and bleeding when compared to untreated controls, but is equally effective as other mouthrinses where various oral health indices are concerned.

View all 40+ studies

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Propolis

compound

Propolis (Bee Propolis)

CAPE-rich bee resin with broad antimicrobial and antiviral activity — supports respiratory infections, wound healing, and oral health.

immunitybee-productantimicrobialimmunewound-healing

40+ studies

Evidence

Reviewed 19 days ago

moderate

Safety

300-1000mg daily (standardized extract)

Dose

2-8 weeks

Time to Effect

Standardized extract (capsules or tincture)

Best Form

Mechanisms of Action

🦠

Antimicrobial Activity

Kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi

🔬

CAPE (Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester)

Unique bioactive compound

🛡️

Immune Modulation

Enhances immune cell activity

Biological PathwayBeta

How Propolis works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.

Supplement

Molecular Target

Biological Process

Health Outcome

Strong

Moderate

Emerging

strong

moderate

emerging

Tap node to isolate • Pinch to zoom • Tap edge for research

Recommended Dose

300-1000mg daily (standardized extract)

150mg1500mg

Loading: For acute infections: higher doses for 1-2 weeks

Optimal Timing

With food
Divided doses for higher amounts
Throat spray can be used as needed

Take with food

Available Forms

Form	Type
💊Standardized extract (capsules or tincture)	Recommended
💨Throat spray	Alternative
💊Raw propolis	Alternative
💊Propolis lozenges	Alternative

Standardized extracts ensure consistent potency. Green Brazilian propolis is particularly researched. Tinctures may contain alcohol.

Duration

Minimum: 2 weeks

Optimal: 8 weeks

Cycling: Not required

Note: Available as capsules, tincture, spray, or raw. Tincture or spray is convenient for sore throat.

🛡️

Infection Resistance

Reduced duration and severity of infections

⏱️ 1-2 weeks

65% of users notice thispositive

🦷

Oral Health

Reduced oral bacteria and improved gum health

⏱️ 2-4 weeks

70% of users notice thispositive

🩹

Wound Healing

Faster healing of wounds and burns (topical)

⏱️ 1-2 weeks

65% of users notice thispositive

⚠️

Allergy Risk

Can cause allergic reactions

📅 Acute

10% of users notice thistrade-off

ModerateMax safe dose: 1500mg/day commonly used

🔴

Those with bee allergies

AVOID - risk of allergic reaction

Who Should NOT Take This

Bee product allergy
Asthma (increased allergy risk)

Drug Interactions

Blood thinnersmild

May have mild anticoagulant effects — may affect platelet aggregation or vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, altering anticoagulant efficacy

Immunosuppressantsmild

May counteract immunosuppressive effects

Possible Side Effects

Allergic reaction

severeuncommon

Tip: Test small amount first; avoid if bee allergy

Mouth irritation (topical)

milduncommon

Tip: Dilute tincture; use lozenges or capsules instead

Warnings

Can cause allergic reactions, especially in those allergic to bees or poplar/birch trees
Composition varies by geographic source
Quality and potency vary between products

⟡ Elderberry

Both support immune function

Enhanced immune defense

⟡ Vitamin C

Both support immune function

Comprehensive immune support

⟡ Bee Pollen

Both bee products support immunity

Comprehensive bee product immune support

⟡ Royal Jelly

Both bee products with different benefits

Comprehensive bee product support

Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers

📚meta-analysisn=3544

Norouzzadeh M et al. • Nutrition & diabetes (2025)

“This meta-analysis examined the effects of Propolis.”

Key Findings:

Propolis demonstrated reductions in anthropometric measures and improvements in lipid profile, glycemic control, liver enzymes, and inflammation and oxidative stress markers.
While long-term or high-dose honey consumption in individuals with health concerns warrants caution, RJ and propolis demonstrated dose-dependent benefits for cardiometabolic health with proper certainty.
Future research should focus on population-specific characteristics and optimized dosages.

📚meta-analysisn=1139

Zhong-Yong L et al. • Prostaglandins & other lipid mediators (2024)

“The propolis supplementation significantly reduced IL-6 (WMD = -2.48; 95 % CI: -4.62, -0.34; P = 0.023) and TNF-α (WMD = -0.86; 95 % CI: -1.45, -0.26; P = 0.005) compared with control groups.”

Key Findings:

The propolis supplementation significantly reduced IL-6 (WMD = -2.48; 95 % CI: -4.62, -0.34; P = 0.023) and TNF-α (WMD = -0.86; 95 % CI: -1.45, -0.26; P = 0.005) compared with control groups.
Although the CRP concentration was not reduced (WMD = 0.01; 95 % CI: -0.03, 0.05, P = 0.646), a significant reduction in CRP levels was revealed in supplementation durations ≥ 10 weeks.
These results suggest that propolis has a beneficial effect on TNF-α and IL-6 levels and may be an effective adjunctive therapy for diseases where inflammation is a key factor in the etiology.
Due to the limited number of studies, clinical diversity, and other limitations, it is necessary to conduct more high-quality studies to provide more precise and comprehensive recommendations.

📚systematic-review

Josa E et al. • Nutrients (2024)

“These results suggest that bioactive compounds of plant-based foods and medicinal plants have promising effects in terms of preventing or treating CKD progression and appear to improve inflammation and antioxidant capacity and support cardiovascular benefits and renoprotective effects; however, it is recommended that further studies be carried out.”

Key Findings:

Systematic review examining Propolis efficacy
Further research warranted to confirm findings

📚meta-analysisn=2083

Lee CC et al. • Critical reviews in oncology/hematology (2024)

“Regarding pain relief, honey, and P. major L. emerged as effective, significantly reducing pain severity with a mean difference (MD) of -2.96 (95% CI: -3.80 to -1.94) compared to placebo.”

Key Findings:

Honey, notably, was found to significantly reduce the overall incidence of oral mucositis compared to standard care, with a relative risk (RR) of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.67-0.96).
It was particularly effective against moderate-to-severe oral mucositis (grade ≥ 2), reducing incidence with RR of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.30-0.75) versus placebo and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.34-0.93) against standard care.
Regarding pain relief, honey, and P. major L. emerged as effective, significantly reducing pain severity with a mean difference (MD) of -2.96 (95% CI: -3.80 to -1.94) compared to placebo.

📚meta-analysisn=602

Compare with Others Find Based on Your Goals

Karamani I et al. • Oral health & preventive dentistry (2022)

“Chlorhexidine mouthwash in orthodontic patients successfully controls gingival inflammation and bleeding when compared to untreated controls, but is equally effective as other mouthrinses where various oral health indices are concerned.”

Key Findings:

The experimental solution was a 0.06%, 0.12%, or 0.2% CHX mouthwash with the control either a placebo mouthwash or a selection from a variety of mouthwashes.
No statistically significant difference was detected in the meta-analysis between CHX and mouthwashes with propolis/probiotics/herbs in terms of the gingival index at 3 to 4 weeks (mean difference 0.07, 95% CI: -0.18, 0.31, p = 0.59).
Chlorhexidine mouthwash in orthodontic patients successfully controls gingival inflammation and bleeding when compared to untreated controls, but is equally effective as other mouthrinses where various oral health indices are concerned.

View all 40+ studies

What would you like to do next?

Related Supplements

Lt8.5

Luteolin

8.5/10

Crosses the blood-brain barrier to reduce neuroinflammation and inhibits mast cell activation — useful for allergies and brain health.

Bgl8.0

Beta-Glucans

Polysaccharides from yeast, mushrooms, or oats that train innate immune cells to respond faster to infections and pathogens.

Qrc8.0

Quercetin