How we rate
“Strong” = several concordant meta-analyses or systematic reviews. “Moderate” = one synthesis, or several controlled trials. “Limited” = early trials only. The rating is about the quality of the studies, not about how useful the supplement is.
Propolis
A resin gathered by bees: in type 2 diabetics, slightly lower blood glucose and HbA1c in meta-analyses; trials mostly in patients, and a risk of contact allergy.
Benefits
- In type 2 diabetics, lowers fasting blood glucose and HbA1c: meta-analysis of 6 trials on 373 participants, in the same direction as that of 14 trials (2021); 900 mg per day for 12 weeks improved both in 66 patients
- Reduces CRP and TNF-α, two markers of inflammation: meta-analysis of 6 studies on 406 participants
- Lowers triglycerides and raises HDL in a meta-analysis of 5 trials, without changing LDL or weight
- In 32 patients with chronic kidney disease, 500 mg per day of Brazilian green propolis extract for 12 months reduced proteinuria compared to placebo
- In 54 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, 500 mg per day for 4 months improved steatosis and reduced liver stiffness
- As a mouth spray, a blend of propolis polyphenols resolved symptoms of a mild respiratory infection about two days earlier: 83% remission on day 3 versus 72% under placebo, in 122 adults
Precautions
Allergy: between 1.2 and 6.6% of patients tested for dermatitis are sensitized to propolis, which causes allergic contact dermatitis; the review dedicated to its side effects places contact allergy in the foreground. In the 12-month trial in kidney patients, propolis was well tolerated. Limitations: the trials almost all involve patients (type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, fatty liver, COVID-19) and small sample sizes (19 to 124 people). On blood fats, syntheses contradict each other: a meta-analysis of 5 trials sees triglycerides drop and HDL rise, another of 6 trials finds no effect on the lipid profile. Two trials in diabetics find nothing on insulin resistance or blood glucose. The increases in antioxidants (glutathione, total antioxidant capacity) are blood markers, not a felt benefit.
Recommended dosage
From 226.8 to 1,500 mg of extract per day depending on the trials: 900 to 1,500 mg in diabetics, 500 mg for the kidney and fatty liver
How to take it
- For whom: almost all trials involve patients (type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, fatty liver, COVID-19); none measure blood glucose in healthy people.
- Type 2 diabetes: 900 mg per day for 12 weeks, 1,000 mg for 90 days or 1,500 mg for 8 weeks depending on the trials.
- Kidney and liver: 500 mg per day of extract, for 12 months in chronic kidney disease, in two 250 mg doses for 4 months in fatty liver.
- Mild respiratory infection: a mouth spray dosed at 12 to 24 mg of polyphenols per day for five days.
- Form: Brazilian green, Iranian, Chinese or poplar-type propolis, each trial tests its own.
- What does not always work: 226.8 mg per day of Brazilian green propolis for 8 weeks did not improve insulin resistance in 80 diabetics, and 900 mg of Chinese propolis for 18 weeks changed nothing in blood glucose.
- Timing of intake: no study in this sheet compares morning and evening, nor intake during or outside meals.
Did you know?
Between 1.2 and 6.6% of patients tested for dermatitis are sensitized to propolis: heavily used in cosmetics and "natural" products, it is a known cause of contact allergy.
What the studies say
This systematic review and meta-analysis of nine controlled clinical trials evaluated the effect of propolis on antioxidant status. Propolis supplementation significantly increased levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Doses ≥1000 mg/day and durations of less than 11 weeks also reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), suggesting a beneficial effect as a safe supplement for antioxidant improvement.
Nazari-Bonab H, Jamilian P, Radkhah N, Zarezadeh M, Ebrahimi-Mameghani M. — Phytotherapy research : PTR (2023) — View the source study
For information only: not a substitute for medical advice. Dietary supplements are not a replacement for a varied, balanced diet. Learn more