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Propolis and Benefits for Health
Should I take a propolis supplement?
Although several studies suggest potential interesting health benefits of propolis, the available data remains very preliminary. We must be wary of social media influencers who try to convince us that taking propolis supplements can miraculously improve or maintain our health. It’s true that is a natural substance containing polyphenols, which are plant-based nutrients that help the body manage inflammation and fight oxidative stress. However, almost all natural foods contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients, and taking a propolis supplement isn’t the best way to get them. The best way to reap these benefits would most likely be to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables!
Propolis supplements can also pose potential risks. Taking propolis may increase the risk of allergic reactions in people with eczema or pollen allergies. It can also slow blood clotting, which can increase the risk of bleeding. It can therefore interfere with blood-thinning medications, and it is also not recommended to take it before surgery. Propolis can also affect the liver’s ability to break down certain medications, including many types of statins, immunosuppressants, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. Finally, supplements in general are not well regulated by Health Canada and the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. There is no guarantee that they contain what is indicated on the package, and there is always a risk of contamination.
In Conclusion
The therapeutic properties of propolis are certainly attracting growing interest, and the number of scientific publications has increased in recent years. Preclinical data supports the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of propolis, giving it interesting potential to help various chronic diseases. However, more clinical studies in humans are needed to confirm the health benefits of propolis. In the meantime, we encourage you to increase your fruit and vegetable consumption, focusing on variety to help stock up on nutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. If you need some help to change your eating habits, we offer various meal plans that are all based on the Mediterranean diet. We do offer also private consultations with experienced dietitians to guide you during your transition to a plant-based diet.
As with any dietary supplement, it is essential to use propolis under medical supervision and consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking medication.
Sources
Braakhuis (2019)(2019) Evidence on the Health Benefits of Supplemental Propolis. Nutrients;11:2705.
Miryan et al (2022) Effects of propolis supplementation on irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and mixed (IBS-M) stool pattern: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Food Sci Nutr; 10(6):1899-1907.
Seleimani et al (2021) A systematic review of preclinical studies on the efficacy of propolis for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Phytotherapy Research; 35(2):553-1124
Karimian et al (2019). The efficacy of propolis on markers of glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytotherapy Research; 33(6):1616-26.
Khoshandam et al (2023) Propolis and its constituents against cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and dyslipidemia: A comprehensive review. Iran J Basic Med Sci;26(8):853–871.
Silveira et al (2021). Efficacy of Brazilian Green Propolis (EPP-AF®) as an adjunct treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A randomized, controlled clinical trial. Biomed Pharmacotherapy;138:111526.
Esposito et al (2021). A standardized polyphenol mixture extracted from poplar-type propolis for remission of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection (URTI): A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytomedicine; 80:153368.
Zulhendri et al (2021) Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antiparasitic Properties of Propolis: A Review Foods; 10:1360.
Author
Kathryn holds a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition as well as a Bachelor and a Master Degree in Kinesiology, all from Laval University. She is a Registered Dietitian and active member of the Ordre professionnel des Diététistes Nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ) and of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She holds the Monash University's certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS, and has considerable clinical experience in that area. She is also an accomplished athlete, having ran track and cross-country at a national level. Kathryn specializes in sports nutrition, weight loss, diabetes, as well as heart and gastrointestinal health.
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