What is propolis extract?

Propolis extract is a concentrated preparation made from propolis, a resinous material honeybees collect from plant resins and use to seal and protect the hive.

What are the potential benefits of propolis extract?

Propolis extract is commonly used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and for immune support. Topical forms are also used to support skin healing and soothe minor irritation.

How much propolis extract should I take?

Common supplemental amounts are often in the range of 500–1500 mg per day, depending on the product and extract strength. Follow the label directions and consider medical advice if you have conditions or take medications.

What are the side effects or risks of propolis extract?

Possible side effects include allergic reactions, especially in people allergic to bee products or certain plant resins. It may also cause mouth or skin irritation in some users, particularly with topical or oral products.

Who should avoid propolis extract or use caution?

People with known allergies to bee products should avoid it. Use caution during pregnancy or breastfeeding and if you take medications that affect bleeding or immune function, and consult a clinician if unsure.

313 science-backed nutrients

3251 sources considered

Evidence-graded information

Explore by goal or category

Find a nutrient

313 nutrients total

Vitamin B

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin A & Carotenoids

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Vitaminoids

Trimethylglycine (Betaine)

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)

D-Chiro-Inositol

Coenzym Q10 (Ubiquinone)

Betaine HCL

Nicotinamide Riboside

Vitamin B8 (Myo-Inositol)

Choline

Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol)

Calcium

Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Magnesium

Magnesium Bisglycinate

Magnesium L-Threonate

Trace Minerals

Copper (Bisglycinate)

Chromium Picolinate

Manganese (Bisglycinate)

Zinc

Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0)

Phosphatidylserine

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

Black Cumin Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ceratiq wheat oil extract

Phospholipids

Algae Oil

Fish Oil

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Omega-3

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

AminoMar

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)

Essential Amino Acids

Conditionally Essential Amino Acids

L-Theanine

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Beta-Alanine

L-Cysteine Hydrochloride

Amino Acid Derivative

Taurine

Creatine (Hydrochloride)

L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Creatine (Monohydrate)

Akkermansia muciniphila

Lactobacillus Reuteri

Probiotics

Bifidobacterium longum BB536

Prebiotics

Stinging Nettle Extract

Pomegranate Polyphenols

Red Beet Extract

Pine Extract (Pycnogenol)

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC)

Ashwagandha Root Extract

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Citrus Sinensis Extract

Horsetail Stem Extract

Flax Seed Extract

Sulforaphane Glucosinolate

Garlic Extract

Black Pepper

Apricot Kernel Extract

Lovage

Spiny Rest Harrow Root Extract

Juniper Berry Extract

Bearberry Leaf Extract

White Kidney Bean Extract

Lady’s Mantle Extract

Bitter Orange Extract

St. John’s Wort Extract

Japanese Knotweed Extract

Hydroxytyrosol/tyrosol

Olive extract

Sesame seed lignan extract

Broccoli Sprout Extract

Cranberry Extract

Flavon Glycosides

Gentian Root Extract

Griffonia simplicifolia Extract

Ajuga Turkestanica Extract

Amaranthus Leaf Extract

Banaba Extract

Boswellia Extract

Capsaicin

Cayenne Pepper Extract

Celery Extract

Ceylon Cinnamon Extract

Chamomile Extract

Charantin

Chinese Goldthread Root Extract

Citrus Aurantium Extract

Cocoa Extract

Cyanotis Arachnoidea Extract

Fadogia Agrestis Extract

Garcinia Cambogia Extract

Goldenrod Extract

Green Tea Extract

Guarana Extract

Horse Chestnut Extract

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grape Vine Leaf Extract

Green Tea Polyphenols

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)

Adaptogens

Cordyceps sinensis extract

Ginsenoside

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Ginseng Extract

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

Tribulus Terrestris Extract

Rhodiola rosea

Panax Ginseng Extract

Mushrooms

Reishi Extract

Astragalus Polysaccharides

Hyaluronic Acid

Glucosamine Sulfate

Chondroitin Sulfate

Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCL

Propolis extract

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Propolis extract is a resinous compound from bees with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties.

Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Immune Booster Skin Health Respiratory Health

dose range

500–1500 mg

1–3 divided doses

Consumption

Take propolis extract with or after food to reduce risk of gastrointestinal irritation.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Any time of day; divided doses may improve tolerability.

Description

Propolis extract is collected by honeybees from plant resins and used as a hive sealant. Human use dates back centuries, primarily for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. Modern research explores its potential roles in immune function, skin health, and respiratory conditions.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

Numerous laboratory and animal studies support propolis' pharmacological activities, but human clinical trials are limited and often small. Most benefits supported by moderate evidence in immune and skin health; effects may vary by formulation and geographical source.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Moderate

Propolis may help reduce markers of inflammation and alleviate inflammatory conditions, likely due to its high polyphenol content.

Particularly relevant for: People with inflammatory disorders · General wellness

pubmed-35647990 · Propolis: A Complex Natural Product with a Promising Role in Health and Disease examine-propolis · Examine.com – Propolis

Antioxidant Properties

Moderate

Propolis exhibits strong antioxidant activity, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress.

Particularly relevant for: General wellness · Aging populations

pubmed-35647990 · Propolis: A Complex Natural Product with a Promising Role in Health and Disease pubmed-27973487 · Propolis: A New Horizon in Prevention and Treatment of Diseases

Supports Immune Health

Moderate

Supplementing with propolis may enhance immune response and reduce occurrence or duration of upper respiratory tract infections in some populations.

Particularly relevant for: People prone to colds/infections · General immune support

cochrane-immune-2016 · Cochrane Library – Propolis as an Alternative in Prevention of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections examine-propolis · Examine.com – Propolis

Promotes Skin Healing

Moderate

Topical propolis preparations may aid wound healing, reduce inflammation, and improve symptoms of cold sores or minor burns.

Particularly relevant for: People with minor skin wounds · Cold sore sufferers

pubmed-27973487 · Propolis: A New Horizon in Prevention and Treatment of Diseases examine-propolis · Examine.com – Propolis

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Generally considered safe for most adults, but risk of severe allergic reactions and drug interactions exists.

warning notices

Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported especially in those with bee allergies.
Topical use may cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis.
Long-term safety data are limited, especially at high oral doses.
Avoid use if you have a known allergy to bees or bee products.
Do not use propolis products in children under 1 year old due to honey contamination risk.
Use cautiously if taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications due to potential bleeding risk.
Consult a healthcare provider before using if you have asthma or a history of severe allergies.

Known interactions with medications

Anticoagulants
Antiplatelet drugs

Contraindications / special precautions

Bee product allergy
Severe asthma
Children under 1 year

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Propolis may enhance effects of anticoagulants, interact with allergy medications, and may increase allergic sensitivities in people with other allergies.