Propolis
Summary
Propolis is a resinous bee product rich in polyphenols. A meta-analysis of 20 trials found lower IL-6 and TNF-α (grade C), and a 24-trial meta-analysis reported lower fasting glucose and HbA1c. Trials were small and varied. Propolis is a well-known cause of contact allergy.
Key facts
- A resinous material bees make from plant buds and sap; composition varies by region (e.g. Brazilian green propolis)[4]
- 24 trials: fasting glucose −9.8 mg/dL and HbA1c −0.46% versus control[2]
- Propolis is a recognized contact allergen; allergic contact dermatitis is its best-documented adverse effect[4]
- 900 mg a day (300 mg three times daily) for 12 weeks in a type 2 diabetes trial[3]
- 2 graded human outcomes on this page
- October 11, 2026
How it works
ProposedPropolis contains flavonoids and phenolic acids (such as artepillin C) with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in lab studies; effects in people are not established.[4]
What the human research says
Human trials only, one row per outcome. The form column shows what each trial actually tested. Grades follow our evidence-grading policy.
At a glance: strongest evidence per outcome
| Outcome | Grade | Effect | Strongest evidence | Rows |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immune | Grade C | Improved | Meta-analysis · n = 1,139 · 2024 | 1 row |
| Metabolic | Grade D | Improved | RCT · n = 66 · 2017 | 1 row |
Every graded row
| Outcome | Effect | Grade | Best evidence | PMID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, CRP) | Improved | Grade C | Meta-analysis · n = 1,139 · 2024 Adults in 20 randomized trials Form: Propolis · Dose: Varied across trials · Duration: Varied IL-6 and TNF-α fell versus control; CRP did not change overall but fell in trials lasting 10 weeks or more. | 39490733 (opens PubMed)Source [1] |
| Fasting glucose and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes | Improved | Grade D | RCT · n = 66 · 2017 Adults with type 2 diabetes Form: Bee propolis · Dose: 300 mg three times daily (900 mg/day) · Duration: 12 weeks Fasting glucose fell 17.8 mg/dL versus a 6.5 mg/dL rise with placebo; HbA1c followed the same pattern; insulin resistance indices did not differ. | 28285617 (opens PubMed)Source [3] |
Forms
| Form | Elemental % | Absorption (human data) | GI tolerance | Studied for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propolis extract (green, red or poplar-type) | Varies[3][4] | No head-to-head human absorption data between products in our sources.[3][4] | Generally tolerated in trials; contact allergy is the main documented risk.[3][4] | Inflammation markers, blood sugar (900 mg/day in a diabetes trial) |
Studied doses
Doses studied in human trials ranged from 900 mg of propolis a day for 12 weeks in the diabetes trial cited here; the meta-analyses pooled trials with different extracts and doses.[3][1][2]
Interactions
Published interactions only: each row cites a source. No row means none was found in our sources, not that a combination is safe.
None found in our sources.
Who should be careful
- Bee product or balsam allergy
- Propolis commonly causes allergic contact dermatitis, with cross-reactions to related allergens.[4]
- People on diabetes medicine
- Propolis lowered glucose markers in trials, which could add to glucose-lowering drugs; no interaction studies are cited here.[2][3]
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- No safety data in pregnancy were found in the sources we cite.[1]
Talk to your pharmacist or clinician before starting a supplement, especially if you take prescription medicines.
Where to buy Propolis
Products from brands we partner with that contain Propolis. Listing a product is not a claim that it works; check the amount per serving against the doses studied above, and the label for other ingredients.
- SupersmartPaid linkGreen Propolis (Green Art)3 capsules: 1,200 mg Brazilian green propolis extract (2.5% phenolic acids, 0.25% artepillin C); 30 servings; the full serving is above the 900 mg/day used in the diabetes trialShop at Supersmart (opens in new tab)Price and label checked 2026-10-11 on the brand’s site.
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Frequently asked questions
Does propolis reduce inflammation?
A meta-analysis of 20 trials found lower IL-6 and TNF-α; CRP fell only in longer trials.[1]
Does propolis lower blood sugar?
A meta-analysis of 24 trials and a 66-person diabetes trial reported lower fasting glucose and HbA1c.[2][3]
Can propolis cause allergies?
Yes. It is a known cause of allergic contact dermatitis.[4]
How much propolis was studied?
The diabetes trial used 900 mg a day for 12 weeks.[3]
Sources
- [1]The impact of propolis supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers: A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials.. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat, 2024. meta-analysis
- [2]Effects of Propolis Consumption on Glycemic Indices and Liver Enzymes in Adults: A Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Valuation-assessed Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis.. Clin Ther, 2024. meta-analysis
- [3]Effects of bee propolis supplementation on glycemic control, lipid profile and insulin resistance indices in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.. J Integr Med, 2017. RCT
- [4]Propolis: a review of properties, applications, chemical composition, contact allergy, and other adverse effects.. Dermatitis, 2013. review
What changed
- Effect arrows corrected on 2 row(s): outcomes where a harmful measure fell (pain, symptoms, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, risk) now show as improved (up). No study data changed.
- First draft. Every PMID checked against NCBI E-utilities (title, year and journal taken from the PubMed record) and abstracts read for each cited row. Product details in Where to buy read from the brand page on the date shown. Self-reviewed in a second strict pass (no independent reviewer yet).