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Bees produce several products highly beneficial to human health, including bee pollen, royal jelly, propolis, beeswax, bee venom, and of course, honey. Unlike honey and bee pollen, propolis is not harvested as a food source. Rather, it is a protective cover to support beehive homeostasis. Bees harvest propolis from plant residues (exudates), buds, sap, and resins.

Propolis has been shown to promote anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immune-boosting, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects for human health. Propolis contains health-supporting tannins, amino acids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolics.

Health benefits of propolis:

• Antitumor: Serves as an adjunct treatment for tumors on the tongue (tongue hemangioma) when applied topically.
• Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits and downregulates inflammatory cytokines. One study found that breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and given 250 mg propolis (twice daily) showed improved antioxidant status and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Propolis may also be used in the prevention of metabolic syndrome and associated diseases. It exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which inhibits advanced glycation end products (AGEs), receptors for AGEs (RAGEs), and pro-inflammatory signaling cascades. Additionally, propolis improves antioxidant capacity.
• Inhibits pathogens: Prevents the invasion of the host through antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties. One study found that when applied in vitro, propolis exhibited a strong antioxidant effect against microorganisms that cause food spoilage. Another study indicated that propolis could be used to prevent the bacteria involved in cavities and periodontal disease.
• Antiviral: Useful as a treatment for respiratory viruses, including Sars-Cov 2 and Covid-19.
• Neuroprotective: May be therapeutic in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, depression, cytotoxicity, cognition, traumatic brain injuries, neuroinflammation, and infection. More research is required to make specific recommendations.
• Anticancer: Exerts anticancer properties by preventing the proliferation of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis. Propolis has also been found to relieve symptoms and side effects of chemotherapy and radiation in breast cancer.

How to choose the best propolis

Most of the studies on bee products look at pure samples of medical-grade or high-quality products (e.g., Manuka honey). That does not mean the products purchased in the supermarket do not have some of these beneficial properties. If consumed regularly, these products may provide some individuals with some protection from allergies, infection, and oxidative stress, based on individual circumstances.

Propolis is sourced from different plants. Because of this, it may appear in a variety of colors. Depending on the source, extraction process (e.g., water vs. ethanol and hot vs. cold), storage environment, and storage time, propolis potency may be affected and exert different health benefits. There is some evidence that propolis extracted with nonethanolic solvents at high temperatures retains more active compounds useful for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory purposes. However, propolis can be found in the form of powders, tinctures, sprays, and ointments.

Keep in mind, bee products are sourced from living insects and hives. As such, it is important to choose ethically-sourced products that aim to retain bee and hive health when extracting.

Final thoughts

Medicinal products have the potential power to remedy numerous conditions and diseases. They may also be used to boost quality of life. Research, while growing, is just entering human trial phases for some bee products. Much of the available research is limited to older in vitro or animal studies. Nonetheless, medicinal bee products show the potential to support human health. So, how can one start taking advantage of all these benefits?

It is essential to discuss using bee products with a doctor, nutritionist, dietitian, or other healthcare provider before taking any bee products supplementarily, especially if taking any pharmaceuticals. Additionally, care should be taken by those with severe allergic responses to pollen, bees, or bee products, especially if there has been a history of anaphylactic shock.