Propolis
Propolis is a resinous bee product containing plant compounds and waxes. Its composition varies with vegetation, location and season.
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
What is propolis?
Propolis is a resinous bee product containing plant compounds and waxes. Its composition varies with vegetation, location and season, so products are not chemically interchangeable. 1
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Is every propolis product equivalent?
No. Natural composition varies; a trial of a standardized extract cannot establish the same effect for all products. 1
Does lower inflammation mean fewer infections?
The biomarker review measured inflammatory blood values, not proof of infection prevention. 2
Does “antioxidant” mean all markers improve?
No. The nine-trial review found positive results for some measures and no overall effect for others. 3
Related nutrients
Bee pollenSources
- Propolis für ein stärkeres Immunsystem? Verbraucherzentrale, 2026
- The impact of propolis supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers: A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators, 2024