Propolis
Propolis is a resinous bee product containing plant compounds and waxes. Its composition varies with vegetation, location and season.
Can it help a sore throat?
A trial in 122 adults with mild upper respiratory symptoms tested a standardized poplar-type propolis spray. After three days, symptoms had resolved in 83% receiving propolis, compared with 28% receiving placebo. Everyone recovered by day five. This promising single-product result does not establish prevention of infections. 1
Early evidence concerns symptom duration, not stronger immunity. 1
What do blood tests show?
A 2024 analysis of 20 trials involving 1,139 adults found lower IL-6 and TNF-alpha, two inflammatory markers, but no overall reduction in CRP. Differences between studies limit how confidently these laboratory findings translate into health benefits. 2
Are antioxidant findings consistent?
A 2023 review of nine trials found improvements in several antioxidant measures, but not in superoxide dismutase or overall malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid damage. Results varied substantially between studies. These are laboratory outcomes, not evidence of longer life. 3
A larger 2025 review of 41 trials found improvements in high-sensitivity CRP and several antioxidant measures, including superoxide dismutase. This differs from some earlier pooled findings. Changing results across reviews underline uncertainty about the size and consistency of the effects. 4
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Longevity1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Immune Support4 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Gut Health3 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Hair & Skin1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Sources
- The impact of propolis supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers: A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators, 2024