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Propolis

What does the research say about Propolis?

6 health outcomes synthesised

Propolis, a resin-like substance produced by honeybees, has been studied for its potential health benefits across 6 researched outcomes. The strongest evidence supports its use for reducing C-reactive protein levels, where all 3 available studies reported a moderate and statistically significant effect, particularly in adults with type 2 diabetes. Evidence for other outcomes, such as oral health markers, is more preliminary and mixed, with limited data on optimal dosing and duration.

Strongest evidence

The most reliable findings indicate that propolis supplementation moderately reduces C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. In 3 studies (including a 2025 meta-analysis of 12 RCTs in 731 participants with type 2 diabetes), the effect was consistent and statistically significant (MD = –2.68, 95% CI: –3.48 to –1.89). The evidence strength for this outcome is rated as moderate, though the small number of studies and potential publication bias warrant caution. All evidence here comes from clinical and adult populations.

Mixed or weaker evidence

Four other outcomes are supported by low-strength evidence with mixed results. For reducing interleukin-6 levels, only 2 of 4 studies found a beneficial effect; the other 2 were neutral, and effect sizes varied widely. Similarly, reductions in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were reported in all 3 studies but with effect sizes ranging from small to large. Oral health outcomes—reduced plaque index, reduced gingival index, and improved clinical attachment—each had 3 studies with mixed effect sizes, and benefits appeared population-specific (e.g., a short-term 21-day trial using 0.2% propolis mouthwash showed large effects in gingivitis patients, while a meta-analysis in type 2 diabetes patients with periodontitis found no significant benefit).

Effective dose patterns

Across most syntheses, effective doses and forms were not consistently reported, limiting the ability to identify cross-cutting dose ranges. The only specific dose mentioned in the oral health studies was 0.2% propolis mouthwash used for 21 days. For CRP and inflammatory markers, doses were not systematically captured, and no reliable dose–response pattern emerged.

Population insights

The strongest evidence comes from populations with type 2 diabetes, particularly for CRP reduction. Oral health research focused on patients with gingivitis or periodontitis, including those with type 2 diabetes. No cross-cutting population patterns (e.g., age or baseline deficiency) were reported across syntheses.

Notable caveats

Several major limitations recur across these syntheses: all evidence bases are small (3–4 studies each), conclusions are preliminary, and clinical literature is subject to publication bias (null results less likely to be published). Many studies did not consistently report dose, duration, or form of propolis, making practical recommendations difficult. For some outcomes, effect sizes varied substantially between studies, suggesting that results may depend on population, intervention format, or study design.

Frequently asked

  • What is Propolis good for according to research?
    Research on propolis is strongest for reducing C-reactive protein (CRP) levels; 3 studies, including a meta-analysis of 12 RCTs, found a moderate and statistically significant benefit in adults with type 2 diabetes. Weaker and more mixed evidence suggests potential benefits for reducing TNF-α, interleukin-6, and improving oral health markers such as plaque index and gingival index, but results vary.
  • What dose of Propolis is typically used in studies?
    Doses and forms of propolis were not consistently reported across the available studies. For oral health, one trial used 0.2% propolis mouthwash for 21 days. For other outcomes like CRP and inflammatory markers, no standardized dose range was identified from the syntheses, limiting the ability to make specific dosing recommendations.
  • Who benefits most from Propolis?
    The strongest evidence for propolis comes from populations with type 2 diabetes, where it showed a moderate reduction in CRP levels in a meta-analysis of 731 participants. For oral health outcomes, benefits appeared more pronounced in studies of patients with chronic gingivitis using a propolis mouthwash, whereas a meta-analysis in type 2 diabetes patients with periodontitis found no significant benefit.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Propolis?
    Yes. All 6 syntheses are based on a small number of studies (3–4 each), making conclusions preliminary. The available evidence is overwhelmingly positive, which may reflect publication bias—null results are less likely to be published. Doses, durations, and forms of propolis were often not reported, and effect sizes varied widely across outcomes.
  • Does Propolis help reduce C-reactive protein levels?
    Yes, the evidence is moderate and consistent. In 3 studies (including a 2025 meta-analysis of 12 RCTs in 731 participants with type 2 diabetes), propolis supplementation significantly reduced CRP levels with a moderate effect size (MD = –2.68, 95% CI: –3.48 to –1.89). All studies reported beneficial effects, but the small number of studies limits the strength of the conclusion.
  • Does Propolis improve oral health outcomes like gum health or plaque?
    Evidence is mixed. For plaque reduction, all 3 studies reported benefits, but effect sizes ranged from small to large. For gingival index, 2 of 3 studies found benefits, while a meta-analysis in type 2 diabetes patients with periodontitis found no significant effect. The evidence base is small and preliminary, and results may depend on the population and form of propolis used (e.g., mouthwash vs. other forms).

Most-studied combinations with Propolis

most supplement research is combination research
Also studied with:Vitamin C (2), Honey (2)

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