PrometheusGeneral

Compound or practice · Supplement

Bee Propolis

The hive's antimicrobial 'glue' — real oral-health and wound signals, and a decent cold-sore option.

Overall grade
Grade C
Last revised
2
graded outcomes
0
references listed
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A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.

2 at grade C — 2 graded rows

What is known

Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.

  • Oral health (plaque/gingivitis)Evidence grade C

    Mouthwash

    Moderatemixed

  • Cold sores / wounds (topical)Evidence grade C

    Topical

    Smallmixed

What is uncertain

Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.

  • Thin evidence: Oral health (plaque/gingivitis) (grade C); Cold sores / wounds (topical) (grade C).

The evidence in words

What it is

Propolis is a resinous mixture bees make to seal the hive, rich in flavonoids and used for immune, oral and skin health.

How it works

Its flavonoids and phenolics have antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity.

What the evidence shows

Reasonable evidence supports propolis for oral health (mouthwash reduces plaque/gingivitis), canker sores, and topically for herpes/cold sores and wound healing. Systemic immune and metabolic claims are weaker. A genuinely antimicrobial natural product.

Safety & interactions

Generally safe, but a notable allergen — people allergic to bee products can react. Patch-test topicals.

Bottom line

A legitimately antimicrobial hive product with good oral-health and cold-sore evidence. Useful topically and in mouthwash; mind bee allergies.

Related reading

Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.

Sources

This entry lists no references of its own.

Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.