Medical uses

Propolis is marketed by health food stores as a traditional medicine,^[14] and for its claimed beneficial effect on human health.

Natural medicine practitioners use propolis for the relief of various conditions, including inflammations, viral diseases, ulcers, superficial burns or scalds.^{[citation needed]}

Propolis is also believed to promote heart health and strengthen the immune system^{[citation needed]}. One study has shown that it reduced the chances of cataracts in rat pups.^[15] Old beekeepers recommend a piece of propolis kept in the mouth as a remedy for a sore throat^{[citation needed]}. Propolis lozenges and tinctures can be bought in many countries. Though claims have been made for its use in treating allergies, propolis may cause severe allergic reactions if the user is sensitive to bees or bee products.^[16]

Some of these claims are being clinically investigated and several studies are published in the biomedical literature.^[17] Since the chemical composition of propolis varies depending on season, bee species and geographic location, caution must be applied in extrapolating results (as above).

As an antimicrobial

Depending upon its composition, propolis may show powerful local antibiotic and antifungal properties.^[18]

As an emollient

Studies also indicate that it may be effective in treating skin burns.^[19][20][21]

As an immunomodulator

Propolis also exhibits immunostimulant effects.^[22][23]

As a dental antiplaque agent

Propolis is a subject of recent dentistry research, since there is some evidence that propolis may actively protect against dental caries and other forms of oral disease, due to its antimicrobial properties.^{[24][25][26][27]} Propolis can also be used to treat canker sores.^[28] Its use in canal debridement for endodontic procedures has been explored in Brazil.^[29]

As an antitumor growth agent

Propolis' use in inhibiting tumorigenesis has been studied in mice in Japan.^[30]In pre-clinical models of human breast cancer, propolis induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and reduces expression of growth and transcription factors, including NF-κB. Notably, caffeic acid phenethyl ester down-regulates mdr-1 gene, considered responsible for the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents.^[31]