Propolis
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Propolis, a resin produced by bees containing plant exudates and beeswax, can be found in many products including chewing gum, ointments, creams and lozenges(1,2). It’s used for many different medical purposes, including canker sores, boosting the immune system, and different types of infections, and has been used since before 350 B.C.(3). It’s mechanism of action in the treatment of cold sores is not fully understood, though it is believed to interfere with viral infection and replication, as well as some anti-inflammatory effects that aid the skin with healing(3,4). Although propolis has been used extensively in the history of medicine, the primary literature regarding its efficacy specifically in the treatment of cold sores is vague and flawed. Very few studies have been done, and those that have been done have looked at sources and strengths of propolis that differ from the products available in Canada, were conducted in mice, or studied the effects on genital herpes. The product appears to be relatively safe, though it may induce allergic reactions (particularly in those with known allergies to bee products), and may worsen asthma(3).
Bottom Line: Until more thorough evidence can be derived, propolis products should remain second line for treatment behind products with more substantial evidence.
References
1. Natural Standard. Propolis. Available at https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=390. Accessed on 20 July 2014.
2. Shimizu T et al. Efficacy of Brazilian propolis against herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in mice and their modes of antiherpetic efficacies. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:976196. Accessed from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21716710 on 27 June 2014.
3. MedlinePlus: Propolis. Natural medicines comprehensive database. Natural Institute of Health. Jan 2012. Accessed from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/390.html on 27 June 2014
4. ColdSore-FX. FAQs – HCP. Accessed from http://coldsore-fx.com/what/faq_hcp_copy.htm on July 20, 2014.
5. Herstat cold sore care. Accessed from http://www.herstat.com on July 20, 2014.
Propolis, a resin produced by bees containing plant exudates and beeswax, can be found in many products including chewing gum, ointments, creams and lozenges(1,2). It’s used for many different medical purposes, including canker sores, boosting the immune system, and different types of infections, and has been used since before 350 B.C.(3). It’s mechanism of action in the treatment of cold sores is not fully understood, though it is believed to interfere with viral infection and replication, as well as some anti-inflammatory effects that aid the skin with healing(3,4). Although propolis has been used extensively in the history of medicine, the primary literature regarding its efficacy specifically in the treatment of cold sores is vague and flawed. Very few studies have been done, and those that have been done have looked at sources and strengths of propolis that differ from the products available in Canada, were conducted in mice, or studied the effects on genital herpes. The product appears to be relatively safe, though it may induce allergic reactions (particularly in those with known allergies to bee products), and may worsen asthma(3).
Bottom Line: Until more thorough evidence can be derived, propolis products should remain second line for treatment behind products with more substantial evidence.
References
1. Natural Standard. Propolis. Available at https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=390. Accessed on 20 July 2014.
2. Shimizu T et al. Efficacy of Brazilian propolis against herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in mice and their modes of antiherpetic efficacies. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:976196. Accessed from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21716710 on 27 June 2014.
3. MedlinePlus: Propolis. Natural medicines comprehensive database. Natural Institute of Health. Jan 2012. Accessed from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/390.html on 27 June 2014
4. ColdSore-FX. FAQs – HCP. Accessed from http://coldsore-fx.com/what/faq_hcp_copy.htm on July 20, 2014.
5. Herstat cold sore care. Accessed from http://www.herstat.com on July 20, 2014.