Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Bee propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees from tree buds and used in the hive for its antimicrobial properties. Its traditional use as a remedy for infections dates back centuries, especially in folk medicine across Europe, Asia, and South America. More recently, scientific studies have explored propolis for its antiviral potential. In vitro (test tube) and some in vivo (animal and small human) studies have shown that propolis and its polyphenolic compounds can inhibit the replication of certain viruses, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), influenza, and even some coronaviruses. These effects are attributed to propolis’s ability to block viral entry, disrupt viral envelopes, and modulate immune responses. However, while laboratory results are promising, robust human clinical trials are limited and often small in scale or of low methodological quality. Systematic reviews suggest potential benefits, particularly for recurrent HSV infections (cold sores), but evidence for broader antiviral activity in humans is still preliminary. Thus, while there is a scientific basis for the use of bee propolis in supporting treatment of some viral infections, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and determine appropriate dosing and safety profiles.

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