Propolis: a review of properties, applications, chemical composition, contact allergy, and other adverse effects

Dermatitis. 2013 Nov-Dec;24(6):263-82. doi: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000011.

Abstract

Propolis (bee glue) is the resinous substance that bees collect from living plants for the construction and adaptation of their nests. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and may have a wide range of other beneficial biological activities. Propolis is available as a dietary supplement, in products for the protection of health and prevention of diseases, in biopharmaceuticals, and as a constituent of (bio)cosmetics. In this article, the following aspects of propolis are reviewed: the nature and chemical composition, its biological properties and applications, contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis (sensitizing potential, products causing contact allergy, clinical picture, frequency of sensitization, coreactivity and cross-reactivity, the allergens in propolis), and other adverse effects.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Products / adverse effects
  • Biological Products / chemistry
  • Cosmetics / adverse effects
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / prevention & control
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Propolis / adverse effects*
  • Propolis / chemistry*
  • Skin Tests / methods

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Cosmetics
  • Propolis