Propolis
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Propolis (Bee Propolis (resin)) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 791 participants, researched for Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory, Metabolic & Liver Health.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory
StrongMetabolic & Liver Health
StrongResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory
To evaluate propolis supplementation effects on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate propolis supplementation effects on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism.
Dose
Propolis 900mg daily
Participants
67 healthy adults
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Propolis supplementation significantly improved antioxidant capacity and reduced lipid peroxidation markers. LDL cholesterol reduced. Multiple oxidative stress markers improved.
How They Measured It
ORAC antioxidant capacity, MDA (lipid peroxidation), total polyphenols, lipid profile
To meta-analyse propolis effects on antioxidant status across controlled clinical trials.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To meta-analyse propolis effects on antioxidant status across controlled clinical trials.
Dose
Various propolis formulations
Participants
Multiple RCTs (600+ combined participants)
Duration
Various
Results
Propolis supplementation significantly improves total antioxidant capacity and reduces lipid peroxidation markers. Consistent moderate effect size across studies.
How They Measured It
Antioxidant markers (SOD, CAT, GPx, TAC, MDA) across RCTs
To evaluate Brazilian green propolis as adjunct treatment in hospitalised COVID-19 patients.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate Brazilian green propolis as adjunct treatment in hospitalised COVID-19 patients.
Dose
Brazilian green propolis 400mg or 800mg daily
Participants
124 hospitalised COVID-19 patients
Duration
Up to 7 days
Results
Propolis significantly reduced hospital length of stay by 2 days. Reduced supplemental oxygen need and lower ICU admission in propolis groups. Good safety profile.
How They Measured It
Hospital length of stay, oxygen need, ICU admission, mortality
Metabolic & Liver Health
To evaluate the effects of propolis supplementation in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of propolis supplementation in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Dose
900 mg propolis daily
Participants
65 obese patients with NAFLD
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Propolis supplementation significantly improved glucose homeostasis, lipid profile, liver enzymes, and reduced inflammatory markers and body weight in obese NAFLD patients.
How They Measured It
Liver enzymes (ALT, AST), lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, anthropometric measures
To evaluate the effect of propolis supplementation on mood, quality of life, and metabolic profiles in subjects with metabolic syndrome.
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of propolis supplementation on mood, quality of life, and metabolic profiles in subjects with metabolic syndrome.
Dose
500 mg propolis twice daily
Participants
75 adults with metabolic syndrome
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Propolis supplementation significantly improved mood scores, quality of life, and metabolic parameters including lipid profile and insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome patients.
How They Measured It
Mood questionnaires, quality of life scales, lipid profile, glycemic indices
To assess whether artepillin C-rich propolis extract supplementation promotes muscle recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage.
Study Type
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled
Purpose
To assess whether artepillin C-rich propolis extract supplementation promotes muscle recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage.
Dose
Artepillin C-rich propolis extract supplement
Participants
Resistance-trained young females
Duration
5 days post-exercise
Results
Propolis extract significantly reduced muscle soreness, creatine kinase levels, and improved muscle strength recovery compared to placebo.
How They Measured It
Muscle soreness, creatine kinase levels, muscle strength recovery
To evaluate the effect of Brazilian green propolis on biochemical parameters and dietary intake in people living with diabetes.
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of Brazilian green propolis on biochemical parameters and dietary intake in people living with diabetes.
Dose
800 mg Brazilian green propolis daily
Participants
Adults with type 2 diabetes
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Brazilian green propolis supplementation improved glycemic control and lipid profiles in diabetic patients.
How They Measured It
Glycemic control (HbA1c, fasting glucose), lipid profile, inflammatory markers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Propolis research
There are currently 7 peer-reviewed studies on Propolis (Bee Propolis (resin)), involving 791 total participants. Research covers Immune support, Antioxidant protection, Oral health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (6 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Propolis has been researched for: Immune support, Antioxidant protection, Oral health, Anti-inflammatory. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 6 out of 7 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements researched for similar health goals
