BeePropolis.info » Side Effects

The ingredients that cause the side effects

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:07:37 +0000

Although the ingredients in propolis will depend on the location of the bee hives and the availability of plants, one allergen, called B1 is believed to always be present in propolis extract.

There are 3 main components in B1:-

3-methyl-2-butenyl caffeate
2-methyl-2-butenyl caffeate
3-methyl-3-butenyl caffeate

2-methyl-2-butenyl caffeate and 3-methyl-3-butenyl caffeate are believed to elicit strong reactions in patients known to be sensitive to propolis.

Other Allergen

Apart from the above, other potential allergens could be benzyl salicylate and benzyl cinnamate. These two allergen however, are considered to be mild sensitisizers and the number of reactions to these chemicals are less frequent that the three above.

Other ingredients in propolis – like essential oils, waxes, and flavonoids have been shown to have weak to no capability to induce allergies.

How high is the allergy risk?

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:01:02 +0000

There were at least 5 controlled studies done to examine the effect of propolis to the masses.

The percentage of population allergic to propolis

It is generally acceptable to say that less than 10% of people are allergic to propolis.

However, the rate of sensitization to propolis or propolis derived products is actually much lower than that. It varies from 1.2% to 6.6% of the test patients.

Reference/Researchers	Total Patients Patch-Tested	Positive Reactions to Propolis
Hausen BM et al	3,177	38 (1.2%)
Guisti F et al	1,831	35 (1.9%)
Machackova J	605	25 (4.2%)
Reider N et al	433	28 (6.55%)
Francesca G et al	1255 children	5.9 %
Source : Medscape Today , PubMed

All of the studies above were done using patch testing method. The allergies reported were eczema and localized dermatitis on the faces, hands and limbs.

The last study involving 1255 children by Francesca G. et. al. was conducted for 8 years. The study concluded that less than 6 % of the test subject tested were allergic to propolis. Those who get contact dermatitis due to propolis were also found to be allergic to balsam of Peru ( which is not surprising since both products have common constituents).

A Word of Advice:
Please ask your doctor’s advice or ask for a patch test first before taking any propolis products. If you’ve used some propolis cream/products and appear to have the symptoms of allergy, discontinue the product.

The Side Effects of Propolis

admin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:19:15 +0000

Like any other honey bee products, around 10% of the human population cannot tolerate propolis.

Who are they?

Those known to be allergic to propolis include :-

Asthma Patients:
If you have asthma, you should avoid propolis because some chemicals or impurities in it may induce an attack. If you want to use it, ask your doctor’s advise first.
Those Allergic To Bee Stings:
If you’re allergic to bee stings, the bad news is propolis could induce a similar side effect.
Those Allergic to Bee Pollen:
Pollens in propolis may come from any plants – and not just plants in surrounding areas where you buy your product. So, if you’re already allergic to bee pollen or evergreens, you are advised not to use propolis.
Pregnant Women:
There are not many published clinical trials on the effect of propolis on pregnant women. Because the information in this area is limited, please avoid using propolis if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Others at risk :
If you know that you’re allergic to black poplar (also populas nigra), poplar buds, honey and balsam of Peru, forget about propolis. There are around 8 to 13 compounds that propolis and balsam of Peru have in common. Some of these compounds are benzyl benzoate, cinnamyl cinnamate, and benzyl cinnamate. Several studies have suggested that patients who are sensitive to propolis also may react to balsam of Peru.

The cause

In propolis, a substance called the B1 is believed to be the reason behind these side effects.

Picture credit: Fisherman’sDaughter

A beekeeper scraping propolis. Beekeepers who are allergic to it may suffer from watery eyes, swollen eyelids or dermatitis on their fingers and wrists.

Allergic reaction from this substance was first documented in 1915 when a beekeeper suffered from dermatitis on his fingers and wrists. But the case was classified as an occupational effect.

And because propolis is also used as the coating on Italian varnish, instrument makers and musicians have also been reported to get contact dermatitis. Here are some cases of allergies suffered by those who use violins coated with propolis.

Right now it is seen mainly on those who :-

use cosmetics that contain propolis, or
take propolis as supplements to treat various health conditions.

The symptoms of allergies

If you’re allergic to propolis, it may cause your skin to

Redden.
Develop rashes.
Swell.
Itch, or
Crack.

It could also induce :-

Eczema.
Lesions.
Psoriasis, or
Mouth sores.

A word of advice

Even if you’re not listed as those at risk, you should always take some precautions when using any form of medications.

The best way to start taking propolis is to try it gradually. Use small quantities of propolis for the first few days. If there are no side effects, increase your propolis intake gradually to the full outlined dosage.

This way you would be able to test your comparability with the propolis product you’re taking and avoid embarrassing (and painful) reactions to the substance.

Similarly, if you decide to stop the medical treatment prescribed by your doctor, do it gradually (after his okay, of course).