Bee Propolis

What chemicals are responsible in causing allergies to propolis?

Although the ingredients in propolis 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 elicits strong reactions in patients known to be sensitive to propolis.

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 are shown to have weak to no capability to induce allergies.

 

Related Reading:
Cases involving allergy to propolis - scientific reviews