The ingredients that cause the side effects
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.
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