Propolis allergy

Abstract

As shown in the preceding paper, propolis or bee-glue is the cause of an increasing number of allergic reactions in persons using it in external preparations and cosmetics. Propolis and its main contact allergen, 1,1-dimethylallyl caffeic acid ester, designated LB-1, show strong sensitizing properties in patients as well as in guinea pig experiments. 9 patients have been patch tested with this compound, 8 of whom reacted strongly. Chemical separation of different propolis samples and poplar bud extracts reveal that LB-1 is always present. Poplar bud secretion is the bee's major source for propolis and hence the origin of LB-1. A warning is indicated, in agreement with several other authors, that propolis should not be used in topical products because of its strong sensitizing properties.

Preparation of Propolis Nanofood and Application to Human Cancer

“…[17][18][19][20][21] For example, in a Phase I clinical trial, patients with hepatic colorectal cancer metastases were administered 3600 mg of oral propolis daily, and the levels of propolis and its metabolites were measured by HPLC in portal and peripheral blood. 22,23) Propolis exhibited poor availability following oral administration, with low nanomolar levels of the parent compound and its glucuronide and sulfate conjugates found in the peripheral or portal circulation. In another Phase I study, patients were required to take 8000 mg of free propolis orally per day in order to achieve detectable systemic levels; beyond 8 g, the bulky volume of the drug was unacceptable to patients.…”

Composition of Propolis in Oxfordshire, U.K. and its Relation to Poplar Bud Exudate

“…There is a long history of medicinal usage of propolis although propolis can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals [1,2]. Various components of propolis have been assessed for their antimicrobial properties [3][4][5][6][7], Components identified as having antimicrobial properties are all derived from the plant exudate and this exudate may be collected from various trees including Alnus sp.…”

Effects of Propolis on Hypoxanthine-Xanthine Oxidase-Induced Toxicity in Cultivated Human Cells and on Neutrophil Elastase Activity

“…3,4) Among the substances isolated from propolis especially the caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids and cinnamic acid caused positive allergic reactions. 5,6) Propolis as a traditional remedy in folk medicine is appreciated for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating activities. 3,7) These effects may be induced by the potent free radical scavenger activity of flavonoids and caffeic acid derivatives, which are the typical constituents of propolis of the temperate zone of Europe, Asia and North America.…”