What should not be taken with propolis?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Propolis, a resinous substance made by bees, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is crucial to understand what should not be taken with propolis, as this natural supplement can cause significant drug and health interactions that can compromise your health and safety.

Quick Summary

Propolis can interact with several medications, including blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and drugs metabolized by the liver's CYP450 enzyme system. It is also contraindicated for individuals with bee allergies, asthma, or bleeding disorders, and should be discontinued before surgery.

Key Points

Blood Thinner Alert: Propolis can slow blood clotting, so it should not be taken with anticoagulants like warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel due to a high risk of bleeding.
Immunosuppressants Interaction: Avoid combining propolis with immunosuppressant drugs like cyclosporine, as it can interfere with their intended action.
CYP450 Enzyme Risk: Propolis can alter how the liver metabolizes many drugs, including statins and beta-blockers, by affecting the CYP450 enzyme system.
Allergy & Asthma Warning: People with bee allergies, pollen allergies, or asthma should not use propolis due to the high risk of allergic reactions or worsening symptoms.
Pre-Surgery Precaution: Discontinue propolis at least two weeks before any surgical procedure to mitigate the risk of excessive bleeding.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking propolis, especially if you are on other medications, to ensure safety and prevent adverse interactions.

Understanding Propolis and its Potential for Interaction

Propolis, often called 'bee glue,' is a fascinating and complex substance with a rich history of use in natural remedies. Bees produce it by mixing saliva and beeswax with exudate gathered from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. The resulting compound is used to seal gaps in the hive and is known for its antimicrobial properties. Due to its potential health benefits, it has become a popular dietary supplement available in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, and lozenges.

However, its complex chemical makeup and biological activity are also the reasons behind its potential for drug interactions. The compounds in propolis can affect how the body metabolizes certain drugs and can have independent effects on the immune system and blood clotting. Consequently, a number of medications and health conditions necessitate caution or complete avoidance of propolis.

Medications to Avoid When Taking Propolis

Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets)

Propolis is known to have antiplatelet effects, meaning it can slow the process of blood clotting. When taken alongside prescription blood-thinning medications, this can significantly increase the risk of bruising and severe bleeding. This interaction is one of the most critical to be aware of and is considered a moderate interaction by medical sources.

Commonly Interacting Medications:

Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven): Propolis can decrease the effect of warfarin or increase the risk of clotting, depending on specific liver enzyme interactions. This is a particularly dangerous combination that requires careful monitoring.
Aspirin: The combination can increase the antiplatelet effect, leading to an elevated risk of bleeding.
Clopidogrel (Plavix): Similar to aspirin, this antiplatelet drug's effects can be compounded by propolis.
Heparin and Enoxaparin (Lovenox): Used to prevent blood clots, their anticoagulant activity may be intensified.

Immunosuppressant Drugs

While some research has explored propolis's potential immunomodulatory effects, its interaction with immunosuppressant drugs is a cause for concern. Propolis can influence the immune system, and in doing so, it can interfere with the intended action of medications designed to suppress the immune response, such as those used for autoimmune diseases or after organ transplants.

Commonly Interacting Medications:

Cyclosporine: Used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, its effectiveness could be altered by propolis.
Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs, including prednisone, can interact with propolis.

Drugs Metabolized by the CYP450 Enzyme System

The liver's cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme system is responsible for breaking down and metabolizing a vast number of medications. Propolis can affect the activity of these enzymes, potentially speeding up or slowing down the metabolism of other drugs. This can either decrease the drug's effectiveness or increase its concentration in the blood, leading to enhanced side effects.

Examples of medications potentially affected:

Statins: Cholesterol-lowering drugs like atorvastatin and simvastatin.
Beta-blockers: Medications for high blood pressure and heart conditions.
Antidepressants: Including certain SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants.

Supplements with Caution

Taking propolis with other supplements that also affect blood clotting can further increase the risk of bleeding. This creates a cumulative effect that should be avoided.

Garlic
Ginger
Ginkgo biloba
Ginseng

Health Conditions that Contraindicate Propolis Use

Certain pre-existing health conditions can make taking propolis dangerous, even without other medications. Individuals should avoid propolis if they have:

Bee allergies: As a bee product, propolis can trigger severe allergic reactions in individuals with hypersensitivity to bees or other bee byproducts like honey.
Asthma: Some experts believe that certain chemicals within propolis may make asthma symptoms worse.
Bleeding disorders: Conditions that already impair blood clotting, such as hemophilia, can be worsened by propolis's effects.
Upcoming surgery: Due to its ability to slow blood clotting, propolis should be stopped at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery to prevent excessive bleeding.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is insufficient reliable information about the safety of propolis during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is recommended to avoid its use.

Comparison Table: Propolis and Drug Interactions


Drug Category	Potential Interaction with Propolis	Risk Level	Example Medications
Blood Thinners	Increases risk of bruising and bleeding by slowing blood clotting.	High	Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel
Immunosuppressants	Can interfere with the intended action of the drugs.	High	Cyclosporine, Prednisone
CYP450 Substrates	Alters drug metabolism, affecting efficacy or increasing side effects.	Moderate	Atorvastatin, Metoprolol, Sertraline
Herbal Supplements	Can have a synergistic effect, especially for blood clotting.	Moderate	Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo

Practical Guidelines and Consultation

Before starting any new supplement, including propolis, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider. This is especially true if you are on any prescription medication or have underlying health conditions. Your doctor or pharmacist can review your complete medication list and provide personalized advice based on your health status. Remember that natural does not always mean safe, and proper medical guidance is crucial for avoiding adverse reactions. For more information, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center website provides a helpful resource on propolis, including safety warnings.

Conclusion

While propolis is a popular natural remedy, it is not without risks, particularly concerning drug interactions. The list of medications and conditions to avoid is extensive and includes blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and drugs that rely on the CYP450 enzyme system for metabolism. Furthermore, individuals with bee allergies, asthma, or bleeding disorders should steer clear of propolis entirely. Always prioritize communication with your healthcare provider before incorporating any new supplement into your routine to ensure safety and prevent potentially harmful health complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not take propolis if you are on blood thinners. Propolis can slow blood clotting, and combining it with anticoagulants like warfarin can dangerously increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.

Individuals with known allergies to bees, bee byproducts (including honey), pollen, or certain plant compounds (such as conifers, poplars, or Peru balsam) should avoid propolis due to the high risk of a severe allergic reaction.

Yes, people with asthma should be cautious and, ideally, avoid propolis. Some experts suggest that certain chemicals in propolis might make asthma symptoms worse.

Yes, propolis can interfere with immunosuppressant drugs like cyclosporine. Its effects on the immune system and liver enzymes can alter the effectiveness of these medications.

No, it is not safe to take propolis before surgery. You should stop taking propolis at least two weeks prior to any planned surgery because it can affect blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.

You should be cautious about taking propolis with other supplements, especially those that also affect blood clotting, such as garlic, ginger, or ginkgo. The combined effect can increase the risk of bleeding.

To determine if your medication is metabolized by the CYP450 enzyme system and could interact with propolis, you must consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can review your specific prescriptions and provide accurate information on potential interactions.