Propolis: a study suggests its effects on the intestinal microbiota

What is propolis?

Propolis is a complex resin produced by worker bees from plant substances harvested from the buds, bark and leaves of certain plants – poplars and conifers in Europe, mangroves in Brazil, etc. It contains over 400 compounds identified to date, including flavonoids, phenols, fatty acids, essential oils, aromatic acids and amino acids, as well as vitamins (1).

Its primary function is to protect the hive against external aggression, whether climatic, bacterial or fungal. It lines and seals the walls, insulating them from humidity and draughts, and sanitises the cells before they are used. Its name, a combination of the words pro ('in front of') and polis ('city'), aptly illustrates its role as a bulwark for the colony.

Heralded as a traditional natural remedy since antiquity, this treasure from the hive was prized by Roman legionnaires, who used it to disinfect their wounds. Since then, it has been the subject of numerous scientific studies that are still trying to establish its reputed anti-infectious, antioxidant and immunostimulant properties (2).

Propolis modulates the intestinal microbiota, according to a recent review

A scientific review published in 2025 sheds new light on the mode of action of propolis by exploring its ability to modulate the composition of the intestinal microbiota and have a positive impact on the host's overall health (3).

Researchers are highlighting its possible ability to selectively eliminate pathogenic microflora (with in vivo activity observed on strains of Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium difficile and Fusobacterium nucleatum) while promoting the growth of beneficial probiotic bacteria (from the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in particular) in the digestive system. In so doing, it helps to maintain a balanced intestinal ecosystem.

At the same time, the phenolic compounds in propolis are thought to be transformed into beneficial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are particularly active in strengthening the intestinal barrier and controlling the inflammatory response. In healthy adults, supplementation was accompanied by a significant increase in the production of acetic acid (119%), propionic acid (832%) and butyric acid (142%).

The researchers see this dual modulation as a promising lever for supporting metabolic, digestive and cerebral health more generally, given the complex interactions that exist between the microbiota and neuronal, immune and neuroendocrine pathways.

It should be pointed out, however, that the precise mechanisms of action of propolis remain only partially elucidated to date. While modulation of the intestinal microbiota appears to be a determining factor, it is certainly not enough to explain all the benefits observed. Some hypotheses suggest, for example, that certain phenolic compounds and flavonoids have their own antioxidant or anti-inflammatory activity, while others, such as caffeic acids, may have their effects modified or amplified by the intestinal flora (4). The fact remains that propolis is now emerging as a functional food ingredient with great potential.

Why and how should we supplement with propolis?

To maintain a healthy, stable and resilient microbiota, a guarantee of good general health, the primary approach is a varied diet rich in protective nutrients. Dietary fibre (vegetables, fruit, pulses, wholegrain cereals, etc.) nourishes the beneficial bacteria, while polyphenols and antioxidants (berries, green tea, cocoa, herbs, spices, etc.) help to curb the inflammatory response and neutralise free radicals (5).

The fact remains, however, that certain situations can upset the balance: digestive sensitivity, infectious episodes in winter, oxidative stress, etc. (6). In these situations, propolis supplementation can provide invaluable help by supporting the body's natural defence and regulation mechanisms, either locally or systemically, depending on the problems targeted.

It is important to remember that there are different types of propolis, each with its own specific biological characteristics. Collected in Brazil, green propolis comes mainly from the vegetative apices of field rosemary (Baccharis dracunculifolia). It is distinguished by its richness in cinnamic acid, kaempferol and, above all, artepillin C, a powerful phenolic acid, which is the subject of intense research in immunology (7-8).

Discover Green Propolis, a supplement of green propolis from Brazil standardised in phenolic acids and artepillin C for unequalled effectiveness.

Even rarer, red propolis is synthesised by bees from the Dalbergia ecastaphyllum species found in Brazilian mangroves. Of all the propolis known to date, it contains the highest concentration of phenolic compounds, particularly isoflavones. It is therefore a prime candidate to support and effectively strengthen our defensive arsenal (9).

You'll find it in Red Propolis, a high-quality red propolis harvested in Brazil and extracted in France.

Finally, if your throat is irritated, there are propolis mouth sprays with targeted action (10).

Propolis Throat Spray combines 8 powerful active ingredients to soothe the throat and support the immune system: essential oils of eucalyptus and tea tree, honey, zinc, vitamin C and others.