Taking propolis can help relieve bladder infections (cystitis) in women. The putty resin from beehives appears to be effective in reducing some of the clinical symptoms.
The effect of propolis supplementation on clinical symptoms in women with uncomplicated cystitis was examined in a recent study, the results of which were published in the journal “Phytotherapy Research”.
Propolis a popular home remedy
Propolis can be used as a home remedy for a wide variety of health problems, with the focus often being on its antibacterial and antiviral effects as well as promoting wound healing.
In addition, propolis is associated with numerous other positive health effects and recent studies on animals have even indicated an anti-cancer effect on early-stage colon cancer.
As the researchers report in the specialist magazine “Nutrients”, propolis could play a promising role in complementary medicine as a dietary supplement to reduce or prevent the progression of colon cancer. However, clinical studies on humans that confirm this effect are still lacking.
Effects against bladder infections investigated
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 120 women now provides initial evidence of the effect of propolis against bladder infections in women.
The participants with uncomplicated cystitis were randomly assigned to receive two 500-milligram capsules of propolis or a placebo together with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (250 mg) daily for seven days, the team explains.
In addition, clinical symptoms such as hematuria (blood in the urine), frequency of urination, dysuria (pain when urinating), lower abdominal pain, urgency and bacteriuria (bacteria in the urine) were examined before and after the intervention.
Relief of clinical symptoms
According to the researchers, the severity of bacteriuria decreased significantly in both groups. However, the frequency of urination as well as the urge to urinate and dysuria also decreased significantly more in the intervention group than in the placebo group.
There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of hematuria and lower abdominal pain, the research team continued.
In conclusion, propolis supplementation may help relieve some typical symptoms in women with uncomplicated cystitis, but further clinical studies are needed to fully understand the effects.
Be careful about allergic reactions
It should also be borne in mind that propolis can trigger an allergic reaction in some people, which is why it is better to avoid propolis if you are allergic to bee or wasp stings, for example, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. (ad)
