Propolis as an Antiviral

Traditional medicine and nutritional supplements have long used propolis, a honeybee resin. However, recent preclinical studies have shown that propolis may have a wide range of therapeutic bioactivities, such as protecting neurons from damage, reducing inflammation, fighting cancer, and preventing the spread of viruses. There is encouraging preclinical evidence that propolis and its constituents can inhibit the growth of several viruses, including adenoviruses, influenza, respiratory tract viruses, herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2. Terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids are only a few of the more than 300 chemical components found in propolis; however, the exact composition varies greatly depending on the place of origin and the flora found there. Through influencing many pathogenic and antiviral pathways, propolis and its components have shown promise as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2.