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Updated: May 24, 2025
Extraction and Analysis of Taiwanese Green Propolis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Prevalence of Contact Allergy to Propolis-Testing With Different Propolis Patch Test Materials
Annarita Antelmi1, Ilaria Trave2, Rosella Gallo2
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
Introduction:
Propolis is a sticky substance produced by honeybees from plant resins collected from locally growing vegetation. Its chemical composition varies depending on the plant species visited by the bees. Contact dermatitis is commonly reported following exposure to cosmetics containing propolis or following the intake of food supplements.
Objectives:
To investigate the prevalence of contact allergy to propolis in two dermatology clinics in Europe.
Methods:
From February to July 2023, consecutive adult dermatitis patients were patch tested in the Department of Dermatology in Genova, Italy and in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology in Malmö, Sweden, with propolis (10% in petrolatum) originating from China. In Genova, propolis (10% in petrolatum) originating from Brazil was also tested.
Results:
Out of 257 consecutive dermatitis patients patch tested in Genova, 16 (6.2%) reacted to propolis. Of these, 13 patients (5.1%) reacted to Brazilian propolis, one patient (0.4%) reacted to Chinese propolis, and two patients (0.8%) reacted to both. On patch testing 329 consecutive Swedish dermatitis patients with Chinese propolis, three patients (0.9%) reacted.
Conclusion:
A significant difference was observed in the number of reactors to Brazilian propolis and Chinese propolis within the Italian group. When testing with Chinese propolis, a low prevalence of contact allergy was observed in both countries.
