Medicinal Ingredient (per 1 capsule):
Bee Propolis (Propolis, Bee hive of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) (Apidae)) 500 mg

Non-Medicinal Ingredient:
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Vegetable capsule shell)

Duration of Use:
Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 1 month.

Recommended Dose:
Adults: 1 capsule 1 time per day

Cautions and Warnings:
Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are allergic to bee products, poplar tree products, or balsam of Peru.

Known Adverse Reactions:
Hypersensitivity, such as allergy, has been known to occur; in which case, discontinue use immediately.

Q: How long can I take bee propolis and is there a duration of use limit?
A: Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 1 month. That is the Health Canada approved duration of use guidance for this product (NPN 80033885). The 120 capsule bottle provides a 120 day supply at 1 capsule per day; however, use beyond 1 month should be discussed with your healthcare provider before continuing.

Q: What does bee propolis do?
A: Bee propolis provides antioxidants for the maintenance of good health. That is the Health Canada approved use (NPN 80033885). The antioxidant activity of propolis comes from its flavonoid content (pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, quercetin) and phenolic acid content (caffeic acid phenethyl ester CAPE, ferulic acid), which neutralize free radicals and modulate oxidative stress pathways. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Q: What is bee propolis and where does it come from?
A: Propolis is a resinous mixture that honey bees (Apis mellifera) collect from tree buds, sap flows, and other botanical sources, and mix with beeswax, enzymes, and pollen. Bees use it as a structural sealant and antimicrobial agent within the hive: sealing cracks, coating interior walls, and encapsulating foreign objects. The name comes from Greek: pro (before or in defense of) and polis (city), meaning defense of the city or hive. It is also called bee glue. Canadian propolis is predominantly derived from poplar (Populus) tree buds and is classified as temperate zone propolis, with a composition of approximately 50% resins and balsams, 30% waxes, 10% essential oils, 5% pollen, and 5% other compounds including vitamins B1 and B2 and calcium.

Q: What are the main antioxidant compounds in Canadian bee propolis?
A: The primary antioxidant compounds in Canadian temperate zone propolis are flavonoids and phenolic acids. The main flavonoids are pinocembrin (the most abundant flavanone in propolis), chrysin (a flavone also found in honey and passionflower), galangin (a flavonol), and quercetin. These flavonoids neutralize free radicals by donating hydrogen atoms and chelate pro-oxidant metal ions. The most studied phenolic acid compound is caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a phenolic ester formed from caffeic acid and phenethyl alcohol that directly scavenges free radicals and has been studied for NF-kB pathway inhibition and Nrf2 pathway activation. Ferulic acid is also present, a hydroxycinnamic acid with direct free radical scavenging activity.

Q: Why does the caution mention poplar trees and balsam of Peru?
A: Canadian propolis is predominantly derived from poplar (Populus) tree buds. Individuals allergic to poplar may cross-react with Canadian propolis due to the shared botanical compounds. Balsam of Peru (Myroxylon pereirae) is a fragrance ingredient from a Central American tree that contains many of the same phenolic compounds as propolis, including cinnamic acid derivatives and benzoic acid derivatives. Individuals sensitized to balsam of Peru often cross-react with propolis due to these shared compounds. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are allergic to bee products, poplar tree products, or balsam of Peru.

Q: Is bee propolis vegan?
A: No. Bee propolis is produced by honey bees (Apis mellifera) and is an animal-derived ingredient. The capsule shell is vegetable-derived (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, HPMC) and contains no animal-derived components, but the medicinal ingredient (propolis) itself is not suitable for vegans. This product is suitable for those who avoid mammalian-derived ingredients but not for those following a vegan diet.

Q: What are the full safety cautions for this product?
A: Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 1 month. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are allergic to bee products, poplar tree products, or balsam of Peru. Hypersensitivity, such as allergy, has been known to occur; in which case, discontinue use immediately. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Q: How should I take this product and how long does the bottle last?
A: Adults: 1 capsule, 1 time per day. At 1 capsule per day, the 120 capsule bottle provides a 120 day supply. However, consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 1 month. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of use for your individual needs.