Bee Propolis May Improve Fertility in Women with Endometriosis
By Darin Ingels, ND
Women with endometriosis who have been unable to get pregnant may
have a more successful outcome by taking bee propolis, according to a
preliminary study in Fertility and Sterility (2003;80:S32). This is
encouraging for the millions of women with endometriosis who are
suffering from infertility.
Endometriosis is a disease where cells from the uterine lining become
implanted within the pelvic cavity, causing adhesions, menstrual
irregularities, painful periods, premenstrual syndrome, and infertility.
Other conditions associated with endometriosis include migraine
headaches and mitral valve prolapse. The diagnosis can be difficult,
since surgery is the only way to accurately identify endometriosis.
Studies suggest that 7 to 10% of all women in the United States have
endometriosis. It is the third leading cause of gynecological
hospitalization and the leading cause of hysterectomy. The cause of
endometriosis is unknown, although a genetic link is likely. Surgical
excision of the lesions and medications that suppress the production of
estrogen and progesterone may provide temporary relief, but neither
offers a cure.
In the new preliminary study, 40 women with mild endometriosis and
primary infertility (i.e., they had never been pregnant) who had
unsuccessfully tried to get pregnant for at least two years were
assigned to receive 500 mg twice a day of bee propolis or placebo for
nine months. The number of pregnancies was recorded during the
treatment period.
Women taking bee propolis had a significantly higher pregnancy rate
than those taking the placebo. The number of women who became
pregnant in the treatment and placebo groups was 60 and 20%,
respectively. No adverse effects were reported by the women taking bee
propolis.
Propolis is the resinous substance collected by bees from the leaves
and bark of trees, especially poplar and conifer trees. Bees use propolis
along with beeswax to construct their hives. Test tube studies, although
preliminary, suggest that propolis may have strong anti-inflammatory
effects. The pain associated with endometriosis is often due to the
body’s inflammatory response to the endometrial lesions in the pelvic
wall. Propolis may help decrease this inflammatory reaction, thereby
reducing pain. It is unknown how propolis affects fertility.
Several studies suggest that oral propolis is useful in treating the
common cold and intestinal parasites. Other studies have shown that
topical propolis helps against genital herpes, cold sores, dental caries,
periodontal disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from
Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from
Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The
Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural
Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private
practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport,
CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr.
Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.