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.