Propolis, allergy

Bellegrandi S, D Offizi G, Ansotegui U, Ferrara R, Scala E, PaganelU R. Propolis allergy in an HIV-positive patient. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996 35(4) 644. 

Hausen BM, Evers P, Stuwe HT, Konig WA, Wollenweber E. Propolis allergy (IV). Studies with further sensitizers from propolis and constituents common to propolis, poplar buds and balsam of Peru. Contact Dermatitis 1992 26(l) 34-44. 

Propolis contact allergy is not caused by one main allergen, but by several allergens varying in chemical composition the presence of these in propolis depends on the nature of the source plant and the place and time of collection by the bees [3]. Studies have shown that 1,1-dimethylallyl and 3-methyl-2-butenyl caffeic acid ester are the strongest sensitizers [3-6]. Propolis allergy today is seen mainly in individuals who use propolis as bio-cosmetics and in self treatment of various diseases [4]. 

Hegyui E, Suchy V, Nagy M (1990) Propolis allergy. Hautarzt... 

Hausen BM, Wollenweber E, Senff H, et al. (1987) Propolis allergy (I). Origin, properties usage and literature review. Contact Dermatitis 17 163-170... 

Hata M, Sasaki E, Ota M, Fujimoto K, Yajima J, Shichida T, Honda M (1997) Allergic contact dermatitis from curcumin (turmeric). Contact Dermatitis 36 107-108 Hausen BM, Hjorth N (1984) Skin reactions to topical food exposure. Dermatol Clin 2 567-578 Hay KD, Greig DE (1990) Propolis allergy a cause for oral mucositis with ulceration. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 70 584-586... 

Oral mucositis with ulceration caused by propolis has been reported in an HIV-negative man (3). Infectious stomatitis is common in HIV-positive patients. Therefore, the first approach is usually the administration of antiviral therapy, antimycotic therapy, or both. However, other causes, such as contact allergy, should be suspected if the patient is exposed to a potentially allergenic substance. 

Propolis can cause allergic contact dermatitis (4), and have been reported in HIV-infected patients (5-7). It has been associated with allergy after its use in cosmetics and in the self-treatment of various diseases. Although most cases involve allergic contact dermatitis arising from topical application, a few reports have described an allergic reaction after oral ingestion. Adulteration of propolis capsules with excessive amounts of lead has been reported from New Zealand (8). 

Immunologic Medsafe of New Zealand has advised health-care professionals to consider the uncertain benefits of propohs versus the risk of hypersensitivity reactions or renal failure before recommending its use to patients [51, 52, 53 ]. A review of adverse reactions identified several cases of hypersensitivity reactions in people using complementary medicines containing propolis patients with a history of allergies were at particular risk. 

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