This review of existing research found that propolis — a waxy substance made by bees — shows promise in lab and animal studies for slowing growth of certain cancers (oral, gastrointestinal, skin melanoma, breast, and prostate). The compound works through multiple mechanisms like triggering cell death and reducing inflammation. However, the authors emphasize that most evidence comes from lab studies, not human trials, so we can't yet say propolis is an effective cancer treatment on its own.

The researchers reviewed and summarized findings from multiple published studies about propolis and cancer, focusing on which cancer types showed the strongest evidence and how propolis appeared to work at a cellular level.

Funding not disclosed in abstract