Bee-made propolis boosts an antifungal drug against yeast pathogens in lab tests

Researchers have found that propolis, a substance produced by bees from plant material, can enhance the effectiveness of an antifungal drug called amphotericin B when used together in lab tests. Propolis is a complex mixture of hundreds of chemical compounds, with flavonoids playing a particularly significant role in its antifungal activity.

The study, conducted by researchers from Wroclaw Medical University, analyzed how propolis interacts with four yeast pathogens that cause candidiasis, including Candida auris, which is known for its high resistance to antifungal drugs. When combined with amphotericin B, propolis showed synergistic activity against all tested yeast species, indicating a greater effect than would be expected from their individual actions.

However, the researchers noted that this enhanced effect may not be consistent for all antifungal agents, as some showed additive or antagonistic interactions. While these findings suggest that propolis could be used as an adjunct therapy to boost the efficacy of amphotericin B and potentially reduce the required drug doses, the study emphasizes the need for further research to understand the mechanisms behind these interactions and to confirm the results in preclinical infection models.

Additionally, the variability in propolis composition based on its origin necessitates standardization before any potential medical application. Overall, while the study provides promising insights into the potential of propolis and amphotericin B combination therapy, more extensive investigations are required before such treatments could be considered for clinical use.