Artepillin-C

PhytochemicalPrenylated phenolic acidBest with a meal

What is it

Artepillin-C is a prenylated phenolic acid (3,5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid) and the signature bioactive of Brazilian green propolis (derived from Baccharis dracunculifolia). It is widely used as a marker compound for standardizing Brazilian green propolis extracts.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Oral health (propolis-based products)

Limited Evidence

Propolis mouthwashes and lozenges have shown modest benefit for gingivitis and oral mucositis in some trials.

Cancer-related effects

Mixed Evidence

Promising preclinical data; no controlled human trials support clinical claims.

How it works

Artepillin-C shows notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activity in cell culture and animal models. It modulates NF-kB signaling, induces apoptosis in cancer cell lines, and inhibits various bacterial and fungal pathogens. Clinical evidence for isolated artepillin-C is limited; most evidence is at the level of Brazilian green propolis extract, which contains artepillin-C alongside other phenolic compounds. Propolis trials show mixed benefit for oral health, immune support, and topical wound healing.

Dosage

No established RDA. Brazilian green propolis extracts standardized for artepillin-C content typically deliver 300-1000 mg/day of extract. Isolated artepillin-C is rarely sold as a standalone consumer product.

When and how to take it

Most products are taken once or twice daily with food.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Brazilian green propolis extract

Main delivery vehicle for artepillin-C.

Artepillin-C absorption is moderate; rapidly metabolized.

Safety

Generally well tolerated. Propolis is a recognized allergen, particularly in people with bee or beekeeping exposure, and can cause skin reactions, oral irritation, and rarely anaphylaxis.

Who should be cautious

Avoid if you have a known bee, propolis, or balsam of Peru allergy. Pregnancy and breastfeeding cautions apply due to limited data.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with anticoagulants and chemotherapy agents. Propolis may modulate CYP enzymes; clinical relevance is unclear.

Food sources

Brazilian green propolis

Amount
variable
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is artepillin-C in all propolis?⌄

It is most concentrated in Brazilian green propolis. Propolis from other regions has very different chemistry.

Are propolis allergies common?⌄

Yes, particularly in people with bee or beekeeping exposure. Cross-reactivity with balsam of Peru is also possible.

References

Artepillin-C on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Artepillin-C (PubChem CID 5472440) — PubChem link

Artepillin-C on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Artepillin-C (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.