General Nutritional Profile of Bee Products and Their Potential Antiviral Properties against Mammalian Viruses

Abstract

Bee products have been extensively employed in traditional therapeutic practices to treat several diseases and microbial infections. Numerous bioactive components of bee products have exhibited several antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antiprotozoal, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. Apitherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses the bioactive properties of bee products to prevent and/or treat different diseases. This review aims to provide an elaborated vision of the antiviral activities of bee products with recent advances in research. Since ancient times, bee products have been well known for their several medicinal properties. The antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of bee products and their bioactive components are emerging as a promising alternative therapy against several viral infections. Numerous studies have been performed, but many clinical trials should be conducted to evaluate the potential of apitherapy against pathogenic viruses. In that direction, here, we review and highlight the potential roles of bee products as apitherapeutics in combating numerous viral infections. Available studies validate the effectiveness of bee products in virus inhibition. With such significant antiviral potential, bee products and their bioactive components/extracts can be effectively employed as an alternative strategy to improve human health from individual to communal levels as well.

Inhibition of Skin Pathogenic Bacteria, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Royal Jelly from Northern Thailand

“…The principal flavonoids present in royal jelly include flavonoles (e.g., quercetin, kaempherol, galangin, and fisetin), flavanones (e.g., pinocembrin, naringin, and hesperidin), and flavones (e.g., apigenin, acacetin, chrysin, and luteolin) [ 18 ]. However, the composition of royal jelly and its antioxidant capacity is influenced by various factors such as the environment, flower nectar sources, time of harvest, seasons, and processing methods [ 10 ].…”

“…Because of this, the growing rate of severe diseases has pushed for wider research of natural products for safer therapy [ 9 ]. Apitherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses the bioactive properties of bee products to prevent and/or treat different diseases [ 10 ]. Honeybees are important to humans and are gaining more interest due to their health-promoting assets.…”

Investigation of Botanical Origin, Phenolic Compounds, Carotenoids, and Antioxidant Properties of Monofloral and Multifloral Bee Bread

“…[9 -11] BB has better nutritional value than bee pollen, as it contains more free amino acids and easily absorbed carbohydrates. [8] Due to its complex chemical composition, BB has been shown to possess antioxidant, [12][13][14] antimicrobial, [15] antiviral, [16] anti-inflammatory, [17] and anticancer [18] properties. However, the chemical composition of BB varies from region to region and depends greatly on plant sources, the geographic region, and the meteorological conditions of that region, as shown by different studies.…”

Honey therapies for dermatological disorders: more than just a sweet elixir

“…However, specific bioactive components, such as methylglyoxal, quercetin, chrysin, kaempferol, etc., may provide antiviral activity by preventing the entry, entrapment, and replication of viruses. 19,20 Enhancing the antimicrobial activity of honey Some medical-grade honey formulations, including L-Mesitran Soft, are supplemented with other ingredients, such as Vitamins C and E, which enhance the antimicrobial activity of honey by synergistic effects. These vitamins promote immunomodulatory effects and increase antimicrobial sensitivity via diverse mechanisms, including reducing the synthesis of extracellular polymers that form bacterial biofilms and altering the bacterial cell surface to render it more permeable to antibiotics.…”

“…The exact mechanism by which honey prevents viral infections is complex and unknown. However, specific bioactive components, such as methylglyoxal, quercetin, chrysin, kaempferol, etc., may provide antiviral activity by preventing the entry, entrapment, and replication of viruses 19,20 …”