Propolis antiviral and immunomodulatory activity: a review and perspectives for COVID-19 treatment

Abstract

Objectives Viral outbreaks are a frequent concern for humans. A great variety of drugs has been used to treat viral diseases, which are not always safe and effective and may induce adverse effects, indicating the need for new antiviral drugs extracted from natural sources. Propolis is a bee-made product exhibiting many biological properties. An overview of viruses, antiviral immunity, propolis safety and its immunomodulatory and antiviral action is reported, as well as perspectives for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment. PubMed platform was used for data collection, searching for the keywords “propolis”, “virus”, “antiviral”, “antimicrobial” and “coronavirus”. Key findings Propolis is safe and exerts antiviral and immunomodulatory activity; however, clinical trials should investigate its effects on individuals with viral diseases, in combination or not with antiviral drugs or vaccines. Summary Regarding COVID-19, the effects of propolis should be investigated directly on the virus in vitro or on infected individuals alone or in combination with antiviral drugs, due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action. Propolis administration simultaneously with vaccines should be analyzed, due to its adjuvant properties, to enhance the individuals’ immune response. The search for therapeutic targets may be useful to find out how propolis can help to control COVID-19.

Anticancer Activity of Propolis and Its Compounds

“…The use of propolis has therefore been developed over time. It reveals biological properties, including antibacterial, fungicidal, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory, among others [ 6 , 7 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Therefore, propolis is currently incorporated into a wide range of complementary health care products, including creams, gels, skin lotions, shampoos, chewing gums, tinctures, throat sprays, cough syrups, lozenges, soaps, toothpaste, and mouthwash preparations [ 7 , 15 , 16 ].…”

Effects of Propolis on Infectious Diseases of Medical Relevance

“…These flavonoids are also able to regulate JAK/STAT-mediated signaling and the production of ROS, NO, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, avoiding a cytokine storm. They even reduce the risk of comorbidities that complicate the betterment of patients with COVID-19 [ 202 , 203 , 204 ]. Propolis and its bioactive compounds open new means for future works that describe in detail their effects on SARS-Cov-2 and are able to be applied as a complementary therapy in clinical studies.…”

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

“…Many functional foods, phytochemicals, probiotics, and vitamins have been shown to have beneficial effects in strengthening the immune system [310]. Propolis has been determined to block PAK1 when using 1 mL drops per day for each 10 kg of body weight for individuals in the treatment of COVID-19 [311].…”