Propolis: types, composition, biological activities, and veterinary product patent prospecting

Abstract

Propolis is a resinous substance composed of a mixture of different plant parts and molecules secreted by bees. Chemically, it is defined as a complex matrix containing biologically active molecules with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. It is widely employed in cosmetic formulations and pharmaceutical products and is one of the most widely used natural products. However, the effects and strength of these biological activities depend on the chemical profile and composition of each propolis type. This composition is associated with the diversity of local flora, the place and period of collection, and the genetics of the bees. In this context, the objective of this review was to investigate the biological, chemical, and microbiological properties of propolis. A technological prospection was also performed on patents for products designed to be used in animal health. Our investigation shows that the literature contains diverse studies dedicated to comparing and describing the composition and therapeutic properties of propolis. These studies demonstrate the potential biological use of propolis in veterinary medicine, showing the applications of propolis extracts in different formulations. However, there are a low number of propolis‐based veterinary products with a registered patent. Thus, the development of products based on propolis is a promising market to be exploited. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

Red Propolis and Its Dyslipidemic Regulator Formononetin: Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity and Gastroprotective Effects in Rat Model of Gastric Ulcer

“…Propolis (or bee glue) is a complex mixture of molecules obtained from several resinous secretions (e.g., resins, mucilage, gums, lattices, leaf buds) collected by worker-bees from different plant species [ 8 ]. Its composition is thus strongly influenced by the diversity of local flora, harvesting place and season, and by the genetics of the bees [ 9 ]. Briefly, these plant resinous secretions are mixed with salivary and enzymatic secretions of honey bees, producing a cementing material, used to close open cracks occurring in beehives.…”

Propolis and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Lessons from nature

“…Propolis is defined as a balsamic and resinous product composed of a mixture of different plant parts and molecules secreted by bees [ 10 ]. Importantly, propolis is used by humans since ancient times for its medicinal properties [ 11 ].…”

“…As a natural compound with proven pharmacological and pharmaceutical properties, propolis has actually a wide application, with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties [ 10 , 12 ]. Thus, these different therapeutic effects of propolis justify its potential for the development of products for use in human and animal health [ 10 ]. Concerning the use of propolis in SARS-Cov-2-infected patients, some interesting considerations must be put forward.…”

The Strong Anti-Kinetoplastid Properties of Bee Propolis: Composition and Identification of the Active Agents and Their Biochemical Targets

“…Then, they add salivary enzymes to the resins and mix it with beeswax, thereby forming propolis. Thus, the chemical composition of propolis varies with the geographical region, season, surrounding flora, and bee species [13,14,27,[29][30][31][32]. Over 500 chemical compounds have been identified from various samples of propolis from different regions and seasons [27,33].…”

“…Since the vegetation of different geographical regions varies, in addition to variations within the same region, and the phytochemicals in plants vary from season to season, the chemical composition of a propolis sample is determined primarily by its botanical source, the season, and the collection preferences of the bee species [13,14,29,30]. Thus, according to its botanical source, propolis may be classified into various chemotypes [30,46,47]; however, the assigned classifications unfortunately vary among authors as more types of propolis of different plant origins are being identified and characterized.…”