Propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees from tree buds and other botanical sources, has long been recognized as one of nature’s hidden wonders. Inside each beehive, propolis is used to seal gaps and protect the hive from intruders and infections. This natural material has a long history in traditional medicine across various cultures, used to treat wounds, infections, and other ailments. Today, modern science has proven that propolis indeed possesses remarkable health benefits, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Imagine small worker bees diligently collecting resin from trees in forests and fields. They mix this resin with enzymes from their own saliva, creating a sticky, beneficial substance known as propolis. The bees then use this propolis to protect their hive, making it almost free from bacteria and viruses. It is no wonder that propolis can also be used by humans to combat various diseases.

The secret to propolis’s powerful therapeutic effects lies in its complex chemical composition. Propolis is rich in plant secondary metabolites, such as phenolics and terpenoids, which contribute to its various health benefits. These compounds work synergistically to modulate the immune system, inhibit, and reduce inflammatory pathways and key cytokines. Thus, propolis not only helps fight infections but also reduces inflammation, a common underlying factor in many chronic diseases.

The marvels of propolis have inspired researchers like Felix Zulhendri, Ronny Lesmana, Andreas Christoper, Auliya A. Suwantika, Rizky Abdula, and Nasrul Wathoni (Padjadjaran University, Indonesia), Steven Tandean and Ilham Irsyam (Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia), and Kavita Chandrasekaran (Telangana, India) to conduct further research. One of the most intriguing benefits of propolis is its ability to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to serious diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Moreover, propolis can also reduce inflammatory angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels that can trigger chronic inflammation. Additionally, propolis modulates inflammatory cell activity by reducing mast cells and increasing macrophages. “Imagine how propolis works in our bodies like a clever war strategist, directing immune forces to combat infections and reduce inflammation,” explains Felix.

However, propolis is not uniform. The bioactive activity of propolis varies depending on its geographical origin, as different regions produce propolis with different chemical profiles. For instance, Tetragonula carbonaria propolis from Australia contains compounds such as gallic acid, O-methyl-aromadendrin, dihydroxy-dihydroflavon, and flavones, which have been shown to inhibit the production of leukotriene LTB4. Meanwhile, Brazilian propolis is rich in formononetin, vestitol, neovestitol, biochanin A, quercetin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, and daidzein, which reduce the production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages.

Furthermore, Felix explains that besides Australia and Brazil, propolis from other geographical sources, including Cameroon, Ghana, Indonesia, England, China, Iran, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, and Turkey, also demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory activity. Ethanol extracts from these regions have shown considerable reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. This geographical diversity in bioactive compounds highlights the importance of sourcing propolis from various regions to fully harness its therapeutic potential.

With ongoing research, propolis increasingly stands out as a natural remedy with a range of health benefits. Through various mechanisms of action, propolis modulates inflammation by inhibiting and reducing inflammatory pathways and key cytokines. This makes propolis a promising raw material for developing new pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

“For example, imagine one day you could have a propolis supplement specifically formulated to address chronic inflammation or even as an adjunct in treating autoimmune diseases. As more bioactive compounds in propolis from various regions are uncovered, its potential as a therapeutic agent will continue to expand, offering new hope for treating inflammatory conditions and more,” Felix elaborates.

In daily life, you may have already encountered propolis products in the form of dietary supplements, lozenges, or ointments. However, with new discoveries continually emerging, we might see even more innovations in how propolis is used and integrated into health and wellness products. For instance, propolis could become a key ingredient in skincare products to address acne or skin irritation, or even as a component in toothpaste to maintain oral health.

Felix adds that propolis also has positive effects on ecosystems. Bees that collect resin to make propolis also aid in pollinating plants, which is crucial for the sustainability of many ecosystems. By supporting propolis-based products, we also support the survival of bees and the ecosystems they help maintain.

“Be sure to choose high-quality products from reputable sources. Always check labels and find out the origin of the propolis used in the product. Although propolis is generally safe, some individuals may be allergic to bee products, so always consult with a doctor before starting propolis use, especially if you have a history of allergies,” Felix concludes.

Propolis is a perfect example of how nature provides extraordinary solutions for our health problems. From bee hives to modern laboratories, the journey of propolis as a powerful natural remedy is a fascinating story of science, innovation, and the power of nature. With increasing research and development, the future of propolis as a therapeutic agent looks bright, promising new hope for treating inflammatory diseases and more.