Propolis Science

01/06/2026

This study explored how propolis affects weight gain and metabolic health in rats fed a high-fat diet. The researchers found that propolis helped reduce weight gain, fatty liver buildup, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and liver damage without reducing how much the animals ate. Instead of working by appetite suppression, propolis improved metabolism by influencing communication between the gut, hormones released from the gut, and the liver. It strengthened the intestinal barrier, increased beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate and propionate, and shifted gut hormone signaling in a healthier direction. These changes activated a key energy-regulating system in the liver called AMPK, which helps the body burn fat and reduce fat production. The study highlights a newly identified pathway in which propolis improves metabolic health by coordinating gut microbes, gut hormones, and liver energy regulation. While these results are promising, the findings were observed in rats, and further studies are needed to determine how well these effects translate to humans.

Objectives: Emerging evidence suggests that propolis possesses significant anti-obesity properties. While gut hormones and microbiota are known to play crucial roles in obesity development, the specific mechanisms through which propolis exerts its effects via the gut hormone axis remain...

01/06/2026

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a chemical found naturally in propolis, is the sticky resin bees make to protect their hives. CAPE has been looked at by many researchers because it can reduce inflammation and calm immune-related responses in the body. In experiments like this one, scientists often give CAPE to cells or animals that have been exposed to substances or conditions that cause pain, nerve sensitization, or excessive immune activity. They then measure changes in pain behavior, swelling, and levels of inflammatory signaling molecules. Across similar studies, CAPE is shown to lower the activation of inflammatory pathways, especially ones involving NF-κB and MAPK, which are chains of chemical signals that normally tell cells to make more inflammatory chemicals. When CAPE slows down those signals, tissues show less swelling, reduced pain sensitivity, and fewer immune-driven chemical messengers being made. By acting as an antioxidant and reducing oxidative stress, CAPE also helps protect cells from the kind of damage that makes inflammation worse. The paper likely concludes that CAPE shows promise as a natural anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing agent in laboratory models, and that its effects on key cellular pathways help explain how it works.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1094715925008414

01/06/2026

This study looked at whether a natural compound called caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which comes from propolis produced by bees, can reduce neuropathic pain in mice and how it might work. Neuropathic pain happens when nerves are damaged and the nervous system becomes overly sensitive, which is hard to treat with current medicines. The researchers used a mouse model where a nerve in the leg was gently injured to mimic chronic nerve pain and then gave CAPE to the mice. They found that the mice treated with CAPE showed less pain behavior than the untreated mice. The scientists also examined cells in the spinal cord called microglia, which are immune cells that can become activated after nerve injury and release inflammatory signals that make pain worse. CAPE reduced the activation of these microglia and lowered levels of several inflammatory signaling proteins, including TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. The study showed that CAPE works by blocking a chain of molecular signals known as the p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways, which normally drive inflammation and pain. The results suggest that CAPE might be a promising and relatively safe candidate for treating neuropathic pain by calming immune activity in the spinal cord and reducing inflammation, though more research would be needed to see if it works the same way in humans.

Management of neuropathic pain is still a clinical challenge. Evidence has accumulated indicating that propolis is effective in attenuating neuropathic pain; however, the mechanism is not fully understood. Our present study investigated the effects ...

01/06/2026

This study looked at whether a natural compound called caffeic acid phenethyl ester (often called CAPE and found in propolis, a substance made by bees) can reduce inflammatory pain in animals. The researchers caused inflammation and pain in the animals’ paws using a chemical that reliably produces swelling and pain. They then gave some of the animals CAPE and watched how their behaviors and biological responses changed. The animals that received CAPE showed less pain sensitivity and less swelling than those that did not receive it. The scientists also studied what was happening in the spinal cord. They found that CAPE changed the behavior of immune cells in the spinal cord called microglia. Normally, these cells adopt a more inflammatory state during pain, releasing substances that promote pain and swelling. But CAPE encouraged the microglia to shift toward a less inflammatory, more healing state, which was linked to lowering levels of molecules that drive inflammation. On a molecular level, CAPE reduced the activity of a set of cell signals (including PI3K, Akt, and NF-kB) that normally promote inflammation and pain. By dampening those signals and shifting microglia to a calmer state, CAPE helped reduce both the peripheral inflammation in the paw and the pain responses seen in the animals. The results suggest that CAPE might be useful in future treatments for inflammatory pain by reducing the biological processes that sustain inflammation and discomfort.

Inflammatory pain is a major global health challenge, significantly affecting quality of life and emotional well-being. Current treatment options are limited an...

01/06/2026

The researchers basically wanted to see whether propolis could protect the liver from serious damage caused by a chemical called TAA, which is known to trigger fibrosis. They worked with several groups of rats over eight weeks, giving some of them TAA alone and others TAA plus different doses of propolis. What they found was pretty striking: the rats that received propolis had much healthier liver markers. Their liver enzymes—usually a big red flag for damage—were noticeably lower, and the “good” markers like albumin and glucose bounced back toward normal. Propolis also helped calm oxidative stress, which is a major driver of inflammation and tissue damage, and it reduced hydroxyproline, a key indicator of fibrosis. On top of that, it boosted the liver’s own antioxidant defenses by increasing enzymes like SOD and catalase. The team didn’t stop there—they also ran computational models showing that several compounds in propolis can interact with biological targets involved in fibrosis. Altogether, the study paints a pretty compelling picture: propolis seems to offer real, measurable protection against chemically induced liver fibrosis by reducing stress, restoring balance, and supporting the liver’s natural defenses.

Propolis or bee glue is a resinous mixture with several biological properties, which is collected by honey bees from flowers and plants sap. The current study was carried out to ascertain whether p...

01/01/2026

01/01/2026

Here's to a healthy and joyful 2026.

12/29/2025

Nigerian Green Propolis Reveals Promising Anticancer Compounds

Researchers have discovered two potentially powerful compounds in green propolis from Nigeria that might one day help in the fight against cancer.

The Discovery
Scientists analyzed propolis collected from beehives in Umudike, Umuahia, Nigeria. This particular propolis had a distinctive greenish color, likely because bees gathered resins from black mangrove trees growing in the coastal regions. Using advanced laboratory techniques, they isolated two specific compounds called Schweinfurthin B and Schweinfurthin F.

What Makes This Special?
While we've known propolis has healing properties for centuries, this study took a modern approach. Using computer modeling (called "molecular docking"), researchers tested how these compounds might interact with proteins involved in cancer cell growth.
The results were encouraging. Both compounds showed strong binding with two key cancer-related proteins:
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase (CDK): These proteins control cell division. When they malfunction, cancer cells can grow out of control. The compounds bound to CDK proteins with strength comparable to existing cancer drugs.
Progesterone Receptors (PR): These play a role in hormone-related cancers, particularly breast cancer. Again, the propolis compounds showed binding strength similar to established medications.

The Numbers
Schweinfurthin F performed exceptionally well, with binding scores of -9.6 and -8.6 (lower numbers indicate stronger binding). For comparison, Sorafenib, a drug used to treat kidney, liver, and thyroid cancer, scored -9.8 and -8.9. That's remarkably close.
Computer predictions also suggested these compounds have multiple beneficial properties: chemopreventive (cancer prevention), lipid peroxidase inhibitor (antioxidant protection), apoptosis agonist (helping damaged cells die properly), and anti-inflammatory effects.

What This Means
This is early-stage research using computer modeling only. The compounds haven't been tested in living cells or animals yet, much less humans. However, the findings suggest Nigerian green propolis contains molecules worth investigating further as potential cancer-fighting agents.

The Bigger Picture
This study highlights how traditional natural remedies like propolis can be sources of new medicines when examined with modern scientific tools. The specific type of propolis matters, too. This green Nigerian propolis, influenced by the unique mangrove ecosystem, has a different chemical profile than propolis from other regions.
If future laboratory and clinical studies confirm these computer predictions, these compounds could eventually contribute to new cancer therapies or preventive strategies.
For now, this research adds to the growing body of evidence that propolis is far more than just "bee glue." It's a complex natural pharmacy that science is only beginning to understand.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950199725003131

12/29/2025

Propolis: The Bee Product You've Never Heard Of (But Should)

Think honey is the only healing bee product? Meet propolis, the "bee glue" bees use to seal and disinfect their hives. Turns out what protects the hive can protect us too.

What Makes It Special?
This sticky resin contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins, and minerals that give it remarkable healing properties. Unlike synthetic medicines that target one thing, propolis works on multiple levels simultaneously.

The Healing Highlights:
✓ Fights infections without harming gut bacteria (unlike antibiotics)
✓ Reduces inflammation and pain throughout the body
✓ Boosts immunity by increasing your body's natural defenses
✓ Heals wounds, burns, and ulcers without leaving rough scars
✓ Protects your heart by regulating blood clotting and lowering cholesterol
✓ Works WITH other treatments, enhancing their effectiveness while reducing side effects

Real-World Uses:
People use propolis for everything from colds and flu to chronic ulcers, skin conditions, dental health, and even cataracts. It comes as a tincture, ointment, or raw form you can chew.

The Bottom Line:
Propolis isn't a miracle cure, but it's a remarkably versatile natural remedy backed by both traditional use and modern research. If you're looking to support your health naturally, this ancient bee product deserves your attention.

Have you ever used propolis? Share your experience in the comments!
https://imrconf.com/index.php/CGRP/article/view/177/157

12/29/2025

Green Propolis & Orthodontic Treatment: Protecting Bone Quality During Tooth Movement

Here's a fascinating new study that bridges dentistry with natural medicine. Researchers examined whether green propolis affects bone quality during orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners).
The Research Question:
When teeth are moved orthodontically, mechanical forces create pressure and tension on the surrounding bone and periodontal ligament (the connective tissue that anchors teeth to bone). This process involves controlled bone remodeling. Bone breaks down on the pressure side while building up on the tension side. Researchers wanted to know: does green propolis, known for its bone-protective properties, affect this process?
The Study Design:
Researchers used rats fitted with orthodontic appliances (springs similar to what's used in braces) that applied consistent force to move teeth. The rats received different oral doses of green propolis extract daily for 21 days:

Control group (water only)
Low dose (100 mg/kg)
Medium dose (300 mg/kg)
High dose (500 mg/kg)

They then analyzed bone structure using specialized imaging and examined tissue changes under the microscope.
What They Found:
The results reveal something nuanced and important.
Green propolis did NOT change:
• The rate of tooth movement
• Overall bone volume or density
• The inflammatory response on the tension side

Green propolis DID affect:
• The microstructure of the periodontal ligament on the pressure side (where the tooth is being pushed)
• This suggests protective effects on the connective tissue experiencing mechanical stress

Why This Matters:
The researchers conclude that green propolis may help preserve bone quality during orthodontic movement. This is significant because one concern with orthodontic treatment is maintaining healthy bone and periodontal tissue throughout the process. The fact that propolis didn't slow down tooth movement while potentially protecting tissue integrity is actually ideal. You want the treatment to progress normally while minimizing tissue damage.

Practical Implications:
This research suggests green propolis could be beneficial for people undergoing orthodontic treatment. Not to speed up or slow down the process, but to support the health of the surrounding tissues during the controlled mechanical stress of tooth movement. It's about tissue preservation rather than acceleration or inhibition.

The Bigger Picture:
This study adds to the growing body of evidence showing propolis's ability to support tissue integrity under stress. Whether that's oxidative stress, inflammatory stress, or in this case, biomechanical stress. It demonstrates propolis's adaptogenic qualities: supporting normal physiological processes while protecting against damage.
https://www.jwfo.org/article/S2212-4438(25)00585-5/abstract

The study of the influence of substances on orthodontic tooth movement has increasingly attracted interest within the scientific community. Among these substances, green propolis, a widely consumed natural product, has shown beneficial effects on bone tissue. In this context, the present study aimed...

12/29/2025

Brazilian Red Propolis: A Powerhouse of Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Protection

While most people know about propolis as "bee glue," Brazilian Red Propolis stands out as something truly special. Sourced primarily from the plant Dalbergia ecastophyllum in northeastern Brazil, this crimson-colored resin contains a unique profile of bioactive compounds that make it particularly effective for inflammation and oxidative stress.

What Makes It Different?
Brazilian Red Propolis contains a distinctive blend of phenolic acids, flavonoids (especially catechins, chalcones, and isoflavones), and phenolic terpenes that give it exceptional therapeutic properties. This specific phytochemical signature sets it apart from green, brown, or other propolis varieties.

How It Fights Inflammation:
Research shows Brazilian Red Propolis works by suppressing key inflammatory pathways—specifically down-regulating transcription factors like NF-κB that trigger the inflammatory cascade. Studies on wound healing found it significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-β, while decreasing inflammatory cell infiltration (fewer neutrophils and macrophages at injury sites). This means less swelling, less pain, and faster tissue repair.

Antioxidant Mechanisms:
The antioxidant power is equally impressive. Brazilian Red Propolis:
• Activates antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase
• Neutralizes free radicals through direct ROS scavenging
• Reduces oxidative stress markers including lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage to proteins and DNA
• Protects mitochondria from oxidative injury, preserving cellular energy production

Real-World Applications:
Clinical studies have demonstrated Brazilian Red Propolis's effectiveness for chronic ulcers (diabetic, vascular, and pressure ulcers), burn wounds, surgical wounds, and even corneal injuries. Patients experienced improved wound appearance, increased granulation tissue, reduced secretions, and, notably, pain relief due to propolis's analgesic properties.

The Bottom Line:
This isn't just another wellness trend. Brazilian Red Propolis represents the convergence of traditional healing wisdom and modern scientific validation. Its dual anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms make it particularly valuable for conditions where both oxidative stress and inflammation drive disease progression, which is most chronic health conditions.
Whether you're dealing with inflammatory conditions, oxidative damage from environmental stressors, or simply want to support your body's natural defense systems, Brazilian Red Propolis offers a scientifically-backed, naturally-sourced option.

As always, quality matters. Look for standardized extracts from reputable sources that specify their propolis origin and bioactive content.