Eco-friendly tick control using Pakistani bee propolis: Behavioral and acaricidal effects against Rhipicephalus microplus and Hyalomma marginatum.

Honey and propolis from the stingless bees Tetragonula drescheri and Tetragonula pagdeni remain underexplored for their health-promoting application. This study investigated the bioactive compounds, and antiviral and anticancer activities of honey and propolis extracts against herpes simplex virus (HSV), and human papillomavirus (HPV-16/18)-positive cervical cancer cells. Water and ethanol extracts were prepared and evaluated for anti-HSV activity using plaque assay, and for anticancer effects on CaSki and HeLa cells using apoptosis, colony formation, cell migration, and candidate gene expression analysis. Propolis water extract most potentially inhibited HSV wild-type and drug-resistant strains. Propolis ethanol extract from T. drescheri markedly suppressed CaSki and HeLa cell growth, induced apoptosis, downregulated HPV-16/18 E6, and upregulated BAX expression. Chemical profiles were identified by electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Most candidate compounds displayed preferable drug-likeness properties. Prototype herbal soup formulations containing selected extracts significantly inhibited HSV-1 drug-resistant strain and HPV-16 E6 expression. These findings demonstrated the high antiviral and anticancer potential of the extracted compounds from T. drescheri and T. pagdeni propolis, supporting their application in health-promoting products against HSV and HPV infection.

Stingless bees (Heterotrigona itama) propolis is a promising natural product with diverse biomedical uses. However, its safety and bioactivity in disturbed environments, such as post-mining lands, are not well understood. This study evaluated heavy metal content, phytochemical, and antioxidant activity of H. itama propolis from post-mining land in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Heavy metals (As, Pb, Hg, Cd, and Cr) were analysed using ICP-OES. Phytochemical screening identified secondary metabolites. Antioxidant capacity was measured using the DPPH assay, with ascorbic acid as a standard. All heavy metal concentrations were below FAO/WHO limits, indicating safety. Phytochemical tests showed saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, terpenoids, and triterpenoids. The DPPH assay showed moderate to strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ 36.52 ppm vs 2.71 ppm for ascorbic acid). H. itama propolis from post-mining land is chemically safe and active, demonstrating antioxidant potential linked to its phenolic and flavonoid content. These findings support sustainable stingless beekeeping in post-mining areas for environmental rehabilitation and as a source of valuable natural products.

This study developed and evaluated a novel composite electrospun nanofiber wound dressing co-loaded with propolis (PP) and PP-functionalized silver nanoparticles (PP-AgNPs) in a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix for accelerated wound healing. Three types of mats-neat PCL, PCL/PP (10 wt.%), and PCL/PP-AgNPs (10 wt.%)-were fabricated. Incorporation of PP-AgNPs significantly altered the solution properties, increasing conductivity to 891.0 ± 3.9 μS and reducing the mean fiber diameter to 256 ± 63 nm, compared to 693 ± 245 nm for neat PCL. Invivo assessment using a full-thickness rat wound model over 14 days demonstrated that the PCL/PP-AgNPs composite dressing (Group 6) superiorly promoted healing. It achieved near-complete wound closure (99.8%), significantly enhanced wound contraction rates, and improved histological outcomes, including complete re-epithelialization and dense, organized collagen deposition. Biochemical analyses revealed that the PCL/PP-AgNPs dressing effectively modulated the wound microenvironment by reducing oxidative stress (increased SOD, decreased MDA) and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α). Furthermore, it exhibited protective effects on liver (ALT, AST) and kidney (Urea, Creatinine) functions. The synergistic combination of PP's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with the antimicrobial and bioactive effects of AgNPs, delivered via a nanostructured PCL fiber matrix, validates this composite as a highly effective and multifunctional dressing for faster, more complete wound repair.

Bee propolis for inflammatory bowel disease: A review of its gastroprotective effects, mechanisms, and translation strategies.

This study examines the effects of migratory and stationary beekeeping practices on the chemical composition of propolis and the morphological variations in honeybees from Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. The chemical composition of propolis (21 samples) was examined through HPLC, focusing on phenolic compounds, total tannin content, and FRAP antioxidant values. To assess honeybee morphology, geometric morphometric analysis of wings was conducted on 564 worker bee samples from 18 hives across 4 locations, revealing significant differences between migratory and stationary colonies (p < 0.0001). Honeybees from migratory colonies exhibited greater morphological diversity, likely reflecting exposure to a wider range of environmental conditions. The key phenolic compounds identified included caffeic acid, resveratrol, and quercetin. Migratory beekeeping resulted in significantly higher levels of caffeic acid, chrysin, and resveratrol (p ≤ 0.01) in propolis, while stationary beekeeping produced products with stronger antioxidant capacities, as indicated by higher FRAP values (2410.44 vs 2056.48 µmol TE/100 g, p < 0.05). Correlation analyses between phenolic compounds revealed strong positive relationships (r = 0.63–0.97, p < 0.01), indicating synergistic interactions that enhance the bioactivity of propolis. The results suggest that migratory beekeeping enhances the chemical richness of propolis, while stationary beekeeping promotes stronger antioxidant capacity, offering different benefits depending on the intended use of propolis. These findings indicate that beekeeping management practices can directly influence both propolis phenolic profiles and honey bee wing morphometry. Specifically, migratory practices should be adopted for propolis with enhanced bioactive compound concentrations, while stationary methods are preferable for maximizing antioxidant potential in pharmaceutical formulations.

Acetamiprid (ACP) is a neonicotinoid pesticide that is extensively utilized for the management of insect populations, but its toxic effects on the male reproductive system have become a source of concern. Chrysin (CHR) is a natural flavone found in many plants and bee products, including honey and propolis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of CHR on ACP-induced testicular injury in male Balb/c mice. ACP (20 mg/kg) and CHR applications (10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively) were conducted via intragastric route for a period of 14 days. The administration of CHR treatments resulted in a substantial improvement in oxidative stress and inflammation levels, achieved by the elimination of ACP's inhibition of the Nrf2 pathway. CHR treatments significantly reversed the ACP-induced depletion in serum testosterone and inhibin B levels. Specifically, the treatment of CHR at a dose of 20 mg/kg resulted in a substantial improvement in degenerative testicular findings induced by ACP, as indicated by a significant reduction in TUNEL (+) cell count. Furthermore, the provision of CHR treatments resulted in the cessation of the decline in sperm count and viability that had been induced by ACP, whilst concomitantly leading to a substantial reduction in the number of spermatozoa that exhibited severe abnormalities. These results suggest that CHR may have a protective effect against ACP-induced testicular damage; however, the results require further corroboration through the implementation of more comprehensive studies.

The rose stem girdler has been identified as the primary economic pest affecting oil-bearing rose plants. A mass attack can reduce the yield of rose flowers by up to 40%. The current study examines the effectiveness of three organic pesticides on the Agrilus cuprescens population. The field experiment was conducted in the village of Kliment, located in Bulgaria's Rose Valley, using a five-year-old organic rose plantation. The following products have been included in the investigation: Limocide® (60 g/L orange oil), NeemAzal® T/C (2.5% Neem substance), and a 4% bee glue solution applied individually and in the following combinations: Limocide® + 4% bee glue solution, and NeemAzal® T/C + 4% bee glue solution. These products were sprayed twice before flowering in an interval of 10 days and once in the postharvest period. The study was designed using a randomized block method with four replications, and each plot had a size of 18 m², containing 21 plants per variant. During the testing period, the combined treatment with Limocide® and propolis solution showed the highest effectiveness, managing to reduce the population of adult insects by up to 83%. When applied individually, Limocide® demonstrates 72% effectiveness against the pest, followed by the standalone application of propolis solution with an effectiveness of 64%. Moreover, the product Limocide® was able to reduce the formation of new galls by up to 92%. More research is needed to investigate the exact mechanism of action of orange oil and propolis extract at different stages of the enemy's development.

Propolis is a polyphenol-rich resinous substance well known for its antioxidative properties. This study describes and compares the chemical composition and radical scavenging activity (RSA) of propolis from Australia (N = 8), Denmark (N = 38), and Norway (N = 7) using infrared (IR), Raman, near-infrared (NIR), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) spectroscopy through multivariate data analysis. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that Danish and Norwegian propolis samples had a higher content of aromatic compounds, whereas Australian samples were richer in carbohydrates and terpenoids. The RSA of Danish and Norwegian propolis samples was found to be similar ( p ≥ 0.05), while the Australian samples exhibited significantly lower RSA. The strongest spectral correlation (R 2 = 0.64) to RSA was found at 1631 cm -1 (Raman) and 1666 nm (NIR), attributed to conjugated C=C stretching vibrations and first overtones of C-H stretching vibrations from aromatic/conjugated structures, respectively. NIR spectroscopy provided the most accurate predictions of RSA (R 2 = 0.75, RMSECV = 6.66%), highlighting its potential as a rapid, non-destructive quality assessment tool for propolis. Overall, this study demonstrates that the combined use of multiple non-targeted spectroscopic techniques provides complementary insights into complex matrices, enabling a robust characterisation of propolis and its antioxidant activity. • Bee propolis from Australia, Denmark, and Norway was analyzed using IR, Raman, NIR, and 1 H NMR spectroscopy • Danish and Norwegian propolis exhibited higher aromatic content, while Australian samples were richer in carbohydrates and terpenoids • RSA of the Danish and Norwegian samples was comparable and significantly higher than that of the Australian propolis. • Key RSA-related bands were identified at 1631 cm -1 (Raman) and 1666 nm (NIR). • NIR spectroscopy provided the most accurate RSA prediction (R 2 = 0.75, RMSECV = 6.66%)

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of ocotillol, a compound isolated from the ethanol extract of propolis of the Tetragonula iridipennis stingless bee. Through its ability to inhibit NO production in an in vitro model, it investigated the NO inhibition mechanism using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking. Methods: The NO production inhibitory activity was determined by colorimetric assay using Griess reagent. An in silico study was performed using network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Results: The in vitro results demonstrated that ocotillol exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects by effectively inhibiting NO production, with an IC50 value of 20.29 ± 2.1 µg/mL. The network pharmacology analysis revealed that ocotillol targets 14 molecular sites related to NO, with TACR1 showing the best binding affinity at -10.0 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that TACR1 is a potential target. As indicated by the stable interaction profile, further validation in complex biological membranes is warranted. Conclusions: This study also provides evidence for the correlation between in vitro and in silico models, thus laying the groundwork for in vivo evaluations to confirm the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ocotillol.

This study aimed to improve the aqueous solubility of stingless bee propolis, which is limited by its lipophilic nature, by developing solid dispersions with polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30) as a hydrophilic carrier and to identify the optimal formulation ratio to enhance the solubility of its bioactive constituents. Propolis solid dispersions (PSDs) were prepared using the solvent evaporation method at propolis extract to PVP K30 ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:5. The solubility of the key bioactive compounds, gamma-mangostin and alpha-mangostin, was quantified using HPLC. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were employed to elucidate molecular interactions and crystallinity changes within the formulations. The optimized PSD (1:3) significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced the aqueous solubility of gamma-mangostin and alpha-mangostin by 1.3- and 2.5-fold, respectively, compared with the unmodified extract. FT-IR spectra revealed hydrogen bonding between PVP carbonyl groups and the phenolic hydroxyl groups of the extract, while XRD confirmed the amorphous transformation of the propolis within the polymeric matrix. PVP K30-mediated solid dispersion transformed crystalline propolis extract into an amorphous form, effectively enhancing mangostin solubility and dissolution behavior, offering a promising strategy to improve the pharmaceutical applicability and formulation potential of stingless bee propolis.

Protective effects of natural products and gut bacteria to reduce pesticide-induced mortality in honeybees

This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of stingless bee, Tetragonula sapiens propolis from four locations in Buton Utara, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols in all samples, while alkaloids were absent. Antioxidant activity, measured by DPPH assay, varied significantly among samples, with Lakonea exhibiting the strongest activity (IC₅₀ 42.22 ppm), followed by Linsowu (66.33 ppm), Lemo Ea (85.13 ppm), and Lantagi (113.39 ppm). Antibacterial tests against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhi revealed distinct inhibitory patterns, with Lakonea showing the broadest spectrum of activity at 30% concentration. Statistical analysis indicated a strong negative correlation (rₛ = -0.80) between IC₅₀ values and total antibacterial inhibition, suggesting that samples with higher antioxidant capacity tend to possess stronger antibacterial effects. The findings highlight the influence of geographical origin and botanical sources on the bioactivity of propolis. This study concludes that stingless bee propolis from Buton Utara, particularly from Lakonea, holds promising potential as a natural source of antioxidants and antibacterial agents, supporting its future application in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.

Background. Propolis (bee glue) is a natural resinous substance collected by honeybees, utilized since antiquity for its healing properties. Modern medicine increasingly employs this raw material as a complement to conventional therapies in the treatment of infections, metabolic diseases, and oral cavity disorders. Aim. The aim of this study is to review the current scientific literature regarding the chemical composition, pharmacological properties, and clinical applications of propolis, with particular emphasis on its antimicrobial, metabolic, and neuroprotective activities. Material and methods. A review of literature from 2000–2023 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies regarding the biological activity of propolis were analyzed. Results. Propolis exhibits a broad spectrum of activity: bactericidal (including against drug-resistant strains and biofilms), antiviral (e.g., HSV, SARS-CoV-2), antifungal, and regenerative. New reports confirm its efficacy in dentistry (caries, periodontitis), glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, and its neuroprotective potential in neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusions. Propolis represents a promising raw material in integrative medicine. Its multidirectional action, combined with relatively low toxicity, justifies further clinical research and standardization efforts.

Metabolic syndromes, including obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus, can exacerbate inflammation-induced liver damage, which is associated with high-fat diets (HFD) and sedentary lifestyles. The substantial hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory properties of propolis extract can potentially reduce hepatic inflammation and prevent the progression of liver damage. This study aims to investigate the role of Indonesian propolis extract in reducing hepatic inflammation after dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia. The experiment started with feeding HFD to the rats for 12 weeks, then a daily dosage of 300 mg/kg BW of propolis extract was administered via gavage for 9 weeks. Body weight, liver index, and blood biochemical analysis were conducted to determine the pharmacodynamic evaluation of propolis extract. The expression of inflammatory cytokines was investigated in the liver tissue. The correlation and regression analysis assessed the relationship between dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hepatic inflammation. Nine weeks of propolis extract supplementation significantly decreased body weight and liver index. Propolis also improves blood profile by reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and glucose levels and increasing HDL-C levels. The expression of hepatic inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was decreased in the HFD group after propolis administration. A significant moderate to strong correlation (0.56–0.94) was found between the lipid profile, glucose levels, and hepatic inflammation. The lipid profile represented approximately 84.6%, 49.9%, and 68.7% of the hepatic inflammatory cytokine expression variation of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Based on current evidence, Indonesian propolis alleviated hepatic inflammation by improving dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia after a prolonged high-fat diet in vivo. Therefore, further clinical studies are warranted to substantiate its complementary role in metabolic or inflammatory conditions. Not Applicable.

The study aimed to identify the pathoanatomic aspects of piroplasmosis and monieziasis in saiga antelopes kept in a nursery and evaluate the effectiveness of bee propolis as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent.In May 2024, 100 saiga calves were removed from nature and placed in the Akboken nursery (Kazakhstan).A clinical examination, hematological and biochemical blood tests, a pathoanatomic autopsy of 10 corpses, and diagnosis by blood smears and coproovoscopy were performed.Azidin, hyperimmune serum, and propolis extract were used as part of the therapy.The studies were conducted for 7 weeks.The saiga calves were diagnosed with piroplasmosis and monieziasis.For the first time, characteristic pathomorphological changes of internal organs in these diseases were established.Treatment with propolis had a positive effect: the death rate decreased, the number of leukocytes increased, the concentration of total protein and globulin increased, and the level of triglycerides decreased.This pioneering research firmly establishes propolis as a novel, effective, and natural therapeutic intervention, vital for enhancing the health and survival of saiga calves challenged by parasitic diseases in nursery environments and offering significant promise for broader wildLife conservation strategies.

Background: The Hyalomma species is one of the most important vectors of pathogens responsible for human and animal diseases. The use of substances of natural source has been proposed as a safe way to control ticks. We aimed to evaluate the acaricidal activity of hydroalcoholic extract of honey bee propolis against the Hyalomma spp. in vitro and to determine its toxicity by MTT assay. Methods: The acaricidal activity of propolis in concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/ml was investigated after 15, 30 and 60 minutes by two spray and contact methods. The main compounds of propolis were carried out with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Then the toxicity of each concentration was evaluated by MTT assay. Data were analyzed by GraphPad Prism 6 software. Results: The concentration of 200 mg/ml of propolis had the highest acaricidal effect (90%) in the exposure time of 60 minutes and spray method was more effective than the contact method. The GC-MS analysis identify that Hexane (CAS); n-Hexane (17.32%) is the main ingredient of propolis. The results of the MTT toxicity test showed that toxicity increases with increasing concentration, and low concentrations of propolis have very little toxicity. Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of propolis contains potent acaricidal compounds and it might be used as a natural acaricide compound to against Hyalomma spp. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the propolis.

Bee products in biopolymer films/coatings: Advancing sustainable active packaging for food preservation.

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the most apparent symptoms of side effects in a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy using anti-cancer drugs, resulting in distress and a lower quality of life. Hence, this study investigated the protective and regenerative effects of Philippine stingless bee propolis on CIA in a murine model. Female C57BL/6N mice were subjected to hair cycle synchronization through depilation, followed by cyclophosphamide (CYP) administration to induce hair loss and graying. Daily topical application of 99.5% ethanol extracted propolis diluted twice with water was performed for 30 days. Results revealed that propolis-treated mice exhibited increased folliculogenesis and epidermal thickness, but not hair length, and improved melanogenesis compared to controls. Immunohistochemical and gene expression analyses revealed increased Ki67+ proliferative cells and reduced apoptosis (TUNEL+ cells) at the early 48 h of topical treatment. Moreover, propolis upregulated expressions of Lef1 and melanogenic genes (Tyr, Tyrp1, Dct) at 30 days of treatment. These findings suggest that Philippine stingless bee propolis promotes hair follicle regeneration and melanocyte function, offering a potential natural therapeutic approach for CIA.

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 propolis provides defence against thioacetamide induced hepatic fibrosis. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups having six animals in every group. Thioacetamide (200 mg/kg) was administered orally three times per week, whereas propolis at three different doses (100, 150 and 200 mg/kg) was administered three times per week alternatively to thioacetamide for continuous eight weeks. Hematology, serology, tissue biochemistry, and histology were carried out to assess thioacetamide induced fibrosis and hepatic injury as well as recovery pattern due to propolis. Five major compounds present in propolis were subjected to molecular docking analysis. Propolis decreased serological activity of AST, ALT, ALP, γ-GT, cholesterol, HDL, TG, bilirubin, triglycerides and increased level of albumin, glucose, and LDL. Propolis protected tissues from oxidative stress induced by thioacetamide in terms of LPO. Hydroxyproline, a marker of liver fibrosis was restored by propolis treatment toward control. Level of SOD, catalase, GSH, GR, GPx, GST, G6PDH in liver were upshifted in propolis treated groups. Molecular docking analysis interpreted interaction of phytochemicals present in propolis in ameliorating effects and role in preventing liver fibrosis. In vivo and in silico analysis concluded that propolis has hepatoprotective activity by reducing thioacetamide induced liver fibrosis in rats.