A Comprehensive Review on Chemical Compounds, Biological Actions and Potential Health Benefits of Stingless Bee Propolis

Abstract

Propolis mainly comprises of resins, waxes, essential oils, pollens, and impurities collected from various parts of plants such as leaf buds, mucilage, gums, and lattices. Stingless bees had been noted to produce higher amount of propolis than honey bees since they use propolis to build their nests, which makes them valuable and economical. However, very little is known about the properties of stingless bee propolis compared to honey bees’. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the chemical composition, biological actions, health benefits including some promising future research and directions of stingless bee propolis. Recent studies had shown that the chemical composition of propolis may vary according to factors such as bee species, seasonality, location and floral preferences. These compounds play a major role in the biological and medical efficacy exhibited by the propolis. Stingless bee propolis is also known to display potent therapeutic and biological properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal and many more that could be used to treat diseases, infections and disorders effectively. The insights provided in this review may helpfully enhance the utility of stingless bee propolis for their therapeutic and health benefits in the food, pharmacological and medicinal sectors, some which are yet to be fully discovered.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Argentinian Propolis of Four Species of Stingless Bees

“…In the life of SLBs, these kinds of mixtures play a particularly important role, since they are used more widely, in particular (unlike the honeybee, Apis mellifera) for building a nest and as pots for rearing offspring and for storing supplies [3]. Therefore, most species of stingless bees collect more resin for making propolis than honeybees [4].…”

Honey’s Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties: A Bibliometric Study

“…Propolis chemical synthesis is commonly composed of 50% resin, 30% wax, 10% essential oils, 5% pollen, and 5% other substances, which include organic compounds and minerals such as phenolic acids (cinnamic and caffeic acid) or their esters, terpenes, flavonoids (flavones, flavanones, flavonols), aromatic aldehydes, alcohols, and fatty acids among others. Propolis' chemical composition is related to the geographical, botanical, and environmental conditions of the region of harvest [114][115][116].…”

GC-MS Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic and Water Extracts of Malaysian Heterotrigona itama Propolis Against Selected Human Pathogenic Bacteria

“…Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees from the selective collection of plant buds or exudates (Kustiawan et al, 2023). It is used as a sealant for beehives and acts as a protective barrier against foreign invaders as well as against weathering of the hive (Salleh et al, 2022). Propolis hardens the wall of hives and contributes to an aseptic internal environment (Pasupuleti et al, 2017).…”

“…Propolis produced by Apis mellifera, which is the most common honeybee species in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, has been dominating the field of propolis research and commercialization (Anjum et al, 2019). However, recent research suggests that propolis produced by stingless bees (Meliponinae) has greater nutritional and medicinal benefits in comparison to honeybee propolis (Al-Hatamleh et al, 2020;Salleh et al, 2022). The unique foraging behavior of stingless bees, which involves visiting a diverse range of plant species to collect resin, pollen, nectar, and other plant-derived materials, may contribute to this greater value (Asma et al, 2019).…”