Recent Update on the Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Propolis

Abstract

In recent years, research has demonstrated the efficacy propolis as a potential raw material for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. There is limited report detailing the mechanisms of action of propolis and its bioactive compounds in relation to their anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the aim of the present review is to examine the latest experimental evidence (2017–2022) regarding the anti-inflammatory properties of propolis. A systematic scoping review methodology was implemented. After applying the exclusion criteria, a total of 166 research publications were identified and retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed. Several key themes related to the anti-inflammatory properties of propolis were subsequently identified, namely in relation to cancers, oral health, metabolic syndrome, organ toxicity and inflammation, immune system, wound healing, and pathogenic infections. Based on the latest experimental evidence, propolis is demonstrated to possess various mechanisms of action in modulating inflammation towards the regulatory balance and anti-inflammatory environment. In general, we summarize that propolis acts as an anti-inflammatory substance by inhibiting and downregulating TLR4, MyD88, IRAK4, TRIF, NLRP inflammasomes, NF-κB, and their associated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. Propolis also reduces the migration of immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, possibly by downregulating the chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10.

Therapeutic potential of propolis in alleviating inflammatory response and promoting wound healing in skin burn

“…This substance contains several bioactive compounds that affect cellular components and processes that promote inflammation, resulting in a hindrance of inflammation. Several studies examining the effectiveness of propolis against various diseases have shown that its antiinflammatory properties are beneficial for the treatment of cancer, dental and oral diseases, metabolic syndrome-related disorders, organ toxicity and inflammation, pathogenic infections, wound healing, and other chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, and neurological diseases (Zulhendri et al, 2022). Araújo et al (2020) reported that the anti-inflammatory activities of propolis were related to several of its components, namely polyphenols (flavonoids, phenolic acids, and their metabolites), terpenoids, steroids, and amino acids.…”

“…According to a review by Zulhendri et al (2022), propolis exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through several methods. Generally, it causes the inhibition and downregulation of TLR4, MyDD8, IRAk4, TRIF, NLRP inflammasomes, IL-1b, IL-6, IFN-g, and TNF-α.…”

“…Inflammation can be defined as the morphological change in a specific area of a tissue as a form of a defensive and coordinated response of the body's immune system toward harmful stimuli or injury (de Almeida & Menezes, 2002; Novara et al, 2006; Ramos & Miranda, 2007; Zulhendri et al, 2022). Anti‐inflammation is one of the properties known to be related to the medical benefits of propolis.…”

“…One pathway affected is the TLR signaling pathway, which includes MyDD8, TIRAP, MAPK, NF‐κB, and TRIF (Chen et al, 2018). According to a review by Zulhendri et al (2022), propolis exhibits anti‐inflammatory effects through several methods. Generally, it causes the inhibition and downregulation of TLR4, MyDD8, IRAk4, TRIF, NLRP inflammasomes, IL‐1b, IL‐6, IFN‐g, and TNF‐α.…”

Phytochemical Profile and Antimicrobial Potential of Propolis Samples from Kazakhstan

“…Herbalists have recommended propolis according to its antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used in the treatment of different types of infections as well as duodenal and gastric ulcers [ 1 , 8 ]. Many biological activities of propolis have been confirmed by modern studies, including anticancer [ 9 ], antioxidant [ 10 ], antileishmanial [ 11 ], wound healing [ 12 ], anti-inflammatory [ 13 ] and immunomodulatory [ 14 , 15 ].…”