Propolis Extract

Propolis Extract is a natural resinous substance collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from tree buds, sap flows, and other botanical sources, which they mix with salivary enzymes and beeswax to seal and protect their hives. Composed of over 500 identified compounds, its primary bioactive constituents include flavonoids such as chrysin, galangin, and pinocembrin, along with phenolic acids like caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), aromatic esters, terpenes, and trace amounts of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. The chemical profile varies significantly based on geographic origin, seasonal plant availability, and bee species, resulting in distinct regional types such as European, Brazilian, and Chinese propolis. The most common extraction method involves ethanol solvent extraction, yielding a hydroalcoholic tincture that maximizes solubility of polyphenolic compounds; alternative methods include water-based, supercritical CO₂, and ultrasound-assisted extractions to improve bioavailability or suit specific applications. Propolis Extract demonstrates potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties, validated through in vitro and in vivo studies, with particular efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria and certain fungi. Its antioxidant capacity, often measured via DPPH and FRAP assays, surpasses many synthetic agents, making it valuable in combating oxidative stress-related pathologies. In pharmaceutical applications, it is used in wound healing formulations, oral care products, and as an adjuvant in cancer therapy due to its cytotoxic effects on tumor cells without significant harm to healthy tissues. In cosmetics, Propolis Extract enhances skin barrier function, reduces acne and inflammation, and provides natural preservation, often incorporated into creams, serums, and lotions via encapsulation technologies such as niosomes or liposomes to improve stability and transdermal delivery.