The rich medicinal properties of bee propolis
Bee propolis is a resinous substance collected by honey bees from tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. This natural substance is used by bees to seal unwanted open spaces in their hives.bee propolis is rich in bioactive compounds including antioxidants, polyphenols, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Extensive research has demonstrated its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.
Due to its rich medicinal properties, Bee Propolis Extract finds applications across diverse industries. The pharmaceutical industry has been a major consumer of bee propolis extract for development of immunity-boosting supplements and medicine. Its antioxidant compounds help promote overall health and boost immunity against infections and diseases. The food and beverage industry also uses it as a natural preservative and immunity booster in functional foods and drinks.
Immune-boosting and antimicrobial applications in pharma industry
The popularity of it in pharmaceutical area stems from its potent immune-stimulating and antimicrobial activities. Studies show that polyphenolic compounds in propolis stimulate the immune system at cellular level. Propolis extract stimulates macrophage activity and cytokine production which boosts nonspecific immunity against bacterial and viral infections.
Research also indicates that bee propolis possesses antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-parasitic properties. Due to this broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect, propolis extract finds application in development of immune-modulating supplements, lozenges and syrups for cold, cough and flu relief. Pharmaceutical manufacturers also use bee propolis extract for development of medicinal formulas to treat mycoses, Helicobacter pylori infection and dental carries. Its rich antimicrobial arsenal makes it ideal natural preservative for pharmaceutical products as well.
Potential as immunity booster during Covid times
The onset of Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of general immunity and natural products that can potentiate immune response against viral illnesses. As researchers found bee propolis to possess antiviral properties against similar RNA viruses like influenza, its immune-modulating effects received increased research focus. Several preliminary studies during 2020-21 pandemic also suggested the probable efficacy of propolis in upregulating antiviral response against SARS-CoV-2.
This prompted many pharmaceutical giants to launch commercial propolis lozenges, syrups and dietary supplements branded as immunity boosters during pandemic times. Such products containing standardized extracts met high consumer demand for natural immunity enhancers. Its efficacy for strengthening overall immunity became a value proposition for bee propolis extract market during challenging Covid times. The versatility of propolis as an antiviral and immunity booster is expected to bolster its applications in pharma industry in coming years as well.
Extraction methods and standardization
The biological activities and therapeutic properties of bee propolis depend heavily on its chemical composition which varies with geographical location and plant sources. As such, proper identification and standardization of it is important for pharmaceutical consistency.
The widely used extraction methods include maceration with ethanol, Soxhlet extraction and microwave-assisted extraction using solvents like ethyl acetate and ethanol. Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is preferred by some producers for its residue-free extracts. Quality control is ensuring fingerprinting of extracts through HPLC to identify marker compounds like caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and flavonoids. Standardization ensures batch-to-batch consistency in antioxidant potential and therapeutic effects. These measures have boosted consumer confidence in propolis extracts as safe and reliable medicinal ingredients.
Prospects of propolis extract in pharmaceuticals
Owing to increasing consumer awareness and research-backed health claims, the demand for it in pharmaceuticals is projected to witness steady growth. Various studies demonstrating its efficacy against antibiotic resistant superbugs and anti-tumor activities have opened newer application areas. Its use in strengthening immune defense and promoting overall wellness positions propolis extract as an important platform for naturalhealth product development.
As the search continues for newer natural alternatives to antibiotics and infection fighters, bee propolis with its arsenal of bioactive components holds promise. Standardized, high-quality meeting regulatory criteria seem ideally suited for dietary supplements, herbal medicine and nutraceutical formulations. With ongoing research optimization, bee propolis extract can significantly contribute to future pharmaceutical formulationsand evidence-based applications in infectious disease management, oncology and immune health. This sets the extract up for a thriving role in addressing global healthcare challenges through 2030.
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Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
