Exploring the Functional Properties of Propolis, Geopropolis, and Cerumen, with a Special Emphasis on Their Antimicrobial Effects
Bajaree Chuttong,
Kaiyang Lim,
Pichet Praphawilai,
Khanchai Danmek,
Jakkrawut Maitip,
Patricia Vit,
Ming-Cheng Wu,
Sampat Ghosh,
Chuleui Jung,
Michael Burgett,
Surat Hongsibsong
Affiliations
Bajaree Chuttong
Meliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Meliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Khanchai Danmek
School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
Jakkrawut Maitip
Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Bankhai, Rayong 21120, Thailand
Patricia Vit
Apitherapy and Bioactivity, Food Science Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Bioanalysis, Universidad de Los Andes, Merida 5001, Venezuela
Ming-Cheng Wu
Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
Sampat Ghosh
Agriculture Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
Chuleui Jung
Department of Plant Medical, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
Michael Burgett
Meliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Surat Hongsibsong
School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Bee propolis has been touted as a natural antimicrobial agent with the potential to replace antibiotics. Numerous reports and reviews have highlighted the functionalities and applications of the natural compound. Despite much clamor for the downstream application of propolis, there remain many grounds to cover, especially in the upstream production, and factors affecting the quality of the propolis. Moreover, geopropolis and cerumen, akin to propolis, hold promise for diverse human applications, yet their benefits and intricate manufacturing processes remain subjects of intensive research. Specialized cement bees are pivotal in gathering and transporting plant resins from suitable sources to their nests. Contrary to common belief, these resins are directly applied within the hive, smoothed out by cement bees, and blended with beeswax and trace components to create raw propolis. Beekeepers subsequently harvest and perform the extraction of the raw propolis to form the final propolis extract that is sold on the market. As a result of the production process, intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as botanical origins, bee species, and the extraction process, have a direct impact on the quality of the final propolis extract. Towards the end of this paper, a section is dedicated to highlighting the antimicrobial potency of propolis extract.
