Exploring the apitherapeutic potential of propolis in laboratory animal models

Abstract

Propolis is a bee-derived resinous product rich in bioactive polyphenols and other secondary metabolites with recognized therapeutic potential. This review examines evidence from laboratory animal models regarding the apitherapeutic effects of propolis, with particular attention to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, wound-healing, metabolic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory activities. These properties have led to widespread experimental investigation of propolis in laboratory animal models. Preclinical studies, mainly conducted in rodent models, suggest that propolis may accelerate diabetic wound repair, reduce oxidative stress, attenuate inflammatory responses, improve glucose and lipid metabolism, protect against experimentally induced organ toxicity, and limit tumor progression. These effects appear to be closely related to the ability of propolis constituents to modulate oxidative balance, inflammatory signaling, microbial growth, tissue regeneration, and immune responses, although outcomes vary according to the experimental model and propolis preparation. The safety findings reported in the included animal studies varied according to dose, treatment duration, extract type, and formulation, with adverse effects reported under some experimental conditions. The biological activity of propolis depends strongly on its chemical composition, which varies according to geographic origin, botanical source, extraction method, and formulation. Overall, propolis represents a promising natural product for pharmaceutical and biomedical development. Future research should prioritize chemical standardization, standardized animal models, dose optimization, mechanistic validation, and bioavailability-enhancing formulations to support the translation of preclinical findings into clinical application. Despite the considerable heterogeneity of animal models, propolis preparations, and experimental protocols, the studies reviewed suggest several recurring biological responses—attenuation of oxidative stress, modulation of inflammatory pathways, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defenses, and promotion of tissue repair—while highlighting that the lack of standardization remains the principal barrier to the translation of these findings.