Antioxidant Potential of Propolis, Bee Pollen, and Royal Jelly: Possible Medical Application
A scientific review conducted at The Medical University of Lublin, Poland, in 2018, discussed the current state of knowledge of the antioxidant capacity of selected bee products, namely, propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly, and their potential antioxidant-related therapeutic applications. In addition, the authors also reviewed the influence of bee species, plant origin, geographic location, seasonality, and the type of extraction solutions on the composition of bee products extracts. Bee products are considered a potential source of natural antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, or terpenoids. The in vitro and animal studies seem to confirm the usefulness of using bee products (propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly) as natural agents capable of counteracting the effects of oxidative stress underlying the pathogenesis of numerous diseases or disorders, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, as well as adverse effects of different harmful factors and drugs (e.g., cytostatic agents). Although animal studies revealed promising results, there is still a lack of studies considering neurodegenerative disorders or cancers concerning the varying composition of bee products making it difficult to draw a general conclusion. The authors advised future studies to investigate the potential of bee products as a promising adjuvant in treating oxidative stress-related disorders or diseases in humans.* *Kocot, J., Kiełczykowska, M., Luchowska-Kocot, D., Kurzepa, J. and Musik, I., 2018. Antioxidant potential of propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly: possible medical application. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2018.
