Honey bee Products as Therapeutic Agents: Medicinal Properties of Honey, Propolis, and Royal Jelly

Abstract

Honey bee products (honey, propolis and royal jelly) have been used for their wide range of therapeutic benefits attributed to their rich bioactive components. This review examines the medicinal properties of these bee derived substances with respect to their antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effects. Honey, which possesses antibacterial action and tissue regeneration properties, is very effective in treating infection and wound. Rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, propolis also shows strong anti-inflammatory, antifungal and immune modulating properties, which makes it valuable for treatment of infections and inflammatory conditions. The unique proteins and fatty acids found in royal jelly have been shown to be both neuroprotective, anti-aging, and anti-tumour and are promising for use in treating neurodegenerative diseases and cancer prevention. However, these therapeutic potentials are limited by the challenges of variability in composition and lack of clinical trials. Further development of bee products in drug development is also explored in this review, and the importance of more standardized formulations and clinical studies to realize the full medical potential of bee products is emphasized. Bee products are recommended to be integrated to modern healthcare as natural remedies, especially for wound care, dermatological treatments and adjunct therapies for chronic diseases. The potential of these natural products as a promising complementary approach to enhance health and wellness was suggested.