Abstract
In recent years, propolis has garnered substantial global attention as a dietary supplement, owing to its multifaceted nature and diverse biological properties. Derived from beehives, this natural product, characterized by its sticky, waxy consistency, and aromatic scent, is a complex amalgamation of plant and animal origins. Produced by honeybees through the enzymatic processing of resinous substances from herbal extracts, propolis serves an array of structural and functional roles, from insulating beehives to fortifying their defense against diseases. Raw propolis, collected from hives, is harnessed for various formulations as a food supplement following extraction using different solvents. Ethanol (70%) stands as the preferred solvent for propolis extraction, with oil-based and water-based extracts also viable options. Non-toxic propolis extracts are commonly consumed, often encapsulated within natural polymers like chitosan, pectin, alginate, and dextran. Renowned for its diverse array of biological activities, propolis showcases a broad spectrum of functionalities. These encompass antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumoral, anti-diabetic, immuno-modulating, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties. This book chapter aims to delve into propolis’ composition and its widespread popularity as a dietary supplement. Furthermore, it will explore the multifaceted impact of propolis on human health.