Anticancer Activity of Propolis and Its Compounds.

Area of Science:

• Natural Products Chemistry
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Propolis, produced by honey bees (Apis mellifera), is a resinous natural material with a long history of therapeutic use.
• Its known bioactivities include antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Cancer remains a leading global health challenge, driving research into novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity of propolis and its constituents.
• To highlight propolis's potential role in cancer treatment and management.
• To explore propolis's capacity to mitigate chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific studies on propolis and cancer.
• Analysis of research on the molecular targets and pathways affected by propolis.
• Examination of preclinical and clinical data regarding propolis's efficacy and safety.

Main Results:

• Propolis compounds demonstrate the ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
• Propolis can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.
• It may positively modulate the tumor microenvironment and overcome multidrug resistance.

Conclusions:

• Propolis possesses diverse molecular mechanisms contributing to its anticancer potential.
• It offers a promising natural agent for cancer therapy and supportive care.
• Further research into propolis could lead to novel cancer treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes.