Is Propolis a Potential Anti-Obesogenic Agent for Obesity?

Area of Science:

• Bee product research
• Metabolic studies
• Obesity research

Background:

• Propolis, a natural bee-derived resin, possesses a long history of traditional use.
• Its chemical composition and biological activities are geographically variable.
• Modern research investigates propolis for its therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the structural and biological properties of propolis.
• To explore propolis's potential as a strategy for body weight management.
• To investigate the mechanisms by which propolis influences energy expenditure and fat metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific studies on propolis.
• Analysis of research on propolis composition and biological activities.
• Examination of studies investigating propolis's effects on thermogenesis and metabolic pathways.

Main Results:

• Propolis polyphenols induce thermogenesis in brown and beige adipose tissue.
• Key phenolic compounds like artepillin C and quercetin exhibit anti-obesogenic effects.
• Mechanisms include sympathetic nervous system stimulation, white adipose tissue browning, and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mitochondrial biogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Propolis demonstrates significant potential for body weight management.
• Its compounds effectively increase energy expenditure and combat obesity.
• Propolis offers a promising natural product-based strategy to address the global obesity pandemic.