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Bioactive Compounds from Propolis on Bone Homeostasis: A Narrative Review
Vanessa Bertolucci1, André Felipe Ninomiya1, Giovanna Barbarini Longato2
1Research Group on Technology Applied to Exercise Physiology-GTAFE, Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista 12916-900, SP, Brazil.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 25, 2025
Summary
Propolis and its bioactive compounds show promise for improving bone health by stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone breakdown. These natural substances modulate key molecular pathways involved in bone remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- Propolis, a bee-derived resin, possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
- Emerging research highlights propolis's potential role in promoting osteogenesis and bone health.
- Its bioactive compounds influence osteoblast and osteoclast activity through various molecular mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of propolis and its bioactive compounds on bone health.
- To synthesize current literature on the mechanisms by which propolis influences osteogenesis.
- To explore the roles of both well-documented and less-studied propolis compounds in bone metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing scientific literature.
- Analysis of studies investigating propolis extracts and isolated compounds on bone tissue.
- Examination of molecular pathways modulated by propolis's bioactive constituents.
Main Results:
- Propolis compounds modulate key signaling pathways, including NF-κB, Wnt, and MAPK.
- These compounds influence the OPG/RANKL/RANK system, promoting bone cell differentiation.
- Propolis mitigates excessive osteoclast formation and stimulates osteoblast activity, aiding bone homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- Propolis and its bioactive compounds offer a potential therapeutic strategy for enhancing bone health.
- Understanding the chemogeographic variations and characterization of propolis compounds is crucial.
- Further research into specific compounds like Pinocembrin, Kaempferol, p-Coumaric acid, and Galangin is warranted.
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