Unraveling the Secret of Red Propolis for Health: Mechanism of Action and Future Perspectives

Propolis is a natural substance made from a resinous mixture produced by honeybees from different plant sources. There are several types of propolis, including green, brown, and red, with green propolis being the most extensively studied. Red propolis, characterized by a distinct chemical composition, particularly in terms of flavonoids, may also provide a nonpharmacological approach to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with chronic diseases, due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

This narrative review aimed to explore various relevant topics related to red propolis and provide a comprehensive understanding of its properties and potential uses.

All relevant articles published until June 2025 were included in this study. Articles were searched using the Medline and PubMed databases. Search terms, including "red propolis," "anti-inflammatory effects," "antioxidant effects," "antimicrobial effects," "cancer," "cardiometabolic diseases," and "wound healing," were combined and included. There were no language or article-type restrictions during the search process.

Preclinical studies have shown that red propolis can reduce inflammation by regulating the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and manage oxidative stress by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which enhances antioxidant responses, decreases reactive oxygen species, and inhibits the growth of certain bacteria.

Despite this, the beneficial effects of red propolis have received limited attention. Patients are likely to benefit from the continued use of red propolis. Therefore, clinical studies are recommended to generate robust evidence supporting the use of red propolis for health purposes.