Propolis, as a by-product of honey production, has shown several beneficial effects on cardiovascular risks in past randomised controlled trials, although the findings are not conclusive. In this review, we intend to evaluate the effects of propolis consumption on cardiovascular risk factors by conducting a meta-analysis. The Web of Science, Medline and Scopus databases were comprehensively searched until September 2023. Eligible studies were identified by screening, and their data were extracted. Weighted mean differences with a 95 % CI for each outcome were estimated using the random-effects model. This meta-analysis revealed that propolis consumption led to a significant decrease in the levels of TAG (weighted mean differences (WMD): –10·44 mg/dl 95 % CI: –16·58, –4·31; P = 0·001), LDL-cholesterol (WMD: –9·31 mg/dl; 95 % CI: –13·50, –5·12 mg; P < 0·001), fasting blood glucose (WMD: –7·30 mg/dl; 95 % CI: –11·58, –3·02; P = 0·001), HbA1c (WMD: –0·32 %; 95 % CI: –0·60, –0·05; P = 0·01), insulin (WMD: –1·36 μU/ml; 95 % CI: –2·36, –0·36; P = 0·007), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (WMD: –0·39; 95 % CI: –0·74, –0·03; P = 0·020) and systolic blood pressure (WMD: –2·24 mmHg 95 % CI: –4·08, –0·39; P = 0·010), compared with the control groups. Furthermore, propolis consumption had a significant increasing effect on HDL-cholesterol levels (WMD: 2·03 mg/dl; 95 % CI: 0·24, 3·83; P = 0·020). In contrast, the consumption of propolis had no significant effect on total cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure levels. This systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis suggested that propolis intake may be effective in cardiometabolic improvement in adults. Further, well-designed studies are required to confirm and elucidate all aspects of these findings.

Trichinosis is a serious zoonotic disease that causes human morbidity and mortality. New effective natural remedies with minimal side effects that are well tolerated are needed to treat both enteral and parenteral trichinosis. This study evaluated the efficacy of selenium (Se), Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) and Egyptian propolis compared with albendazole as antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic agents for treating murine trichinosis. We used parasitological, histopathological and immunohistochemical assays, as well as scanning electron microscopy, to examine adult worms. Overall, 80 Swiss albino male mice were divided into eight groups, with ten mice in each group, as follows: negative control, positive control, albendazole, propolis, Se, combination of propolis and Se, SeNPs and combination of SeNPs and propolis. Mice were slaughtered seven and 35 days after infection to examine the intestinal and muscular phases, respectively. This study demonstrated the efficacy of the combination of SeNPs and propolis. As revealed by electron microscopy, this combination caused damage to the adult worm cuticle. Additionally, compared with albendazole, it resulted in a significant reduction in adult worm and total larval counts; moreover, it caused a decrease in the number of larvae deposited in muscles, with a highly significant decrease in the inflammatory cell infiltrate around the larvae and a considerable decrease in the expression of the angiogenic marker vascular endothelial growth factor in muscles. In conclusion, the combination of SeNPs and propolis had antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects on trichinosis. Consequently, this combination could be used as a natural alternative therapy to albendazole for treating trichinosis.

Propolis is a hive product composed of biologically active plant resins, and has been shown to enhance individual honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) health. Propolis has also been demonstrated to mitigate, in part, the negative effects caused by the ecto-parasitic mite Varroa destructor and its associated viruses on the health of managed European honey bee colonies. However, its effect on the health status of African honey bees remains largely unknown. Here, we found that the African savannah honey bees, A. m. scutellata in Kenya, deposited approximately two and half-fold more propolis in their colonies during periods of increased than reduced worker brood rearing. This finding suggested that A. m. scutellata may use high quantities of propolis prophylactically to protect their young brood; yet, we observed no significant correlation between the quantity of propolis and the amount of worker brood or mite-infestation level on adult workers. Furthermore, whereas propolis volatiles or propolis placed in direct contact with the mites had no effect on mite survival under laboratory conditions, the ethanolic extract of propolis significantly reduced mite survival when compared with untreated control. These results suggest the presence of mite deterrent compounds in the ethanolic extract of the African honey bee propolis.

Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various sources of plants. Numerous scientific investigations have been focused on the biological activities of propolis and its functions as a health supplement in humans. It could have similar function in other animals, such as in poultry. This review is focused on the recent findings concerning the effects of propolis, as an antioxidant, on performance, carcass characteristics, behaviour, immunity, and physiological homeostasis in domesticated poultry species (broiler chickens, laying hens, quail, and duck); and the needs in future poultry research.