Document Type : Literature Review
Authors
1
Razi vaccine and serum research institute, Agriculture research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran.
2
Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran.
3
Animal Science Research Institute of Iran, Agriculture research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction:Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are among the most important natural pollinators and play a key role in food production, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem sustainability. However, infectious diseases, parasites, environmental factors, and management-related stressors threaten the health and survival of honey bee colonies. Propolis is a resinous material rich in bioactive compounds that honey bees collect from plant sources and use to coat the inner surfaces of the hive and create a defensive environment against pathogens. The major constituents of propolis include flavonoids, phenolic acids and esters, terpenoids, and other plant secondary metabolites, which confer antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Propolis can contribute to pathogen control through disruption of microbial cell membranes and metabolism, inhibition of microbial growth and biofilm formation, and modulation of honey bee defense responses. This activity has received particular attention against Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American foulbrood, and Melissococcus plutonius, and the causative agent of European foulbrood. In addition, laboratory and colony-level studies have demonstrated the potential of propolis to act against Ascosphaera apis, Nosema ceranae, and some important honey bee viruses and parasites. The formation of a propolis envelope within the hive may also contribute to the multilayered defense system of the colony by reducing environmental microbial pressure and modulating immune and social defenses. Objective: This review aimed to examine the chemical composition, antimicrobial mechanisms, and role of propolis in combating bacterial, fungal, viral, and microsporidian diseases and in maintaining honey bee colony health and stability. Methods: Published studies were searched in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar using keywords related to propolis, Apis mellifera, and honey bee diseases.Conclusion: The available evidence indicates that propolis is an important component of the natural defense system of honey bees and may serve as a natural and complementary tool for managing colony health and sustainability.
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