Propolis Science

10/31/2025

10/28/2025

The Buzz on Bees

Since this is a blog focused on Propolis, it only seem right to start where it all begins, and that is, with bees and the hive. Bees! Those fuzzy little pollinators buzzing around, making honey, and (sometimes) giving you the occasional surprise hello. But there's more to these striped superheroes t...

10/28/2025

The Buzz on Bees – Part 2

When we think of bees, honeybees often come to mind, industriously buzzing from flower to flower or working together in a hive. But the world of bees is far more diverse than most realize! From solitary leafcutter bees to gentle, stingless Meliponini, these amazing creatures play unique and essentia...

10/17/2025

HOW TO MAKE PROPOLIS TOOTHPASTE
To make propolis toothpaste, mix baking soda with coconut or sunflower oil, then incorporate NaturaNectar's
Multi-Propolis Throat Spray and a few drops of essential oil like spearmint, peppermint, or tea tree for flavor. Stir until the ingredients form a smooth paste and store in a small jar.
Ingredients:
Base: 6 heaping tablespoons of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of softened coconut oil
Propolis: 2–3 dropperfuls of propolis tincture
Flavoring: About 20 drops of spearmint oil (or other essential oils like peppermint or tea tree)
Instructions
Combine the baking soda and softened coconut oil in a bowl.
Add the propolis extract and your chosen essential oil.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly until a consistent paste forms.
If the mixture is too soft, add a bit more baking soda to reach the desired consistency.
Transfer the finished toothpaste to a small jar for storage.

10/17/2025

This study explores how certain natural compounds found in red propolis—a resin-like substance produced by bees—might help fight dangerous bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which is known for forming stubborn biofilms. Biofilms are protective layers that bacteria build to shield themselves from antibiotics, making infections harder to treat. The researchers focused on an enzyme called sortase A, which plays a key role in helping these bacteria form biofilms and stick to surfaces.

Using computer simulations, the team tested how different flavonoids (a type of plant compound) from red propolis interact with sortase A. They found that chrysin and thevetiaflavone, in particular, showed strong and stable binding to the enzyme, suggesting they could block its activity. This means these compounds might prevent the bacteria from forming biofilms in the first place. Lab tests confirmed that chrysin and galangin (another flavonoid) were effective at reducing biofilm formation, although thevetiaflavone’s effects still need to be tested further.

Overall, the findings suggest that red propolis contains promising natural agents that could be developed into new treatments to combat biofilm-related infections, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.

Sortase A (SrtA) is an enzyme essential for biofilm formation in Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus . In silico investigations were conducted to investigate the interactions of flavonoid derivatives from red propolis with S. aureus SrtA (PDB ID:1T2P). Molecular docking, MD and AD...

10/14/2025

Green Propolis: A Multifunctional Immunomodulator Backed by Research

Green propolis continues to stand out as one of nature’s most complex and dynamic immunological allies. Rich in bioactive compounds such as artepillin C, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), and baccharin, it exerts effects across both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system.

Mechanistic studies have identified several key actions:
• Enhances antibody and cytokine production, strengthening adaptive immunity
• Activates phagocytes and improves macrophage efficiency in pathogen clearance
• Modulates CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T-cell ratios, supporting balanced immune signaling
• Improves antibiotic effectiveness through synergistic antimicrobial activity
• Down-regulates the arachidonic acid cascade, mitigating excessive inflammation

Rather than functioning as a simple immune stimulant, green propolis demonstrates true immunomodulatory behavior—upregulating or calming responses as needed to maintain immune homeostasis. These findings underscore its potential in addressing chronic low-grade inflammation, immune dysregulation, and microbial resistance patterns.

At the molecular level, its activity arises from a diverse matrix of phenolics and flavonoids—a naturally engineered system that’s as complex, adaptive, and intelligent as the immune network it supports.

10/08/2025

After Devastating Winter Losses, Another Threat Looms for U.S. Beekeepers
The parasitic Tropilaelaps mite, which threatens honeybees and the food supply, isn’t in North America. Yet.

The parasitic Tropilaelaps mite, which threatens honeybees and the food supply, isn’t in North America. Yet.