Propolis Stands out as a Multifaceted Natural Product: Meta-Analysis on Its Sources, Bioactivities, Applications, and Future Perspectives.

Honeybee ( spp.) products have been used for centuries due to their nutritional value and diverse healing properties. Propolis, produced by honeybees, is a unique resin collected from tree buds, sap flows, and other plant exudates, which is then mixed with bee enzymes, beewax, and secretions. This comprehensive review starts with a meta-analysis following the PRISMA approach to explore recent advances in the chemical composition of propolis, its biological activities and pharmacological properties, its applications and products, and future perspectives. The composition of propolis varies depending on plant source, season of harvest, geography, type of bee flora, climate, and honeybee species at the site of collection, and some of these are related. Flavonoids, aromatic acids, phenolic acids, and their esters are key bioactive compounds in propolis, contributing to their diverse pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral, antileishmanial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. In summary, propolis stands out as a multifaceted natural product with a broad spectrum of biological activities. This review aims to provide valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers involved in studying the sources, composition, and biological activities of propolis. The highlighted hotspots and emerging frontiers presented herein are poised to unlock the full potential of propolis, paving the way for innovative applications in health and wellness.