Recent research has demonstrated that propolis, a natural substance produced by bees, exhibits antiviral properties against several mosquito-borne viruses, including Zika, Chikungunya, and Mayaro. Propolis is a resinous mixture collected by bees from various plants, known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
In a study conducted by scientists at the Butantan Institute in São Paulo, Brazil, an aqueous extract of propolis was tested for its ability to inhibit the replication of these viruses. The results indicated a significant reduction in viral load for all three viruses. Specifically, the extract led to a 16-fold decrease in Zika virus replication, a 32-fold decrease in Mayaro virus replication, and a 512-fold decrease in Chikungunya virus replication in vitro.
The propolis used in this study was sourced from native stingless bees, specifically Scaptotrigona aff. postica, from the Barra do Corda region in Maranhão, Brazil. The researchers emphasized that the propolis utilized was different from the commercial propolis commonly found in pharmacies, which is typically derived from European honeybees (Apis mellifera) and may not possess the same antiviral properties.
These findings suggest that propolis could be a valuable natural resource in the development of antiviral agents against mosquito-borne diseases. However, the researchers noted that while the in vitro results are promising, further studies, including in vivo trials, are necessary to fully understand the therapeutic potential of propolis against these viruses.
The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports and adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the medicinal properties of bee-derived products in combating infectious diseases.