Nanotechnology-Based Formulations of Propolis Bioactives for Modern Natural Product Therapy: A Narrative Literature Review A Narrative Literature Review
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Abstract
Propolis contains phenolic acids, flavonoids, and other bioactive metabolites with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, and anticancer activities. However, their therapeutic application is limited by poor aqueous solubility, physicochemical instability, and low bioavailability. This narrative review summarizes recent advances in nanotechnology-based formulations developed to improve the delivery of propolis extracts and identified bioactive compounds. A structured search of Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed identified studies published between 2022 and 2026, with the final search completed on 31 July 2026. Of 333 records retrieved, 25 studies met the eligibility criteria. Reported nanocarriers included nanoemulsions, polymeric and chitosan nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, niosomes, nanovesicles, micelles, dendrimers, protein- and starch-based nanoparticles, metal–organic frameworks, and injectable hydrogels, with particle sizes ranging from 8.87 to 488.28 nm. These systems generally enhanced solubility, bioaccessibility, controlled release, and biological efficacy in antimicrobial, wound-healing, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, periodontal, and cardiovascular models. Nevertheless, evidence remains preclinical and methodologically heterogeneous. Future studies should emphasize standardized chemical and nanocarrier characterization, pharmacokinetics, long-term safety, and clinical validation. Unlike previous reviews, this study systematically links identified propolis bioactives with specific nanocarriers, providing a framework for the rational development of clinically translatable propolis nanomedicines.
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Yandi, Department of Pharmacy, Islamic University of Indonesia, Indonesia
Scopus ID :Â https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57190751925Â
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