Propolis as a Natural Antimicrobial Defense against Honeybee Foulbrood Diseases: A Sustainable Approach to Colony Health and Pollination Security

Bagheri, Masoumeh; Moharrami, Mojtaba; Ashique, Sumel; Torkaman, Maryam; Mojgani, Naheed

doi:10.22092/ari.2026.371283.3949

Propolis as a Natural Antimicrobial Defense against Honeybee Foulbrood Diseases: A Sustainable Approach to Colony Health and Pollination Security

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

¹ Razi vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj Iran

² 2. Department of Pharmaceutical technology, Bharat Technology, Uluberia, West Bengal, India

³ موسسه رازی

10.22092/ari.2026.371283.3949

Abstract

Honeybees are vital pollinators that contribute significantly in maintaining biodiversity and agricultural productivity by facilitating the pollination of flowering plants and trees. However, these insects are highly prone to a number of diseases that can adversely affect their resilience, colony vitality, and overall survival, resulting in considerable economic losses for beekeepers worldwide. The conventional use of antibiotics for disease control has led to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains and disruption of the honeybee gut microbiota, further rendering them prone to environmental conditions and exacerbating colony health decline. This review explores propolis as a natural, eco-friendly alternative for managing two major bacterial infections of honeybees including American foulbrood (AFB) and European foulbrood (EFB) caused by Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius, respectively. These serious bacterial diseases, which affect honey bee larvae, are leading to significant declines in honey bee populations. Propolis, a resinous material produced by bees from plant exudates, exhibits potent antimicrobial activity and plays a pivotal role in maintaining colony immunity and hygiene. The biological efficacy of propolis is largely determined by its chemical composition, which varies according to botanical and geographical origin. In this review we summarize the chemical diversity, antimicrobial mechanisms, and prophylactic potential of propolis, elucidating their effects on AFB and EFB diseases. The review underscores the significance of this naturally active substance produced by honeybees as a sustainable strategy for disease control in apiculture. The insights presented contribute to the development of antibiotic-free approaches to safeguard honeybee populations, enhance honey productivity, and support global pollination ecosystem stability.

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