Health Effects of Bee Products: A Comprehensive Review

Honey, bee pollen, propolis, bee bread, royal jelly, bee venom, beeswax, and apilarnil are among the bee-derived products that may serve health-related purposes, as they exhibit various biological activities such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, vasodilatory, and blood pressure-lowering effects. In this review, the possible health effects and action mechanisms of bee products frequently used in apitherapy were examined. The therapeutic potential of bee-derived products is attributed to their content of amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, polyphenols, and various other bioactive components that contribute to immune system support. In addition, it is known that these products have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects, thanks to their bioactive component content, and have a positive effect on cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular and neurological diseases caused by oxidative stress. The lack of standardization of bee products hinders the clarity of relevant studies. To comprehensively clarify the health impacts of bee-derived products, further research employing standardized preparations is required. Future research involving clinical trials of bee-derived products with varying dosages and durations may help elucidate their potential link to human health. Additionally, epidemiological and clinical studies are needed on the usefulness of bee products to make generalizations.