Recent progress on the recovery of bioactive compounds obtained from propolis as a natural resource: processes, and applications

Abstract

Propolis is a functional food ingredient classified by its physical–chemical characteristics, vegetal source, bee species, and geographical origin. Due to its complex nature and variable composition, the massive use of propolis extracts would require standardization. Several techniques for recovering bioactive compounds from propolis have been reported, varying according to their complexity, degree of automation, and energy dependence. The recovery of propolis target compounds must be carried out using the most appropriate extraction process and the optimized conditions, guaranteeing a better use of the raw material, lower process costs, and good extraction selectivity. This work presents and discusses conventional and alternative techniques developed in the last 20 years. The extraction efficiency, selectivity, the type and amount of solvent, and the conditions to optimize and guarantee safe products (e.g., toxicity and biocompatibility) were reviewed. The current trends were reported, and the technological advances, future perspectives, and applications of the natural bioactive compounds obtained from propolis were discussed. A comprehensive determination of the main advantages and disadvantages of the extraction techniques and the impact of operational conditions on the processes’ performance was assessed. Based on the available evidence, some future strategies will be scrutinized, not only regarding the future of using propolis and its products but also considering the impact of a propolis-business model crossing the concept of a circular economy and combining it with the idea of resource efficiency.