Propolis as a functional food ingredient: modulation of gut microbiota and implications for chronic disease management

Modulating gut microbiota has become a promising strategy for managing or treating chronic diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and central nervous system conditions, with significant implications for food and nutrition fields. Propolis, a natural bee product widely used as a functional food and dietary supplement, exhibited diverse bioactivities in vitro and in vivo, including clinical trials. Recent evidence suggests that propolis can reshape gut microbial communities by influencing both probiotic and pathogenic bacteria, highlighting its potential to improve gut health and overall well-being through dietary interventions. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects and their broader health implications remain poorly understood. This comprehensive review explores the role of propolis in food science and nutrition, focusing on its ability to modulate gut microbiota and its applications in preventing and managing chronic diseases. By integrating current evidence, we aim to elucidate the interplay among propolis, gut microbiota, and host health, while identifying critical research gaps. Our findings underscore the promise of propolis as a functional food ingredient, providing a scientific foundation for its use in food-based strategies to combat chronic diseases.