Beyond Honey: Bee Products as Emerging Functional Foods

By Aliza Becker, BA, MPS

Ms. Becker is the managing editor of The Journal of Innovations in Cardiac Rhythm Management, a freelance editor, and an instructor in the George Washington University’s MPS Publishing degree program.

Honey—a sweet, natural substance produced by honeybees from flower nectar, plant secretions, or honeydew (a sugar-rich excretion of plant-sucking insects)¹—has long been revered by humans as both a culinary luxury and a natural wonder. In Greek and Roman mythology, the infant Zeus (or Jupiter) was hidden in a cave to escape his child-devouring father, Cronus; there, nymphs fed him goat’s milk and honey to imbue him with strength and health.² Similarly, the Old Testament records God’s promise to Moses to deliver the Israelites to “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8).

Beyond myth, researcher Alyssa Crittenden synthesizes ethnographic data, Paleolithic rock art, and nonhuman primate behavior to suggest that early hominins targeted wild beehives using the primitive Oldowan toolkit millions of years ago.³ Supporting this ancient connection, a prehistoric painting at the Cuevas de la Araña (Spider Caves) in Bicorp, Spain, dating back to roughly 8,000 BCE, provides what is widely considered the earliest known visual evidence of human honey-gathering.⁴ Meanwhile, archaeological excavations in Egypt⁵ and Italy⁶ have revealed concrete evidence of honey’s integral role in ancient burials and religious ceremonies. Evidence in temple carvings also indicates Egyptians engaged in organized beekeeping efforts as far back as 2,400 BCE.⁷

Today, honey is known to offer a variety of health benefits due to its diverse bioactive profile. Its high sugar density, low pH, and low moisture content prevent pathogen growth, while hydrogen peroxide produced enzymatically, along with other bioactive compounds, exerts antimicrobial effects that can support wound healing.⁸ Meanwhile, other compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, confer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities.⁹ Research suggests its potential therapeutic applications in a variety of conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and asthma, and supports possible protective effects on the cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems.⁹

However, honey is not the only edible bee product to offer potential health benefits, and the growing movement toward health consciousness among consumers is leading many to explore other options.

Propolis

Propolis, referred to as “bee glue,” is produced by bees during hive construction and maintenance using a combination of beeswax and saliva.¹⁰ It is composed primarily of resin (50%); wax (30%); essential oils (10%); pollen (5%); and other organic compounds (5%), such as phenolic compounds, esters, flavonoids, terpenes, beta-steroids, aromatic aldehydes, and alcohols.¹¹ It also contains a variety of vitamins (eg, B1, B2, B6, C, and E), minerals (eg, magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper, zinc, etc), and enzymes with different functions and effects.¹¹

Like honey, propolis consumption offers a range of potential health benefits. Current evidence from both preclinical and human studies supports its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.^12–14 Other human research has suggested that propolis may have modest hepatoprotective and metabolic effects¹⁵ as well as potential applications in wound healing^16,17 and oral health.^18,19 However, methodological weaknesses and study limitations, including the use of surrogate biomarkers, heterogeneous propolis formulations, and short study durations, mean that further investigation is still required.^17,19,20 Evidence for propolis’ anticancer activity and nephroprotective effects, although available, appears even weaker, being largely derived from in vitro and animal model studies.²¹ Propolis has also been investigated for potential applications in other conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions, but evidence depth and quality for these conditions also vary substantially.²²

Bee pollen

Bee pollen refers to the granules composed of flower pollen mixed with nectar and enzymes that are transported back to a beehive on the hind legs of worker bees to serve as a food source for the hive. There, it is stored in the hexagonal wax compartments that make up honeycomb, where it can ferment into “bee bread,” rendering it easier to digest and more stable for long-term storage.²³ 

In addition to its nutritional role within the hive, like other bee products, bee pollen is also marketed as a dietary supplement for humans. Bee pollen is considered by some to be a “superfood” due to its wide range of nutritional compounds and microelements.²⁴ Broadly, according to a systematic review of at least 100 studies, the composition of bee pollen is roughly the following: 54% carbohydrates, 21% proteins, 9% fiber, 5% lipids, and 3% “ash content” (minerals).²⁵ Of note, though, its specific composition and efficacy as a supplement can be affected by factors like botanical origin, harvesting season, and processing or storage methods (eg, freeze-drying duration).²⁴ 

Research suggests that bee pollen possesses a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and metabolic effects, along with potential cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties.^24,26,27 In parallel, research also suggests that the fermentation of bee pollen into bee bread may enhance its functional properties by breaking down pollen structures, improving nutrient bioaccessibility, enhancing antioxidant activity, and introducing lactic acid bacteria with potential gut-health benefits.²⁸ However, the current evidence base for many of bee pollen’s proposed activities is also dominated by in vitro and animal studies, with only limited small-scale human trials available.^27,29 Consequently, further large-scale, well-controlled clinical studies are still needed.^24,26,27,29

Royal jelly

Royal jelly, a white and viscous jelly-like substance secreted by the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of honeybees,³⁰ is consumed exclusively long-term only by the queen bee, being fed to honeybee larvae for just 2 to 3 days after hatching to support maturation. Compositionally, royal jelly consists of water (50–60%), proteins (18%), carbohydrates (15%), lipids (3–6%), mineral salts (1.5%), and vitamins.¹¹ It contains a wide range of organic compounds, including the unique “queen-maker” protein royalactin and bioactive compounds such as 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, along with fatty acids, adenosine derivatives, acetylcholine, polyphenols, and trace hormones.¹¹

Available research has examined royal jelly for its potential biological applications, with the strongest (human) evidence having been gathered to date for its use in managing metabolic health and menopausal symptoms.^31,32 Other studies also suggest antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular effects, along with possible neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, reproductive, wound-healing, and anticancer applications, but current evidence for these uses is more limited and largely from preclinical studies.³³ Aging and longevity research has also considered the possible applications of royal jelly but remains similarly limited largely to laboratory and animal studies.³⁴ As is the case with propolis and bee pollen, larger, well-designed human trials are therefore still needed in most cases.³⁴

Apilarnil

Apilarnil (drone brood homogenate) is a bee-derived product made from male honeybee larvae whose chemical composition can vary depending on processing methods and larval developmental stage.^35,36 It is generally characterized by a high moisture content along with proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and smaller amounts of bioactive compounds, such as amino acids, fatty acids, sterols, and biogenic amines.³⁶ Apilarnil has been shown in in vitro studies to exhibit antioxidant activity as well as enzyme-inhibitory effects.³⁷ As a traditional folk remedy, apilarnil has been used to support fertility, vitality, and general wellbeing.³⁸ However, current evidence remains largely preclinical, and clinical validation in humans is lacking.³⁸

Important note

Honey, propolis, bee pollen, royal jelly, and apilarnil are bee-derived products containing a wide and varied range of bioactive compounds. Individuals with known or suspected allergies to any bee products should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any of these products.

Sources

1. Council of the European Union. Council Directive 2001/110/EC of 20 December 2001 relating to honey. Official Journal of the European Communities. 2002;L10:47–52.
2. The infancy of Zeus. Mauritshuis. Accessed 24 May 2026. https://www.mauritshuis.nl/es/descubrir-la-coleccion/obras/11-the-infancy-of-zeus
3. Crittenden AN. The importance of honey consumption in human evolution. Food Foodw. 2011;19(4):257–273.
4. Saed O. Found: a 7,500-year-old cave painting of humans gathering honey. Atlas Obscura. 16 Dec 2021. Accessed 24 May 2026. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/honey-cave-painting
5. Villeneuve N. Archaeologists have found 3,000-year-old pots of honey that are still edible. History Facts. 21 Nov 2023. Accessed 24 May 2026. https://historyfacts.com/world-history/fact/archaeologists-have-found-3000-year-old-pots-of-honey-that-are-still-edible/
6. da Costa Carvalho L, Pires E, Domoney K, et al. A symbol of immortality: evidence of honey in bronze jars found in a Paestum shrine dating to 530–510 BCE. J Am Chem Soc. 2025;147(33):29756–29766.
7. Kritsky G. Beekeeping from antiquity through the Middle Ages. Annu Rev Entomol. 2017;62:249–264.
8. Ogwu MC, Izah SC. Honey as a natural antimicrobial. Antibiotics (Basel). 2025;14(3):255.
9. Cianciosi D, Forbes-Hernández TY, Afrin S, et al. Phenolic compounds in honey and their associated health benefits: a review. Molecules. 2018;23(9):2322.
10. Braakhuis A. Evidence on the health benefits of supplemental propolis. Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2705.
11. Pasupuleti VR, Sammugam L, Ramesh N, Gan SH. Honey, propolis, and royal jelly: a comprehensive review of their biological actions and health benefits. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:1259510.
12. Heshmatipour H, Vajdi M, Tabrizi FPF, et al. Effects of propolis supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress markers: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. J Funct Foods. 2025;134:107036.
13. Gholami A, Dinarvand N, Hariri M. Propolis supplementation can reduce serum level of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α: an updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials. J Health Popul Nutr. 2024;43:119.
14. Zulhendri F, Chandrasekaran K, Kowacz M, Ravalia M. Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties of propolis: a review. Foods. 2021;10(6):1360.
15. Gheflati A, Dehnavi Z, Yazdi AG, et al. The effects of propolis supplementation on metabolic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2021;11(6):551–565.
16. Sung S-H, Choi G-H, Lee N-W, Shin B-C. External use of propolis for oral, skin, and genital diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:8025752.
17. da Rosa C, Bueno IL, Quaresma ACM, Longato GB. Healing potential of propolis in skin wounds evidenced by clinical studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(9):1143.
18. Halboub E, Al-Maweri SA, Al-Wesabi M, et al. Efficacy of propolis-based mouthwashes on dental plaque and gingival inflammation: a systematic review. BMC Oral Health. 2020;20:198.
19. Saeed MA, Khabeer A, Faridi MA, Makhdoom G. Effectiveness of propolis in maintaining oral health: a scoping review. Can J Dent Hyg. 2021;55(3):167–176.
20. Anvarifard P, Anbari M, Ostadrahimi A, et al. A comprehensive insight into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the effects of propolis on preserving renal function: a systematic review. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2022;19:6.
21. Chiu H-F, Han Y-C, Shen Y-C, et al. Chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effect of propolis and its constituents: a mini-review. J Cancer Prev. 2020;25(2):70–78.
22. Rivera-Yañez N, Nelly Rivera-Yañez CR, Pozo-Molina G, et al. Biomedical properties of propolis on diverse chronic diseases and its potential applications and health benefits. Nutrients. 2020;13(1):78.
23. Didaras NA, Karatasou K, Dimitriou TG, et al. Antimicrobial activity of bee-collected pollen and beebread: state of the art and future perspectives. Antibiotics (Basel). 2020;9(11):811
24. El Ghouizi A, Bakour M, Laaroussi H, et al. Bee pollen as functional food: insights into its composition and therapeutic properties. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023;12(3):557.
25. Thakur M, Nanda V. Composition and functionality of bee pollen: a review. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2020;98:82–106.
26. EBSCO CAM Review Board. Bee pollen’s therapeutic uses. EBSCO Research Starters. 2024. Accessed 26 May 2026. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/bee-pollens-therapeutic-uses
27. Khalifa SAM, Elashal MH, Yosri N, et al. Bee pollen: current status and therapeutic potential. Nutrients. 2021;13(6):1876.
28. Bakour M, Laaroussi H, Ousaaid D, et al. Bee bread as a promising source of bioactive molecules and functional properties: an up-to-date review. Antibiotics (Basel). 2022;11(2):203
29. Kacemi R, Campos MG. Translational research on bee pollen as a source of nutrients: a scoping review from bench to real world. Nutrients. 2023;15(10):2413.
30. Komosinska-Vassev K, Olczyk P, Kaźmierczak J, et al. Bee pollen: chemical composition and therapeutic application. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:297425.
31. Vajdi M, Musazadeh V, Khajeh M, et al. The effects of royal jelly supplementation on anthropometric indices: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Nutr. 2023;10:1196258.
32. Sharif SN, Darsareh F. Effect of royal jelly on menopausal symptoms: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019;37:47–50.
33. Ramadan MF, Al-Ghamdi A. Bioactive compounds and health-promoting properties of royal jelly: a review. J Funct Foods. 2012;4:39–52.
34. Kunigi H, Ali AM. Royal jelly and its components promote healthy aging and longevity: from animal models to humans. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(19):4662.
35. Sidor E, Milek M, Tomczyk M, Dżugan M. Antioxidant activity of frozen and freeze-dried drone brood homogenate regarding the stage of larval development. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10(5):639.
36. El-Wahed AAA, Khalifa SAM, Aldahmash B, et al. Exploring the chemical constituents and nutritive potential of bee drone (apilarnil): emphasis on antioxidant properties. Chem Biodivers. 2024;21(5):e202400085.
37. Inci H, Izol E, Yilmaz MA, et al. Comprehensive phytochemical content by LC/MS/MS and anticholinergic, antiglaucoma, antiepilepsy, and antioxidant activity of apilarnil (drone larvae). Chem Biodivers. 2023;20(10):e202300654.
38. Sawczuk R, Karpinska J, Miltyk W. What do we need to know about drone brood homogenate and what is known. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019:245:111581.