UNIVERSITY of the Sunshine Coast researchers have made an exciting discovery in honeybee hives that could lead to a new homegrown health industry.
They have identified 16 types of high-grade propolis, or ‘bee glue’, teeming with antioxidants and other beneficial properties.
Propolis is a sticky mixture used by bees in hive construction, containing beeswax, bee saliva, and plant resin.
The Australian beekeeping industry typically discards propolis, but in other countries like Brazil, China, and New Zealand, it’s harvested for multi-million-dollar industries.
The research, funded by Hive and Wellness Australia and AgriFutures Australia, suggests a potential new revenue stream for beekeepers and more industry jobs.
Propolis has diverse applications, including cosmeceuticals and dietary supplements.
The findings open up possibilities for strengthening the beekeeping industry and reducing reliance on imported propolis.
Further research is underway to explore its potential uses.