Abstract

A good deal of research has been carried out on the establishment and characterization of antioxidants and antibacterial products from natural sources for topical use. Recently, investors mainly from the cosmetics industry, have become interested in products from different species, not only for their individual active principles but also in the crude extract itself. Propolis is one of such products. Several previous reports have demonstrated the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects of propolis. Additionally, what has drawn attention of the pharmaceutical industry to propolis and its derivatives, such as throat spray, is related to its antioxidant properties, having the potential for treatment and prevention of oxidative stress-mediated diseases, such as those developed on the skin, as well as ageing. This literature review will focus on propolis composition and related potential uses in topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations.

Key words: oxidative stress, topical formulation, propolis, therapeutic properties, bee species.