Potential of Propolis for Women's Reproductive Health as The Source of Vitamins and Minerals, Antiemetic, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic

Abstract

Women's reproductive health problems, including anemia, emesis gravidarum, and primary dysmenorrhea, are problems that require effective and safe treatment. Conventional therapies often cause side effects, so alternatives based on natural ingredients are needed. Propolis, a natural product from honey bees, contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiemetic, vitamins, and minerals that have the potential to be used as complementary therapy. This review aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of propolis for women's reproductive health problems by synthesizing relevant literature published between 2015 and 2025. The reviewed evidence includes experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies conducted in both human and animal models that explore the effectiveness of propolis in addressing the three conditions. This literature provides the latest review of the potential of propolis as a natural therapy for anemia, emesis gravidarum, and primary dysmenorrhea in women. Existing literature suggests that propolis enhances hemoglobin levels through the content of iron, vitamins, and flavonoids that facilitate the absorption and utilization of iron. Propolis also has an antiemetic effect through compounds that inhibit dopamine and serotonin receptors, and protect the gastric mucosa. This effect is equivalent to antiemetic drugs such as metoclopramide. In addition, propolis shows anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects through inhibition of COX and LOX enzymes and relaxation of uterine smooth muscle, thus effectively reducing menstrual pain. Studies show that propolis contains active compounds such as CAPE, kaempferol, and pinocembrin, which play a role in this mechanism.