Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A002
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A002
Published online: 22 April 2026
Bioactive compounds of bee products and their role in the modulation of the immune response
Weronika Barszcz*1, 2, Krzysztof Olszewski1, Aneta Strachecka2
1 Subdepartment of Apidology, Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
2 Department of Invertebrate Ecophysiology and Experimental Biology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: weronika.barszcz@up.edu.pl
Bee products exhibit significant immunomodulatory potential, which is reflected in the growing interest of the scientific community. The aim of this study is to present the current state of knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory activity of major bee products, including honey, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom.
A review of the literature indicates that the immunomodulatory activity of these bee products is primarily attributed to the presence of numerous bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, peptides, proteins, and enzymes. Honey demonstrates pleiotropic biological activity, encompassing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. These effects are associated with the presence of hydrogen peroxide and phenolic compounds that modulate oxidative stress and the activity of the NF-κB transcription factor. Propolis is characterized by strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, resulting from the inhibition of key signaling pathways, including NF-κB, as well as modulation of cytokine expression.
Royal jelly, rich in specific proteins such as major royal jelly proteins -MRJPs, exhibits the capacity to regulate immune responses by influencing lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production, in addition to its antioxidant activity. Bee venom, in turn, due to the presence of melittin and apamin, affects signaling pathways associated with immunomodulatory responses, demonstrating both immunomodulatory and cytotoxic properties. In conclusion, bee products constitute a valuable source of natural compounds with complex and pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects. Their ability to modulate inflammatory responses, regulate immune cell function, and influence redox homeostasis highlights their significant potential in the prevention and adjunctive treatment of inflammatory and immune-related diseases, including those affecting invertebrates.
Keywords: bee products; bioactive compounds; immunomodulation; inflammatory response; redox homeostasis
How to cite
Barszcz W., Olszewski K., Strachecka A., 2026. Bioactive compounds of bee products and their role in the modulation of the immune response. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A002