Propolis as an autophagy modulator in relation to its roles in redox balance and inflammation regulation

Autophagy is a degradation process that is evolutionarily conserved and is essential in maintaining cellular and physiological homeostasis through lysosomal removal and elimination of damaged peptides, proteins and cellular organelles. The dysregulation of autophagy is implicated in various diseases and disorders, including cancers, infection-related, and metabolic syndrome-related diseases. Propolis has been demonstrated in various studies including many human clinical trials to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulator, neuro-protective, and anti-cancer. Nevertheless, the autophagy modulation properties of propolis have not been extensively studied and explored. The role of propolis and its bioactive compounds in modulating cellular autophagy is possibly due to their dual role in redox balance and inflammation. The present review attempts to discuss the activities of propolis as an autophagy modulator in biological models in relation to various diseases/disorders which has implications in the development of propolis-based nutraceuticals, functional foods, and complementary therapies. •Autophagy is critical for cellular health, removing damaged proteins and organelles, and its dysregulation is linked to many diseases.•Propolis, known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, is underexplored for its potential in autophagy modulation.•Studies suggest propolis could regulate autophagy through its effects on redox balance and inflammation.•The review examines propolis as an autophagy modulator and its potential in developing propolis-based pharmaceuticals and functional foods.