The emerging market of propolis of stingless bees in tropical countries

Propolis is hive product containing chiefly beeswax and resin derived from plant tissues or exudates. Many health benefits derived from propolis have been pointed out. International market of propolis is represented solely by propolis produced by Apis mellifera. In tropical countries there has been a trend toward consumption of products from hives of native bees. Among them stand out species of Meliponini, many of them characterized as stingless bees. Studies about propolis of stingless bees have indicated that they are chemically similar with honey bee propolis. Several biological activities of propolis of stingless bees have been reported, such as antimicrobial and anti-tumoral. Stingless beekeeping is an emerging market in several parts of the world, with the possibility of being practiced in forest habitats. In Brazil, it has favorable perspectives of bringing about economic, social and environmental benefits.