Innovating with Water-Soluble, Alcohol-Free Propolis to Meet Growing Consumer Demand for Natural, Functional Products
Seoul Propolis, a South Korean company, is investigating novel applications of propolis, particularly its potential impact on cognitive health, as part of the growing trend for natural, functional foods. Propolis, a resinous substance created by honeybees from plant buds and exudates, has long been celebrated for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune-boosting properties. However, the company is now expanding its research to explore how the said compound might support brain health—a key area of interest as the demand for natural products with functional benefits continues to rise.
The company is nearing the conclusion of a three-year research initiative, supported by the Korean government and local hospitals, focused on the effects of propolis on cognitive function. Jay Lee, the executive director of the company, shared insights with NutraIngredients-Asia during the Vitafoods Asia event in Bangkok in September, emphasizing that this compound has traditionally been associated with immune, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial benefits. However, its potential for enhancing cognitive ability is still a relatively unexplored frontier.
This extensive research involves a series of in-vivo, in-vitro, and clinical studies comparing the stability and effectiveness of various propolis extracts on brain function. With more than 300 active compounds identified in propolis, the specific compounds responsible for cognitive benefits remain under wraps, as the company is working to secure patents. However, Lee explained that propolis contains different active compounds that vary based on origin, environment, and extraction method. Some of these compounds are beneficial for inflammation reduction, skincare, and antioxidant activity, while others hold promise for cognitive health.
This growing interest in this compound is in line with broader consumer trends seeking natural yet functional products. Over the past decade, demand for such offerings has surged, with consumers increasingly seeking products that provide health benefits while being sourced from nature. This compound fits perfectly into this market shift, with the company striving to harness and concentrate the active compounds that are most effective for cognitive health.
In addition to its cognitive health research, the company has conducted studies on propolis’ benefits for immune health, its antibacterial effects on the oral cavity, and its potential protective role against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced stomach ulcers. The company currently offers a wide range of finished products under its PROBEE brand. It also supplies raw propolis to various industries, including nutraceuticals, cosmetics, skincare, and animal feed.
One of the company’s standout innovations is its ability to produce water-soluble, alcohol-free propolis through a proprietary technology known as WEEP. This two-stage process first uses ethanol for extraction, followed by water, resulting in a water-soluble product that retains more of health benefits. This advancement enhances the versatility of the compound, expanding its applications across a range of industries and consumer products.
Lee noted that Asian and European markets are generally more familiar with this compound than the U.S. This understanding is rooted in its longstanding use in traditional remedies and herbal medicine across these regions. In contrast, many American consumers tend to conflate honey and propolis, potentially hindering awareness of its unique health benefits. This knowledge gap has made it easier for the company to introduce its water-soluble, alcohol-free propolis as a differentiated product, especially in markets like Vietnam, Japan, and Malaysia, where there is a more nuanced appreciation for the compound’s diverse applications.
Despite some regional differences in understanding, the company’s commitment to innovation and quality—particularly with its alcohol-free and water-soluble offerings—positions the company well to meet the growing global demand for natural, multifunctional health products.
Commentary by YourDailyFit columnist Alice Winters
Seoul Propolis is tapping into a rich tradition of propolis use, while also carving out a new niche in the functional food market with its focus on cognitive health. The company’s research into the impact of the compound on brain function is particularly noteworthy. While the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune-enhancing properties of the compound are well-established, its potential to support cognitive function is still relatively novel. This research, though in its early stages, could have significant implications for the supplement and nutraceutical markets, where consumers are seeking more than just basic wellness support.
A key aspect of the company’s strategy is its use of proprietary technology to create water-soluble, alcohol-free propolis. This innovation addresses a major limitation of traditional propolis products, which often have low bioavailability due to their insolubility in water. By making the active compounds in propolis more accessible, the company is not only enhancing the health benefits of its products but also expanding their applicability in different industries, from skincare to dietary supplements.
The company’s focus on natural, functional products aligns with a broader consumer trend. As more people look for supplements that offer multiple health benefits, the appeal of propolis, with its wide range of bioactive compounds, is becoming more pronounced. By concentrating the specific compounds that benefit cognitive health, the company is positioned to meet this demand for targeted, high-performance natural products.
However, the company faces challenges in educating the broader market, particularly in the U.S., where propolis is often misunderstood. The effort to differentiate its water-soluble, alcohol-free propolis from other offerings will be crucial in building consumer awareness and loyalty. As the market for natural supplements continues to grow, Seoul Propolis’ innovative approach to both product development and research will likely make it a key player in the coming years.
