Ugandan Researchers Develop Health Products from Bee Resin to Boost Local Incomes

Summary:

• Ugandan researchers have developed health products from propolis, a resin collected by bees, to improve public health and increase beekeepers’ incomes. The team at Makerere University created a process to extract propolis powder, leading to products like teas, ointments, and toothpaste. Despite challenges, such as costly equipment and intellectual property issues, they aim to scale this initiative across Africa, tapping into a market worth millions.

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Researchers in Uganda have turned a honey by-product, propolis, into high-value health products, helping improve public health and increase the income of beekeepers. Propolis, a resin collected by bees from plants, has long been used for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, particularly for treating wounds and coughs.

Joel Mukwaya, a biologist and graduate student at Makerere University, first discovered the immune-boosting benefits of propolis tea when it helped improve his grandmother’s appetite and immune system. Inspired by his family’s positive experiences, Mukwaya joined a project led by Deborah Ruth Amulen, which aims to commercialize propolis products in Uganda.

In 2019, Amulen and her team developed the country’s first propolis powder extraction facility. They created a four-step process to extract propolis powder, leading to the production of diverse products such as propolis-infused tea bags, ointments, toothpaste, and children’s sweets to prevent tooth decay.

Uganda has the potential to produce up to 870 tons of propolis annually, yet many local beekeepers focus only on honey and beeswax. By utilizing propolis, Uganda could generate an additional $1.3 to $3.5 million in revenue each year. However, challenges in commercialization, such as the high cost of extraction equipment and delays in securing intellectual property rights, have slowed progress.

Despite these obstacles, the team has made significant strides, including the development of affordable equipment tailored to low-income regions. They have also worked to secure trademarks and regulatory approvals for their products. With further funding and partnerships, Amulen envisions scaling this initiative across Africa, positioning propolis as a key natural solution in both the human and animal health markets.