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Joel Mukwaya, a biologist and postgraduate student at Makerere University in Uganda, made a significant discovery regarding the health benefits of a tea derived from propolis, a substance created by bees. Inspired by its immune-boosting abilities, he sent some to his grandmother, who has since reported improvements in her appetite and ability to fend off infections.
Propolis, which bees collect from tree buds and other botanical sources, has long been celebrated in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits, including the treatment of wounds and respiratory issues.
These promising results come from a broader initiative spearheaded by Deborah Ruth Amulen and her research team at Makerere University. In 2019, they established Uganda’s first facility dedicated to extracting propolis powder aimed at unlocking its commercial value. This initiative not only aims to increase the income of local beekeepers but also to provide natural health alternatives to the community.
Despite Uganda’s capacity to produce between 325 and 870 tons of propolis annually, the majority of beekeepers in the nation focus exclusively on honey and beeswax, resulting in an untapped revenue potential of approximately US$1.3 million to US$3.5 million each year. According to researchers, if beekeepers expanded their focus to include propolis, they could significantly enhance their financial returns. Currently, the farm gate price for crude propolis stands at US$4 per kilogram.
Since the launch of the extraction facility, Amulen’s team has put in place a comprehensive four-stage process for extracting propolis powder. This innovative method includes cleaning, crushing, solvent soaking, and drying the propolis, resulting in a versatile powder that can be transformed into a wide array of commercial products. These include propolis-infused tea bags, ointments for wound care, dental products, and sweets aimed at promoting dental health among children.
Amulen emphasized the importance of their findings by stating, “We aim to assist communities in realizing the commercial potential of propolis by creating products that hold real market value.” She has actively presented her research at various forums, including the SGCI Annual Forum, to garner more support for the commercialization of these health products.
Challenges Ahead
The journey towards commercializing propolis products has not been without challenges. Amulen noted that limited access to affordable extraction equipment has hampered small-scale producers from benefiting from this innovation. “Only small laboratory-based equipment was available, and it was quite costly,” she explained.
With external funding, Amulen’s team has taken steps to design and fabricate essential machinery tailored for low-income regions. They have completed two of the four necessary machines and are currently seeking collaborations to finalize the remaining prototypes. The team has also faced the complexities of securing intellectual property rights and complying with various regulations. Initial setbacks in trademark registrations led to cases of logo theft, but they have since managed to trademark many of their products.
In collaboration with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and the National Drug Authority, the research team is also working to achieve official approvals to market their products as natural medicines.
Looking ahead, Amulen’s vision is expansive: “We aspire for these innovations to be replicated across Africa so that propolis powder can take its rightful place as a natural remedy in the health product marketplace.” This ambition reflects her commitment to supporting both local communities and the broader African continent through sustainable practices and health innovations.
Source
phys.org