"Exploring Alternative Bee products :

Innovative Uses and Applications"

A Research Proposal

By

Roll No: C91/ENV/211015

Registration No: 012-1211-1102-19
Paper: ENV S41
Department of Environmental Science,
University of Calcutta

1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am thankful to all my professors of the department HOD (Prof.) Dr. Aniruddha

Mukhopadhayay, Associate Professor Dr. Punarbasu Choudhury and Assistant
Professor Dr. Pritha Bhattacharjee for guiding me throughout the course and
helping me out in my research project work.

I express my warm thanks I am eternally grateful to my parents and my fellow

classmates for their constant support and encouragement.

2
➢ TITLE

Exploring Alternative Bee products : Innovative Uses and Applications.

➢ SUBJECT AREA

Bee products, Pharmaceuticals and medicine, Biotechnology and agriculture.

➢ KEY WORDS: Alternative Honey By-products, collection and utilisation.

➢ NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

(PI)

• Institution: Department of Environmental Science, Calcutta University

• Name: Stuti Roy
• Address: 35, Ballygunge Circular- Rd, Ballygunge
• City and State: Kolkata,West Bengal PIN: 700019
• Phone No: 9749487492
• E-mail Address: [email protected]
• Gender: Female Category (Gen/ SC/ST/OBC): General

➢ Details of the proposed project to be undertaken

Abstract

Bee products have been utilized for centuries, and among all the products honey and
wax being the most prominent. However, other bee-derived products, such as bee
pollen, propolis, and royal jelly, possess unique properties and potential applications.
This review aims to explore the innovative uses and applications of these alternative
bee products.
The application of alternative bee products have been utilised in :
- Nutrition and food technology
- Cosmetics and skincare
- Pharmaceuticals and medicine
- Biotechnology and agriculture

Graphical Abstract

1. Research work engaged in at present

3
 Currently I am not engaged with any kind of research work.

2. AIM and OBJECTIVES of the proposed project

❖ Collection of alternative honey by-products from waste honey.

❖ Combining alternative bee products with other natural products or some drugs to
benefit the health sector.
❖ Effect of alternative bee products on pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

3. Review of R&D in the proposed area

4.1 Introduction

Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees from the nectar of flowers, renowned for its
unique properties and health benefits. However, beekeeping and honey production also yield
other valuable products and by-products, known as Alternative Bee Products (ABPs) and honey
by-products. These include:

Alternative Bee products (ABPs) :

- Bee venom

- Propolis

- Royal jelly

- Beeswax

- Pollen

Honey by-products :

- Bee bread

- Bee pollen extract

- Honeycomb

- Beeswax pellets

Exploring these Alternative Bee Products and honey by-products offers numerous benefits,
such as:

- Diversifying beekeeping income streams

- Unlocking new health and wellness applications

- Discovering sustainable and eco-friendly materials

4
- Supporting apiculture and pollinator conservation

By investigating these products, we can unlock their full potential and promote the value of
beekeeping beyond just honey production.

4.2 Importance:

Honey and Alternative Bee Products (ABPs) have significant importance in various aspects:

Honey:

1. Natural sweetener and energy source

2. Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties for wound care and health

3. Prebiotic and probiotic properties for gut health

4. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for overall well-being

5. Natural preservative and flavor enhancer in food industry

ABPs:

1. Bee venom:

- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties

- Treatment for arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases

2. Propolis:

- Antimicrobial and antifungal properties for wound care and immune system support

- Natural preservative and antimold agent

3. Royal jelly:

- Nutrient-rich supplement for skin, hair, and overall health

- Potential anti-aging and antioxidant properties

4. Beeswax:

- Natural emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals

- Sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic waxes

5. Pollen:

5
 - Rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals for nutritional supplement

- Potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

4.3 Significance:

1. Health and wellness: Honey and ABPs offer natural remedies and supplements for various
health concerns.

2. Sustainability: Beeswax and other ABPs provide eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic

materials.

3. Economic: Diversifying beekeeping income streams through ABPs supports apiculture and
local economies.

4. Environmental: Promoting apiculture and pollinator conservation through ABPs helps

maintain ecosystem balance.

5. Food security: Honey and ABPs contribute to food production and security, particularly in
developing regions.

4.4 Economic benefits :

The economic benefits of honey and Alternative Bee Products (ABPs) are significant,
including:

1. Diversified income streams: Beekeepers can earn revenue from various products, reducing
dependence on a single product.

2. Increased profitability: ABPs often command higher prices than honey, boosting
profitability for beekeepers.

3. Job creation: The ABP industry generates employment opportunities in harvesting,

processing, and marketing.

4. Local economic growth: ABP production and sales can stimulate local economies, especially
in rural areas.

5. Export potential: Honey and ABPs are in demand globally, offering export opportunities and
foreign exchange earnings.

6. Value-added products: ABPs can be processed into higher-value products, such as cosmetics,
pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.

7. Sustainable livelihoods: Beekeeping and ABP production provide a sustainable source of

income for rural communities.

6
8. Entrepreneurial opportunities: The ABP industry attracts entrepreneurs, driving innovation
and enterprise development.

9. Contribution to GDP: The apiculture industry, including honey and ABPs, contributes to a
country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

10. Rural development: The growth of the ABP industry can lead to improved infrastructure,
services, and social amenities in rural areas.

5.WORK PLAN

5.1 STUDY AREA

Latitude – 21.9497° N
Longitude – 89.1833° E
Area – Sunderbans , West Bengal

Location of Sunderban Region in West Bengal and India map

5.2 METHODOLOGY

A) Methodology for : Collection of Alternative Honey By-products from Waste Honey

7
 ▪ Beeswax:

o Source: Beeswax is typically collected from honeycomb cappings, which are the
wax coverings removed when extracting honey.

o Process:
1. Capping Collection: After honey extraction, collect the cappings.
2. Melting: Melt the cappings in a double boiler to separate the wax from impurities.
3. Filtering: Filter the melted wax to remove debris and impurities.
4. Solidification: Pour the clean wax into molds and let it solidify.

▪ Propolis:

o Source: Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees from tree buds and other
botanical sources.

o Process:
1. Scraping: Scrape propolis from hive surfaces or use propolis traps.
2. Cleaning: Remove debris and impurities manually or by soaking in alcohol.
3. Extracting: For tinctures, dissolve cleaned propolis in alcohol to extract beneficial
compounds.

▪ Royal Jelly:

o Source: Royal jelly is secreted by worker bees to feed larvae and the queen.

o Process:
1. Grafting: Place young larvae into artificial queen cups.
2. Harvesting: After 3 days, remove the cups and extract the royal jelly using a suction
device.
3. Storing: Store royal jelly at low temperatures to preserve its properties.

▪ Bee Pollen:

o Source: Bee pollen is collected from the legs of foraging bees.

o Process:
1. Trapping: Install pollen traps at hive entrances to collect pollen pellets from returning
bees.
2. Drying: Dry the collected pollen to prevent mold growth.
8
 3. Cleaning: Sift and clean the dried pollen to remove debris.

▪ Honey Vinegar:

o Source: Honey that has begun to ferment can be used to make vinegar.

o Process:
1. Fermentation: Allow honey to ferment naturally or add yeast to speed up the process.
2. Acidification: Introduce acetic acid bacteria to convert alcohol into vinegar.
3. Aging: Age the vinegar to develop flavour and acidity.

B) Methodology for : Combining Alternative Bee Products with Other Natural Products
or Drugs.

▪ Propolis with Herbal Extracts:

- Selection: Choose compatible herbal extracts with complementary properties (e.g.,
echinacea for immune support).
- Extraction: Prepare extracts using alcohol or water-based methods.
- Combination:
1. Mix propolis tincture with herbal extracts in appropriate ratios.
2. Conduct stability testing to ensure the mixture remains effective over time.

▪ Bee Pollen in Superfood Blends:

- Selection: Identify other superfoods (e.g., spirulina, chia seeds) to combine with bee pollen.
- Formulation:
1. Determine the optimal blend ratio based on nutritional content.
2. Mix bee pollen with other powdered superfoods.
- Testing: Conduct taste and nutrient testing to ensure the blend is palatable and nutritious.

▪ Royal Jelly in Skincare Products:

- Formulation: Develop formulations incorporating royal jelly with other skincare ingredients
(e.g., aloe vera, hyaluronic acid).
- Testing:
1. Stability Testing: Ensure the product remains effective and safe over its shelf life.

9
 2. Efficacy Testing: Conduct clinical trials to demonstrate the benefits for skin health.
C) Methodology for : Effect of Alternative Bee Products on the Pharmaceutical Industry
and Cosmetic Industry.

I. Methodology for Pharmaceutical Applications

▪ Propolis-Based Throat Sprays:

- Formulation: Develop a throat spray incorporating propolis extract.
- Clinical Trials:
1. Conduct clinical trials to test the efficacy against throat infections.
2. Monitor for any side effects or adverse reactions.

▪ Bee Pollen Supplements:

- Formulation: Create capsules or tablets containing bee pollen.
- Testing:
1. Nutritional Analysis: Ensure the product meets dietary supplement standards.
2. Clinical Trials: Assess health benefits such as enhanced immune function or allergy relief.

▪ Royal Jelly Capsules:

- Formulation: Develop capsules containing pure or blended royal jelly.
- Clinical Trials:
1. Test for health benefits such as improved vitality or cognitive function.
2. Monitor for any adverse effects over long-term use.

II. Methodology for Cosmetic Applications

▪ Beeswax in Lip Balms:

- Formulation : Create lip balm formulations with beeswax as a key ingredient.
- Testing:
1. Stability Testing: Ensure the product maintains its consistency and effectiveness.
2. Consumer Testing: Gather user feedback on texture, hydration, and overall satisfaction.

10
 ▪ Royal Jelly in Anti-Aging Creams:
- Formulation: Develop anti-aging creams incorporating royal jelly.
- Clinical Trials:
1. Test for improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and reduction of wrinkles.
2. Monitor for any allergic reactions or skin irritations.

▪ Honey in Hair Care Products:

- Formulation: Create shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks with honey.
- Testing:
1. Efficacy Testing: Evaluate improvements in hair strength, shine, and overall health.
2. Consumer Testing: Collect user feedback on product performance and satisfaction.

Each of these methodologies involves:

1. Selection and Collection: Identifying and collecting the raw materials (honey by-products).
2. Processing and Formulation: Developing products by combining these by-products with
other natural ingredients or drugs.
3. Testing: Conducting various tests to ensure product safety, efficacy, stability, and consumer
satisfaction.
4. Commercialization: Preparing products for market introduction and assessing their impact
on the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

5.3 INSTRUMENTS, CHEMICALS, and TESTS Needed :

Sampling:

- Hive tool
- Frame grip
- Bee brush
- Smoker
- Sampling containers (e.g., jars, tubes)
- Protective clothing (e.g., beekeeping suit, gloves)

Processing:

- Honey extractor
- Centrifuge
- Filter press
- Heat exchanger (e.g., honey warmer)
- Mixing tanks

11
- Filling equipment (e.g., bottles, jars)

Testing:

- Refractometer (for moisture content)

- pH meter
- Conductivity meter
- Viscometer (for viscosity)
- Spectrophotometer (for color analysis)
- HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) or GC (Gas Chromatography) for
chemical analysis
- Microscope (for pollen analysis)
- Bacterial cultures (for microbiological testing)

Other equipment:

- Balance (for weighing)

- Thermometer (for temperature control)
- Pipettes (for sampling and measuring)
- Autoclave (for sterilization)
- Laboratory glassware (e.g., beakers, flasks)

✓ Licenses and Permissions in India

• Regulatory Compliance and Licenses

1. Food and Dietary Supplements:

- Regulatory Body: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
- Requirements:
FSSAI Registration: Obtain a food business operator (FBO) license.
Labeling Compliance: Follow FSSAI labeling guidelines.
Product Approval: Get product approval for new or novel food items.
Safety Testing: Conduct safety testing for contaminants and nutritional analysis.

2. Cosmetics:
- Regulatory Body: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
- Requirements:
Product Registration: Register cosmetic products with CDSCO.
Labeling Compliance: Follow labeling guidelines as per the Drugs and Cosmetics
Act.
Safety Assessment: Conduct safety assessments for all ingredients.
Stability Testing: Perform stability tests to ensure product shelf life.

3. Pharmaceuticals:
- Regulatory Body: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
- Requirements:
Clinical Trials:Conduct clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy.
Drug Approval: Apply for a New Drug Approval (NDA).

12
 GMP Compliance: Manufacture products in facilities compliant with Good
Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Post-Market Surveillance: Monitor product safety post-launch.

4. General Licensing and Permissions:

-Local Permits: Obtain local health department and municipal corporation permits as
required.
-Environmental Permits: Secure environmental clearances if the production process
impacts the environment.
-Health and Safety Compliance: Adhere to Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) or equivalent local body for workplace safety.

4. Time schedule and Program Evaluation Review Technique-PERT

chart
YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3
SL No. Activities JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

1
Desk Study &
literature review
2 Framing of Methodology
3
Sampling of the
samples
4
Selection of
samples
5
Testing of the
samples
6 Laboratory analysis
7
Implementation
testing
Progression report
8 submission
yearwise
Optimization &
9 monitoring of the
samples products
10
Review from the
applied products
11 Statistical Analysis
12 Public awareness
13 Draft preparation
14 Draft submission
15
Modification of
reviewed report
16 Final submission

7.GAP AREA

Many unexplored bee products are there like bee bread , bee pollen , bee venom whose
applications and benefits are under researched but still largely unexplored.
Suderbans has a very unique mangrove ecosystem which may influence distinctive properties
to bee products and this unique properties is not well studied and has a research gap.
Extracting alternative bee products from Sundarban area impacts health and sustainability in
the local people in highly under research gap and need to be studied well.

13
8. Details of Financial Requirements for Three Years Justifications

14
 SL No. Equipment Justification Year 1 Year 2 year 3 Total

A Non-recurring Equipment

Hive tool , Frame

For analysing elemental
grip , Bee brush ,
A.1 composition of soil 10,000 10,000
Smoker, Protective
samples
clothing

A.2 GPS tracker Location Tracking 15,970 15,970

Honey extractor,
For processing of the
A.3 Centrifuge, Filter 55000 55,000
sample
press

Nikon D7500 with Documentation

A.4 81,498 81,498
18-140MM purposes

Laptop-Dell inspiron
A.5 Statistical analysis 89,650 89,650
7420 laptop

pHmeter,Refractometer,Viscometer,Spectrophotometer,
A.6 For testing of the
HPLCsamples 200000 200000 150000 550000

A.7 First Aid Kit health safety 1714 1714

B Recurring

Zip lock bag,

container for
sampling,
gloves,Sample
Sampling of honey
B.1 carrier 8000 8000
products
box,Measuring
tape,Ethanol,Tissue
paper,equipemts for
laboratory plantation

B.2 Manpower Junior Research Fellow 1,20,000 3,60,000 21,10,000 25,90,000

1 field & Lab Assistant 6,00,000 6,00,000

B.3 Consumables Glasswares,Ethanol 20000 20000

B.4 Travel/Fieldwork Site Visits 20000 20000 20000 80000

For printing of Page &

B.5 Contingency 10000 10000
others

B.6 Hiring Services Overheads 20000 20000 20000 60000

TOTAL 41,71,832

9.SWOT ANALYSIS

15
❖ STRENGTH
1. Interdisciplinary approach: Combining apiculture, biology, chemistry, and
engineering to explore new applications.
2. Novelty and innovation: Discovering unconventional uses for ABPs, beyond
traditional honey and beeswax.
3. Potential impact on various industries: Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and
biotechnology could benefit from ABP research.
4. Sustainability and eco-friendliness: ABPs offer natural, renewable, and
biodegradable alternatives to synthetic materials.
5. Global relevance: Apiculture is practiced worldwide, making ABP research relevant
to diverse regions and economies.
6. Unexplored potential: Many ABPs, like bee venom and propolis, have untapped
potential for innovative applications.
❖ WEAKNESS
1. Limited existing research: Compared to traditional honey and beeswax, ABPs have
less established research, making it harder to build upon.
2. Variability in ABP quality and composition: Depending on factors like bee species,
region, and processing, ABP quality and composition can vary, affecting research
reliability.
3. Limited standardization: Lack of standardized extraction, processing, and testing
methods for ABPs can lead to inconsistent results.
4. Potential for overhype: Overestimating the potential of ABPs without robust
evidence could lead to disappointment and loss of interest.
5. Regulatory frameworks: ABPs may not be fully recognized or regulated by
authorities, creating uncertainty and potential legal issues.

❖ OPPORTUNITY

1. Discovery of new bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.

2. Development of innovative products and technologies with commercial potential.
3. Expansion of the apiculture industry and creation of new revenue streams.
4. Contribution to the preservation of bee populations and promotion of bee health.
5. Potential applications in various industries, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and
food technology.
6. Collaboration opportunities with industries, governments, and academia.
7. Potential to address global challenges, such as antibiotic resistance and sustainable
agriculture.
8. Development of new analytical methods and standards for bee product
characterization.

❖ THREATS

16
 1. Limited availability and quality of alternative bee products.
2. High costs associated with research and development.
3. Regulatory hurdles and potential legal challenges.
4. Competition from established industries and products.
10. SOCIETAL BENEFIT FROM THE PROJECT
1. Sustainable resource management: ABPs offer eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic
materials, reducing environmental impact.
2. Improved healthcare: ABPs like bee venom and propolis have potential medicinal
applications, enhancing human health and well-being.
3. Economic growth: ABP research can create new industries, jobs, and income streams,
boosting local and national economies.
4. Environmental conservation: By beekeeping and ABPs, the project promotes pollinator
conservation and biodiversity protection.
5. Food security: ABPs can improve crop yields and plant health, contributing to global food
security and sustainable agriculture.
6. Community engagement: The project can involve local communities in beekeeping and ABP
production, fostering social cohesion and empowerment.

11.OUTCOME OF THE PROJECT

➢ Identification and development of new products and technologies from ABP.

➢ Eco friendly and sustainable management in apiculture.
➢ New business start-ups , good source of income and revenue.

12. REFERENCE

Camacho-Bernal, G. I., Cruz-Cansino, N. D. S., Ramírez-Moreno, E., Delgado-Olivares, L.,

Zafra-Rojas, Q. Y., Castañeda-Ovando, A., & Suárez-Jacobo, Á. (2021). Addition of
bee products in diverse food sources: Functional and physicochemical properties.
Applied Sciences, 11(17), 8156.
Hospital, X. F., Hierro, E., Martín-Cabrejas, I., Caballero, N., Jiménez, B., Sánchez-Martín,
V., … & Fernández, M. (2024). Bee products as an alternative for the preservation of
nitrate and nitrite-reduced dry fermented sausages. Food Bioscience, 59, 104048.
Kevan, P. G., Eisikowitch, D., Kinuthia, W., Martin, P., Mussen, E. C., Partap, U., … & Winter,
K. (2007). High quality bee products are important to agriculture: why, and what needs
to be done. Journal of apicultural research, 46(1), 59-64.
Kieliszek, M., Piwowarek, K., Kot, A. M., Wojtczuk, M., Roszko, M., Bryła, M., & Trajkovska
Petkoska, A. (2023). Recent advances and opportunities related to the use of bee
products in food processing. Food Science & Nutrition, 11(8), 4372-4397.
Luo, X., Dong, Y., Gu, C., Zhang, X., & Ma, H. (2021). Processing technologies for bee
products: An overview of recent developments and perspectives. Frontiers in Nutrition,
8, 727181.

17
Münstedt, K., & Männle, H. (2020). Bee products and their role in cancer prevention and
treatment. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 51, 102390.
Münstedt, K., & Bogdanov, S. (2009). Bee products and their potential use in modern medicine.
Journal of ApiProduct and ApiMedical Science, 1(3), 57-63.
Olas, B. (2022). Bee products as interesting natural agents for the prevention and treatment of
common cardiovascular diseases. Nutrients, 14(11), 2267.
Saner, G., Yercan, M., Engindeniz, S., Karaturhan, B., & Cukur, F. (2007). Alternative
marketing strategies for honey and other bee products in Turkey. Journal of Agricultural
& Food Information, 8(4), 65-74.
Szweda, P., & Kot, B. (2017). Bee products and essential oils as alternative agents for treatment
of infections caused by S. aureus. Frontiers in Staphylococcus aureus.
Yucel, B., Topal, E., & Kosoglu, M. (2017). Bee products as functional food. Superfood and
Functional Food-An Overview of Their Processing and Utilization, 15-33.

13. Facilities available at the host institute

Host institute: University of Calcutta, Ballygunge campus

ICP-OES, pH meter, Laminar hood, PM 10 sampler, PM 2.5 sampler ,Fume hood , UV-
VIS Spectrophotometer, Centrifuge ,Water bath, Compound microscope, thermocycler,
ELISA plate reader , microwave , COD digestor.

14. Biodata of the PI

18