**8. Future perspectives**

priced at about 3 dollars. In Tokyo's market, this product is even more valued: a bottle of green propolis, in 2010, was sold for around \$ 150 [145, 146]. In 2008, it was estimated that in Japan, 700 million dollars a year started to be moved by green propolis [147]. Japanʹs interest in green propolis is justified not only by consumption: one of the most important examples of its use is as an adjuvant in the treatment of cancer; but also by Japanese research related to the chemical composition and biological activities of this type of propolis, especially studies with artepillin

The high demand for green propolis, especially from Asian countries, such as Japan, is essential for sustaining the economy that revolves around this product, which is fairly lucrative. Green propolis is produced mainly in the southeastern region, highlighting the state of Minas Gerais, where there are over 8000 beekeepers, which produces more than 35 tons of propolis per year [148]. These data show the importance of production and exports of green propolis, which is

Red propolis found in the Brazilian state of Alagoas has been internationally certified by the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) as the only producer of this kind of propolis in the world and most of its compounds were not found in other types of Brazilian propolis, which makes it a singular bee product [24]. Due to that, its commercial value is internationally high. It has been reported that a kilogram of this product can cost around R \$ 500. Its importance to the Brazilian economy and to red propolis producer states is immeas‐ urable. Many propolis producers are being qualified and thereby, they are improving their product quality and the production process. Like green propolis, red propolis is also highly

Brazil is currently the worldʹs third largest producer of propolis, second only to Russia and China [150]. Although it represents 10–15% of world production, Brazil fulfill about 80% of Japanese demand. Minas Gerais State (Brazil) Beekeepers Federation data show that the propolis produced in the Midwest region of the state is considered the best in the world by the Japanese market, where the kilogram of product has jumped from \$ 5 to \$ 200 in recent

The propolis production in Brazil is estimated at around 140 tons, and the major part is destined for international market, both in raw form and as finished products. It is estimated that 100 tons are green propolis and 40 tons other types of propolis. About 80% of the green propolis produced in Brazil comes from the Midwest region of Minas Gerais State, close to the source of the São Francisco river at Serra da Canastra, region where are the highest number of producers. Despite the great Brazilian beekeeping potential, the current production is not enough to fulfill a growing global demand. The Brazilian honey bees are Africanized, pre‐ senting defensive and disease‐resistant features, with no need to use chemical treatments as in other countries, which ensures Brazilian bee products excellent quality and free from

Many research fronts have been opened in the pursuit of development and adaptation of professional management techniques in the production of green propolis. In addition to the improvement actions and training of producers in beekeeping management practices, a group

exported to Japan due to its chemical composition and biological effects [149].

C [16, 147].

years [150].

contamination.

one of the pillars of Brazilian apiculture economy.

82 Superfood and Functional Food - An Overview of Their Processing and Utilization

Considering all information presented here, it is easy to imagine the important potential of propolis in the health of the population and in the Brazilian and international market, especially because of the important biological activities and safety demonstrated with scientific reports as "*in vitro*", "*in vivo*," and in some clinical trials. It is possible to generate several innovative products in different fields considering food, cosmetics, and medicines, and this choice obviously will be related to propolis dosages, formulations, and indications.

It is important to consider the investment in more clinical trials aiming to explore the benefits observed with traditional use and in animal studies, in order to refine the dosages and formulations, with regard to the development of medicines. Besides clinical studies, another important area is the improvement in the investments in productivity in field, since the Brazilian propolis available nowadays is not enough to supply all the countries that may be interested in working with this fabulous natural material produced by bees with the support of Brazilian Biodiversity. And finally, the effort of beepers and entities, such as ABEMEL, is crucial to stimulate and support this work.
