Abstract
Brazilian red propolis (BRP) is a chemically distinctive bee product with growing relevance to pharmacognosy, pharmaceutical technology, and natural-product development. This review synthesizes evidence on its botanical origin, chemical composition, pharmacological actions, toxicological profile, and formulation strategies. We searched MEDLINE, LILACS, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, and SciELO using combinations of Brazilian red propolis with phytochemistry, pharmacology, antioxidant activity, inflammation, toxicity, nanotechnology, and spray drying. Publications in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were considered, with an emphasis on studies published from 2010 onward. Brazilian red propolis is collected mainly in mangrove-associated regions and is linked principally to Dalbergia ecastaphyllum, with contributions from Symphonia globulifera. Its source-dependent chemical profile includes isoflavones, isoflavans, pterocarpans, chalcones, benzophenones, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and volatile phenylpropanoids. Experimental studies support antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects involving reactive oxygen species modulation, antioxidant-gene responses, leukocyte migration, nitric oxide production, and inflammatory signaling. Toxicological findings indicate a generally low acute hazard but emphasize dose-, sex-, exposure-time-, and region-dependent effects. Nanoformulations and spray-based encapsulation can improve extract stability, release control, and preclinical bioactivity. Overall, Brazilian red propolis is a promising multi-component platform, but chemical standardization, mechanistic validation, scalable manufacturing, and well-designed clinical studies remain necessary before broader therapeutic translation.