Propolis is produced by honeybees from materials collected from plants they visit. It is a resinous material having mixtures of wax and bee enzymes. Propolis is also known as bee glue and used by bees as a building material in their hives, for blocking holes and cracks, repairing the combs and strengthening their thin borders. It has been extensively used since ancient times for different purposes in traditional human healthcare practices. The quality and composition of propolis depend on its geographic location, climatic zone and local flora. The New Zealand and Brazilian green propolis are the two main kinds that have been extensively studied in recent years. Their bioactive components have been found to possess a variety of therapeutic potentials. It was found that Brazilian green propolis improves the cognitive functions of mild cognitive impairments in patients living at high altitude and protects them from neurodegenerative damage through its antioxidant properties. It possesses artepillin C (ARC) as the key component, also known to possess anticancer potential. The New Zealand propolis contains caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) as the main bioactive with multiple therapeutic potentials. Our lab performed in vitro and in vivo assays on the extracts prepared from New Zealand and Brazilian propolis and their active ingredients. We provided experimental evidence that these extracts possess anticancer, antistress and hypoxia-modulating activities. Furthermore, their conjugation with γCD proved to be more effective. In the present review, we portray the experimental evidence showing that propolis has the potential to be a candidate drug for different ailments and improve the quality of life.

Soil fertility management through organic amendments plays an important role in improving soil quality and biological functioning in vegetable cultivation systems. The present study evaluated the effects of traditionally prepared farmyard manure (FYM), conventional vermicompost (CVC) and their combined application on soil physico-chemical properties and enzymatic activities in vegetable growing lands. Soil bulk density ranged from 0.81 ± 0.34 g/cm3 to 1.88 ± 0.33 g/cm3 among the sites and amendments. Soil moisture content ranged from 28.58 % to 64.06 % and water holding capacity varied from 42.53 % to 69.69 %. Soil texture varied from loam to sandy loam. Soil was acidic in nature and pH value ranged from 4.49 ± 0.29 to 7.27 ± 0.96. Percentage of total organic carbon was recorded highest (3.84 ± 0.12 %) in CVC (Siro) and lowest in Dutta (1.43 ± 0.34 %). Percentage of organic matter followed similar trend to that of soil organic carbon. ABC exhibited highest (0.28 ± 0.02 %) total nitrogen content and lowest (0.08 ± 0.03 %) in Dutta. Similar trend was followed by total phosphorus and total potassium content in the respective sites respectively. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed significant interrelationships among various soil parameters and enzymatic activities. Soil bulk density and moisture content showed negative correlations with enzymatic activities, while water holding capacity exhibited positive correlations with nitrogen and enzymatic activities. Soil pH exhibited significant positive correlations with arylsulphatase (r = 0.567, p < 0.05), acid phosphatase (r = 0.623, p < 0.01) and dehydrogenase (r = 0.599, p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was observed between soil organic carbon and organic matter (r = 0.969, p < 0.001). Organic carbon showed significant positive correlations with arylsulphatase (r = 0.825, p < 0.001), acid phosphatase (r = 0.676, p < 0.01), alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.648, p < 0.01) and dehydrogenase (r = 0.706, p < 0.01). Total nitrogen exhibited significant positive correlations with arylsulphatase (r = 0.658, p < 0.01), acid phosphatase (r = 0.720, p < 0.001) and dehydrogenase (r = 0.624, p < 0.01). Total phosphorus showed strong positive correlations with acid phosphatase (r = 0.773, p < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.737, p < 0.001) and dehydrogenase (r = 0.738, p < 0.001). In contrast, total potassium showed weak or no significant correlations with enzymatic activities. Strong inter enzyme correlations were observed between dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase (r = 0.929, p < 0.001), arylsulphatase (r = 0.854, p < 0.001) and alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.854, p < 0.001). This study is an indicative of synergistic effects of incorporation of conventional vermicompost in traditional soil management system for vegetable farmlands in maintaining soil nutrient and fertility. The results provide a transferable framework for improving soil strength and nutrient cycling in low input vegetable systems and promote the use of locally produced organic inputs that support both environmental sustainability and farm level economic sustainability.