Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42074130›Full record

ReviewInternational journal of molecular sciences2026

Beeswax in Pharmaceutical Sciences: A Comprehensive Review of Its Chemical Composition, Functional Applications, Types, and Formulation Roles.

Kampanart Huanbutta, Bajaree Chuttong, Khanchai Danmek, Pornsak Sriamornsak, Kittipat Suwanpitak, Tanikan Sangnim

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in International journal of molecular sciences, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Kampanart HuanbuttaDepartment of Manufacturing Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand.ORCID 0000-0001-8188-153X
Bajaree ChuttongMeliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.ORCID 0000-0001-6009-2902
Khanchai DanmekBiotechnology Program, School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand.ORCID 0000-0002-2348-463X
Pornsak SriamornsakFaculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand.ORCID 0000-0002-5525-1494
Kittipat SuwanpitakFaculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand.ORCID 0000-0001-6440-4272
Tanikan SangnimFaculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand.ORCID 0000-0002-9332-384X

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesBeeswax, a complex natural secretion primarily derived from

methodsA narrative review was conducted by analyzing literature on the chemical composition, functional properties, conventional uses, advanced drug delivery applications, pharmacological activities, and quality control of beeswax, emphasizing structural characteristics, formulation roles, and integration into innovative delivery technologies.

resultsBeeswax is a lipid-based matrix composed of over 300 constituents, including wax esters, hydrocarbons, and free fatty acids, conferring thermoplasticity, biocompatibility, and structural stability. Traditionally, it functions as a stiffening agent, viscosity modifier, and emulsion stabilizer in topical formulations, forming an occlusive barrier that enhances skin hydration. In advanced systems, it serves as a solid lipid matrix in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), microspheres, and 3D-printed tablets, enabling controlled drug release and improved bioavailability of lipophilic compounds. It also exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities, while beeswax-derived policosanols show potential cardiovascular and gastroprotective benefits. However, concerns regarding paraffin adulteration and pesticide contamination highlight the need for stringent analytical and regulatory oversight.

conclusionsWith rigorous quality control and sustainable sourcing, beeswax remains a versatile, eco-friendly material bridging traditional medicine and advanced pharmaceutical innovation.

Indexed as

WaxesAnimalsBeesDrug CompoundingDrug Delivery SystemsHumansbeeswaxWaxesbeeswaxbiomaterialscontrolled drug releasedrug delivery systemslipid-based excipientsnanostructured lipid carriersnatural productsphysicochemical properties

Identifiers

PMID42074130
PMCPMC13116613

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.