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Propolis and Benefits for Health
Propolis and Cardiometabolic Health
A meta-analysis examined six studies on the effects of propolis in 373 adults with type 2 diabetes. The studies lasted 56 to 180 days and used daily doses ranging from 200 to 1500 mg of propolis. Participants’ glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) decreased by 0.5% and their fasting blood glucose levels decreased by 13.5 mg/dL (0.75 mmol/L). These are promising effects, but it should be noted that even if these results were statistically significant, the clinical effects are relatively negligible. Lifestyle changes (diet and physical activity) as well as taking medication when necessary have been shown to produce greater effects.
A literature review, including primarily in vivo and animal studies with a limited number of human studies, also suggests promising effects of propolis supplementation in helping to reduce blood pressure and improve lipid profiles and blood sugar levels.
Propolis and the Immune System
A randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 124 hospitalized patients to examine the efficacy of Brazilian green propolis extract as an adjuvant for the treatment of COVID-19. Propolis was found to be safe and effective in reducing hospital stays. Patients receiving doses of 800 mg/day and 400 mg/day had a median hospital stay of six and seven days, respectively, compared to twelve days for patients in the placebo group. Furthermore, patients receiving the highest dose, 800 mg/day, also experienced a lower incidence of COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury.
Another study was conducted in 122 healthy adults with mild upper respiratory tract infection to investigate the effectiveness of propolis to relieve symptoms such as a sore throat. Participants were randomized to receive either a propolis oral spray or a placebo. After three days of treatment, 83% of the propolis-treated subjects experienced symptom remission, while 72% of the placebo group experienced at least one persistent symptom. After five days, all subjects had recovered from all their symptoms. Thus, symptom resolution occurred two days earlier with propolis intake. No adverse events were recorded during the study. The authors concluded that a propolis supplement could help improve symptoms of uncomplicated bacterial and viral upper respiratory tract infections more quickly.
Other clinical studies on COVID-19 and ear, nose, and throat infections using combination treatments with propolis as one of the bioactive ingredients to relieve symptoms have also found positive effects.
Author
Kathryn holds a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition as well as a Bachelor and a Master Degree in Kinesiology, all from Laval University. She is a Registered Dietitian and active member of the Ordre professionnel des Diététistes Nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ) and of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She holds the Monash University's certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS, and has considerable clinical experience in that area. She is also an accomplished athlete, having ran track and cross-country at a national level. Kathryn specializes in sports nutrition, weight loss, diabetes, as well as heart and gastrointestinal health.
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