Propolis Reduces Oxidative Stress Improves Lipid Profiles

by | Feb 21, 2018 | 2017, Blood Lipids, Cardiovascular Health, Propolis

Written by Angeline A. De Leon, Staff Writer. Of the sixty-seven participating subjects with specified health issues, those who supplemented with propolis for ninety days, had significant improvements in total cholesterol as well as significant improvements in oxidative stress as determined by glutathione and TBARS levels.

honey beePropolis is a resinous mixture produced by combining beeswax and other waxy secretions from honeybees with the sap of needle-leaved trees. Known as “bee glue”, this botanical compound possesses a wide array of therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging, and immune stimulating activity 1,2. Although its chemical composition is complex and varies according to the plant source 3, the biological action of the polyphenols contained in propolis remains consistent and relevant to chronic conditions involving oxidative stress. Previous studies describe various functions of propolis in the metabolic process, including supporting the break-down of carbohydrates 4, influencing glucose absorption in the gut 5, and regulating lipid metabolism (particularly triglycerides, TG, and high-density lipoprotein, HDL) 6. Despite its promising benefits for human health and historical use in traditional medicine, the effects of propolis have primarily been studied in animal models, without clear scientific evidence to validate its application in human subjects. Considering the effects associated with the high phenolic profile of propolis, researchers in Tala, Chile (2017) 7 sought to examine the chemical composition of propolis and evaluate its impact on oxidative status and serum lipid profile in humans.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out with a group of 67 volunteers (18-69 years) who met criteria for impairment in relation to one of the following conditions: fasting glycemia, lipid profile, blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity. Subjects were randomized to orally ingest 15 drops of propolis (chemically tested and verified for phenol and flavonoid content and overall antioxidant capacity) or matching placebo twice daily for 90 days. At baseline, after 45 days, and after 90 days, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were obtained, and fasting blood samples were collected for analysis of glucose metabolism. To determine oxidative damage, plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS, biomarker of lipid peroxidation) and glutathione (GSH, a critical scavenger of reactive oxygen species) were measured.

From baseline to 90-day follow-up, the propolis group demonstrated a significant 17 % increase in total cholesterol (175.3 +/- 29.2 to 206.6 +/- 21.6 mg/dL, p < 0.0001) and a 22% increase HDL cholesterol (53.9 +/- 11.9 to 65.8 +/- 16.7 mg/dL, p < 0.001). In addition, from baseline to Day 90, subjects in the propolis group, as compared to placebo subjects, exhibited a significant 175% net increase in GSH levels (p < 0.0001), along with a significant 67% decrease in TBARS (p < 0.001).

Taken together, results of the study support the traditional use of propolis as a powerful antioxidant agent. Findings confirm the high number of polyphenols and flavonoids in propolis, relative to other flora, and suggest that, through its ability to increase HDL cholesterol and improve markers of oxidative stress (by decreasing TBARS and enhancing GSH), propolis may be helpful in reducing risk for various chronic illnesses, particularly cardiovascular disease. Further placebo-controlled human studies are needed to understand the potential benefits of propolis for other immune and cardiometabolic disorders.

Source: Mujica V, Orrego R, Perez J, et al. The role of propolis in oxidative stress and lipid metabolism: A randomized controlled trial. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017; Article ID 4272940. DOI: 10.1155/2017/4272940.

Copyright © 2017 Veronica Mujica et al. Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Posted February 21, 2018.

Angeline A. De Leon, MA, graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2010, completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a concentration in neuroscience. She received her master’s degree from The Ohio State University in 2013, where she studied clinical neuroscience within an integrative health program. Her specialized area of research involves the complementary use of neuroimaging and neuropsychology-based methodologies to examine how lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and meditation, can influence brain plasticity and enhance overall connectivity.

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