Effect of Propolis-Supplemented Diet on Body Composition and Endocrine Function of Adipose Tissue

Abstract

Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ and has central role in interaction with other organs or tissues while propolis can induce lipolysis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide detailed information about adipose tissue homeostasis modifications and body composition during propolis supplement consumption. Twenty male Wistar albino rats (8 weeks) were divided into two groups of 10 animals each and fed for 90 days with two different types of diets: standard for the control group (diet C) and standard diet + 2% propolis (diet P). Thyroid hormones did not show differences, while ghrelin and adiponectin decreased in the group that was fed propolis. Insulin, leptin, and non-esterified fatty acids also increased along with reduced body weight and fat, in addition to increased lean mass when propolis was in the diet. We conclude that propolis could decrease ghrelin and adiponectin but increase non-esterified fatty acids and insulin secretion, which improves body composition.