Abstract
Although there is evidence of the benefits of propolis on human health, the vast majority of studies have been conducted using animal models. The present study includes the chemical characterization and clinical evaluation of the effects of the oral administration of propolis solution on the oxidative status and modulation of lipids in a human population in Talca, Chile. Chemical characterization of propolis, total phenol, flavonoids, and total antioxidant capacity were determined by ORAC. Identification of phenols and flavonoids in propolis was assessed by HPLC-DAD. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Subjects provided informed consent form and the Bioethics Committee of the Universidad de Talca approved protocol. Eligible subjects (n = 67) were randomized in two groups: propolis (n = 35) and placebo (n = 32). All subjects were evaluated at 0 (baseline), 45, and 90 days. In the propolis group, we observed that increases in HDL-c went from 53.9 ± 11.9 to 65.8 ± 16.7 mg/dL (p < 0.001) from baseline to 90 days. Compared to placebo subjects, consumption of propolis induced a net increase in GSH levels (p < 0.0001) and a decrease (p < 0.001) in TBARS levels for the propolis group. Our findings indicate potential benefits of propolis use in human health. The use of propolis appears to have positive effects on oxidative status and improvement of HDL-c, both of which contribute to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Highlights
Propolis is a sticky, resinous material that honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) collect from various plants and mix with wax and other secretions [1]
The principal antioxidant mechanism of propolis polyphenols can be summarized in the significant ability of “scavenger” reactive oxygen species (ROS) and radical reactive nitrogen species (RNS) to decrease the xanthine oxidase reaction; chelate ion metals are involved in the process of free radical creation and disrupt the cascade of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine reactions, leading to the peroxidation of lipids and synergistic action with other antioxidants [7, 8]
Considering the previous information submitted and taking note of the differences observed between the chemical compositions among types of propolis from different geographical areas which depended on the surrounding flora, the present study reports on its chemical composition and provides a clinical evaluation of the effects of a propolis solution on the oxidative status and modulation of serum lipids in human subjects in Talca, Chile
Summary
Resinous material that honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) collect from various plants and mix with wax and other secretions [1]. Numerous biological properties of propolis have been reported including cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antiviral, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic, hepatoprotective, antitumor, and immune system stimulating [2, 3]. For these reasons, propolis is widely used in popular medicine and apitherapy, with extensive use in food and beverages to improve health and prevent diseases [3]. The medical application of propolis has led to increased interest in its chemical composition and potential clinical use in humans. The chemical composition of propolis is complex and dependent upon the plant source [4]. The principal antioxidant mechanism of propolis polyphenols can be summarized in the significant ability of “scavenger” reactive oxygen species (ROS) and radical reactive nitrogen species (RNS) to decrease the xanthine oxidase reaction; chelate ion metals are involved in the process of free radical creation and disrupt the cascade of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine reactions, leading to the peroxidation of lipids and synergistic action with other antioxidants [7, 8]
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