Effects of propolis on inflammation markers in patients undergoing hemodialysis: A randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chermut, Tuany Ramos; Fonseca, Larissa; Figueiredo, Nathalia; de Oliveira Leal, Viviane; Borges, Natalia Alvarenga; Cardozo, Ludmila FMF.; Correa Leite, Paulo Emilio; Alvarenga, Livia; Regis, Bruna; Delgado, Alvimar; Berretta, Andresa A.; Ribeiro-Alves, Marcelo; Mafra, Denise
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in clinical practice. Volume 51(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Chronic kidney disease -- Hemodialysis -- Inflammation -- Propolis -- Nutrition; Integrative medicine -- Periodicals; Integrative medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101732
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-3881

Abstract

Abstract: Background and aims: Several studies have been performed in vitro and in animals showing that propolis (a resin made by bees) has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, but no study has been performed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD). The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of propolis supplementation on inflammatory markers in patients with CKD on HD. Methods: This is a longitudinal, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with patients randomized into two groups: propolis (4 capsules of 100 mg/day containing concentrated and standardized dry EPP-AF® green propolis extract) or placebo (4 capsules of 100 mg/day containing microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate and colloidal silicon dioxide) for two months. Routine parameters were analyzed using commercial kits. The plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by flow luminometry. Results: Forty-one patients completed the follow-up, 21 patients in the propolis group (45 ± 12 years, 13 women, BMI, 22.8 ± 3.7 kg/m 2 ) and 20 in the placebo group (45.5 ± 14 years, 13 women, BMI, 24.8 ± 6.8 kg/m 2 ). The obtained data revealed that the intervention with propolis significantly reduced the serum levels of tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) (p = 0.009) as well as had the tendency to reduce the levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β) (p = 0.07). There were no significant differences in the placebo group. Conclusion: Short-term EPP-AF® propolis dry extract 400 mg/day supplementation seems to mitigate inflammation, reducing the plasma levels of TNFα and MIP-1β in patients with CKD on HD. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04411758). Highlights: Hemodialysis patients are reported to have chronic inflammation. Hemodialysis patients are more predictable to cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation is related to worst hemodialysis efficiency and cardiovascular complications. Propolis has effectives anti-inflammatory compounds.