Propolis supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
BackgroundAlthough a large number of trials have observed the anti-inflammatory properties of propolis, the currently available research remains controversial regarding its beneficial health effects. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of propolis on inflammatory and oxidative...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-05-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1542184/full |
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| author | Hossein Bahari Mostafa Shahraki Jazinaki Mohsen Aliakbarian Mohammad Rashidmayvan Haniyeh Golafrouz Iman Rahnama Rozita Khodashahi Rozita Khodashahi Rozita Khodashahi Mahsa Malekahmadi |
| author_facet | Hossein Bahari Mostafa Shahraki Jazinaki Mohsen Aliakbarian Mohammad Rashidmayvan Haniyeh Golafrouz Iman Rahnama Rozita Khodashahi Rozita Khodashahi Rozita Khodashahi Mahsa Malekahmadi |
| author_sort | Hossein Bahari |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | BackgroundAlthough a large number of trials have observed the anti-inflammatory properties of propolis, the currently available research remains controversial regarding its beneficial health effects. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of propolis on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in adults.MethodsA comprehensive search was performed in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed/Medline to find relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) until January 2024. The overall effect sizes were calculated using the random-effects model and expressed as weighted mean differences (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The possible heterogeneity between included trials was assessed by performing Cochran’s Q test.ResultsIn total, 27 trials with 29 treatment arms were eligible for inclusion in this review. This meta-analysis revealed that propolis consumption led to a significant decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD: –1.23; 95%CI: –1.76, –0.69; p < 0.001), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) (WMD: –1.52; 95%CI: –2.10, –0.93; p < 0.001), Tumor necrosis factor-α (WMD: –1.15; 95%CI: –1.75, –0.55; p < 0.001), and Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (WMD: –35.33; 95%CI: –50.28, –20.37; p < 0.001), and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD: 0.32; 95%CI: 0.12, 0.51; p = 0.001), Glutathione (GSH) (WMD: 4.71; 95%CI: 3.17, 6.25; p < 0.001), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (WMD: 44.75; 95%CI: 5.10, 84.40; p = 0.02). However, there were no significant effects on IL-10, IL-2, IL-8, pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in comparison to the control group.ConclusionPropolis supplementation appears effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant capacity and reducing specific inflammatory markers. However, variations in study designs, dosages, and participant characteristics contribute to the heterogeneity of results. Further well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects. Given its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, propolis may serve as a complementary approach in managing inflammation-related conditions, though its clinical application requires further validation.Systematic review registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier CRD42023474033. |
| format | Article |
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| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-42bcf15a62e64f2fbb718083d8f75b392025-08-20T02:15:33ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Nutrition2296-861X2025-05-011210.3389/fnut.2025.15421841542184Propolis supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsHossein Bahari0Mostafa Shahraki Jazinaki1Mohsen Aliakbarian2Mohammad Rashidmayvan3Haniyeh Golafrouz4Iman Rahnama5Rozita Khodashahi6Rozita Khodashahi7Rozita Khodashahi8Mahsa Malekahmadi9Transplant Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranStudent Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranTransplant Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranDepartment of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Science, Gonabad, IranRajaei Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranStudent Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranTransplant Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranClinical Research Development Unit, Imam Reza Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranDepartment of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranImam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranBackgroundAlthough a large number of trials have observed the anti-inflammatory properties of propolis, the currently available research remains controversial regarding its beneficial health effects. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of propolis on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in adults.MethodsA comprehensive search was performed in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed/Medline to find relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) until January 2024. The overall effect sizes were calculated using the random-effects model and expressed as weighted mean differences (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The possible heterogeneity between included trials was assessed by performing Cochran’s Q test.ResultsIn total, 27 trials with 29 treatment arms were eligible for inclusion in this review. This meta-analysis revealed that propolis consumption led to a significant decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD: –1.23; 95%CI: –1.76, –0.69; p < 0.001), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) (WMD: –1.52; 95%CI: –2.10, –0.93; p < 0.001), Tumor necrosis factor-α (WMD: –1.15; 95%CI: –1.75, –0.55; p < 0.001), and Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (WMD: –35.33; 95%CI: –50.28, –20.37; p < 0.001), and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (WMD: 0.32; 95%CI: 0.12, 0.51; p = 0.001), Glutathione (GSH) (WMD: 4.71; 95%CI: 3.17, 6.25; p < 0.001), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (WMD: 44.75; 95%CI: 5.10, 84.40; p = 0.02). However, there were no significant effects on IL-10, IL-2, IL-8, pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in comparison to the control group.ConclusionPropolis supplementation appears effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant capacity and reducing specific inflammatory markers. However, variations in study designs, dosages, and participant characteristics contribute to the heterogeneity of results. Further well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects. Given its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, propolis may serve as a complementary approach in managing inflammation-related conditions, though its clinical application requires further validation.Systematic review registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier CRD42023474033.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1542184/fullpropolisoxidative stressinflammationsystematic reviewmeta-analysis |
| spellingShingle | Hossein Bahari Mostafa Shahraki Jazinaki Mohsen Aliakbarian Mohammad Rashidmayvan Haniyeh Golafrouz Iman Rahnama Rozita Khodashahi Rozita Khodashahi Rozita Khodashahi Mahsa Malekahmadi Propolis supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Frontiers in Nutrition propolis oxidative stress inflammation systematic review meta-analysis |
| title | Propolis supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials |
| title_full | Propolis supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials |
| title_fullStr | Propolis supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials |
| title_full_unstemmed | Propolis supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials |
| title_short | Propolis supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials |
| title_sort | propolis supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults a systematic review and meta analysis of randomized controlled trials |
| topic | propolis oxidative stress inflammation systematic review meta-analysis |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1542184/full |
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