Changes in Lipid Profile, Liver Enzymes and Inflammatory Factors Following Oral Supplementation with Propolis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: Nutritional ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties such as flavonoids and phenolic acids have been reported in propolis. The present study investigated the effect of propolis supplements on lipid metabolism, liver enzymes, and inflammatory factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods: This clinical trial was performed in a double-blind randomized manner with two parallel intervention (n = 30) and placebo (n = 30) groups. Each group received a capsule (propolis or placebo) of 500 mg 3 times a day for 8 weeks. The lipid profile, liver enzymes, and inflammatory factors were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS software. Results: The mean of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels decreased significantly at the end of the study in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Also, the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) level increased significantly in this group (p < 0.05). Propolis supplementation significantly decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (p < 0.05). Also, propolis decreased the mean of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, but it was not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Propolis supplementation can be helpful as a dietary supplement in patients with type 2 diabetes by improving status of lipid profile and inflammatory factors in diabetic patients