Potential Protective Effects of the Water-Soluble Chinese Propolis on Hypertension Induced by High-Salt Intake

Propolis in the management of cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND

Propolis is a resinous compound that is obtained from honey bees. It consists of numerous chemical constituents that impart different therapeutic action. The heart is the core of the body and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a burden for the human being. This article emphasizes how propolis is fruitful in the management of various CVDs.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

This review focuses on how various constituents of the propolis (such as terpenes, flavonoids, phenolics, etc.) impart cardio protective actions.

KEY FINDING AND CONCLUSION

With the support of various clinical trials and research outcomes, it was concluded that propolis owns niche cardio protective properties that can be a boon for various cardiac problems (both in preventive and therapeutic action) such as atherosclerosis, excessive angiogenesis, hypertension, and many more.

Potential protective effects of the water-soluble Chinese propolis on experimental ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the outcome of Chinese water-soluble propolis (WSP) on the inflammatory response and oxidative stress (OS) of colonic mucosa in rats with ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was employed to establish the ucerative colitis (UC) rat model. Forty-eight male rats were arbitrarily separated into six groups, namely control, UC, low-dose water-soluble propolis (L-WSP), medium-dose water-soluble propolis (M-WSP), high-dose water-soluble propolis (H-WSP), and sulfasalazine (Sulfa). In this study, we adopted a method of pre-administration and reconstruction of the model that assessed the water-soluble propolis mediated protection against DSS-induced UC rats. Moreover, we examined the body weight (BW), disease activity index (DAI), bloody stool, colon length, and intestinal mucosal injury index of rats. In addition, using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays, we assessed indicators, such as, colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-9 (IL-9), tumor necrosis factor-ɑ (TNF-ɑ), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels.

RESULTS

The pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, as well as OS, was increased in the model rats. However, upon WSP intervention, both pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and OS reduced dramatically, and the therapeutic effect was dose-dependent.

CONCLUSION

WSP downregulates OS by enhancing the function of endogenous antioxidant enzymes like SOD and GSH-Px, that inhibit neutrophil activity, as well as diminish pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-ɑ, IL-6, and IL-9, along with mechanisms that attenuate intestinal inflammation in UC rat model.

The effects of propolis on pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance, glycemic control, and quality of life in chronic kidney disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive kidney damage with an increasing prevalence. Some evidence suggests that propolis as a novel antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory agent may have beneficial effects in CKD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of propolis on some kidney function parameters, pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), glycemic status, quality of life, and blood pressure (BP) in patients with CKD. In this study, 44 patients with CKD were randomly assigned to receive propolis capsules at a dose of 250 mg daily or placebo for three months. Of 44 randomized individuals, 35 completed the trial. At the end of the intervention (end of month three), improvement in some dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (derived from Kidney Disease and Quality of Life Short-Form (KDQOL-[Formula: see text], v. 1.3) questionnaire) were significantly higher in the propolis group than the placebo group, even after adjustment for baseline values, present of diabetes, and age (P < 0.05). Like systolic and diastolic BP, changes in serum creatinine, 24-h urine volume and protein, fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), insulin, homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and PAB did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). No serious adverse events were reported throughout the study. Propolis supplementation may improve the HRQoL of CKD patients. More studies are needed to validate the adjunct use of propolis for metabolic control of CKD patients.

Ameliorative effects of propolis upon reproductive toxicity in males

Propolis is a sticky natural product produced by honeybees. Research studies have discussed the effectiveness of propolis, directly or indirectly, for ameliorating reproductive toxicity in males; however, this research has not yet been reviewed. The current paper presents an integrative summary of all research studies in Scopus and PubMed that investigated the effects of propolis on semen quality, and hence on male fertility, in conditions of reproductive toxicity. The consensus indicates that propolis ameliorates reproductive toxicity and enhances semen quality in vivo in test animals. These effects may be attributable to the ability of propolis to reduce testicular oxidative damage, enhance testicular antioxidant defense mechanisms, increase nitric oxide production, reduce testicular apoptotic injury, and boost testosterone production. However, to generalize these effects in humans would require further research.

Propolis and its constituents against cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and dyslipidemia: A comprehensive review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are some of the major causes of death worldwide. The modern lifestyle elevates the risk of CVDs. CVDs have several risk factors such as obesity, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes. Using herbal and natural products plays a pivotal role in the treatment of different diseases such as CVDs, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Propolis, a natural resinous mixture, is made by honey bees. Its main components are phenolics and terpenoid compounds such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester, chrysin, and quercetin. In this review, multiple studies regarding the pharmacological impacts of propolis and its constituents with their related mechanisms of action against mentioned CVD risk factors have been discussed in detail. Here, we used electronic databases or search engines such as Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Google Scholar without time limitations. The primary components of propolis are phenolics and terpenoid compounds such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester, chrysin and quercetin. Propolis and its constituents have been found to exhibit anti-obesity, anti-hypertension, anti-dyslipidemic, anti-atherosclerosis, and anti-diabetic effects. The vast majority of studies discussed in this review demonstrate that propolis and its constituents could have therapeutic effects against mentioned CVD risk factors via several mechanisms such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, reducing adipogenesis, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory effect, inhibition of the ACE, increasing insulin secretion, NO level, etc.

Protective effect of propolis on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in males and ovariectomized females but not in intact females

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of propolis, which may have estrogenic effects, on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (mI/R) injury not only in male rats but also in intact and ovariectomized (ovx) female rats. Six groups were formed: untreated males (n = 8), treated males (n = 9), untreated intact females (n = 9), treated intact females (n = 10), untreated ovx females (n = 10), and treated ovx females (n = 8). An alcoholic extract of a single dose of propolis (200 mg/kg) was administered orally daily for 14 days. Thirty minutes of ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion were performed. Blood pressure, heart rate, arrhythmias (ventricular premature contraction [VPC], ventricular tachycardia [VT], ventricular fibrillation [VF]), and myocardial infarct size were evaluated. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and 17 beta-estradiol (E2) were measured. The untreated females showed more resistance to mI/R injury than the untreated males, as evidenced by lower duration, incidence, and score of arrhythmias, and smaller infarct size (p < .05). After ovx, this resistance disappeared. Propolis improved these values in treated males and treated ovx females (p < .05). Propolis increased TAS in treated males and decreased TOS in treated ovx females as well as elevated SOD in all treated groups (p < .05). Propolis decreased E2 level in treated intact females; however, it increased E2 level in treated ovx females (p < .05). The results revealed that propolis could protect the heart against mI/R injury in males and ovx females. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: It is known that the female heart has an increased sensitivity to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (mI/R) injury due to estrogen deficiency and/or estrogen deprivation following menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries. Propolis has the potential to mimic estrogen under physiological and pathophysiological conditions, as well as its antioxidant property. The results indicated that propolis decreased myocardial infarct size, arrhythmia score, arrhythmia duration, and incidence in ovariectomized female rats and male rats. In addition, the present results demonstrated that an alcoholic extract of propolis as a natural product can effectively maintain the resistance of female heart to mI/R injury after estrogen deficiency.

Propolis in Metabolic Syndrome and Its Associated Chronic Diseases: A Narrative Review

Propolis is a resinous product collected by bees from plants to protect and maintain the homeostasis of their hives. Propolis has been used therapeutically by humans for centuries. This review article attempts to analyze the potential use of propolis in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated chronic diseases. MetS and its chronic diseases were shown to be involved in at least seven out of the top 10 causes of death in 2019. Patients with MetS are also at a heightened risk of severe morbidity and mortality in the present COVID-19 pandemic. Propolis with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties is potentially useful in ameliorating the symptoms of MetS and its associated chronic diseases. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on propolis and its therapeutic benefit in MetS and its chronic diseases, with an emphasis on in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as human clinical trials. Moreover, the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of action of propolis are also discussed. Propolis inhibits the development and manifestation of MetS and its chronic diseases by inhibiting of the expression and interaction of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptors (RAGEs), inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling cascades, and promoting the cellular antioxidant systems.

The Cardiovascular Therapeutic Potential of Propolis-A Comprehensive Review

Simple Summary

Propolis, also described as bee glue, is a natural component made up of a resinous mixture of honeybee compounds from multiple botanical sources. The literature has demonstrated a variety of medicinal properties attributed to propolis due to its chemical complexity. However, the positive effects of propolis on cardiovascular health have gained little coverage. Therefore, we aimed to provide an accurate and up-to-date review of the main cardiovascular health benefits of propolis. In particular, we intend to establish the key varieties of propolis and pharmacological compounds with the therapeutic effects that are most encouraging, as well as the physiological processes by which those advantages are accomplished. The Brazilian green and red varieties reveal the greatest number of beneficial activities among the varieties of propolis studied. While much of the cardiovascular beneficial effects appear to derive from the cumulative actions of several compounds working via multiple signaling mechanisms, some individual compounds that may enhance the existing therapeutic arsenal have also shown significant results. It is also worth exploring the prospect of using propolis as food supplements.

Abstract

Owing to its chemical richness, propolis has a myriad of therapeutic properties. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review paper on propolis to focus exclusively on its major effects for cardiovascular health. The propolis compound varieties with the most promising therapeutic benefits and their respective physiological mechanisms will be discussed. Propolis displays an anti-atherosclerotic activity, attained through modulation of the plasma lipid profile and through stabilization of the fatty plaque by inhibiting macrophage apoptosis, vascular smooth muscle proliferation and metalloproteinase activity. The antihypertensive effects of propolis probably arise through the combination of several mechanisms, including the suppression of catecholamine synthesis, stimulation of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and vascular anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-hemostatic activity of propolis is attributed to the inhibition of platelet plug formation and antifibrinolytic activity. By inhibiting the secretion of proangiogenic factors, propolis suppresses endothelial cell migration and tubulogenesis, exerting antiangiogenic activity. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities are responsible for protection against vascular endothelial and cardiomyocyte dysfunction, mostly by the prevention of oxidative stress. Among the reviewed propolis varieties, the Brazilian green and red varieties show the largest number of beneficial activities. Further research, especially preclinical, should be conducted to assess the cardiovascular benefits of the given varieties with different compositions.

Propolis and its potential against SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms and COVID-19 disease: Running title: Propolis against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19

Propolis, a resinous material produced by honey bees from plant exudates, has long been used in traditional herbal medicine and is widely consumed as a health aid and immune system booster. The COVID-19 pandemic has renewed interest in propolis products worldwide; fortunately, various aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanism are potential targets for propolis compounds. SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells is characterized by viral spike protein interaction with cellular angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and serine protease TMPRSS2. This mechanism involves PAK1 overexpression, which is a kinase that mediates coronavirus-induced lung inflammation, fibrosis, and immune system suppression. Propolis components have inhibitory effects on the ACE2, TMPRSS2 and PAK1 signaling pathways; in addition, antiviral activity has been proven in vitro and in vivo. In pre-clinical studies, propolis promoted immunoregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including reduction in IL-6, IL-1 beta and TNF-α. This immunoregulation involves monocytes and macrophages, as well as Jak2/STAT3, NF-kB, and inflammasome pathways, reducing the risk of cytokine storm syndrome, a major mortality factor in advanced COVID-19 disease. Propolis has also shown promise as an aid in the treatment of various of the comorbidities that are particularly dangerous in COVID-19 patients, including respiratory diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Standardized propolis products with consistent bioactive properties are now available. Given the current emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and limited therapeutic options, propolis is presented as a promising and relevant therapeutic option that is safe, easy to administrate orally and is readily available as a natural supplement and functional food.