The Effects of Propolis Supplementation on High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, Testosterone Hormone, and Metabolic Profile in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Triple-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Publisher Pubmed



Abbasi E¹ ; Bagherniya M^{2, 3} ; Soleimani D⁴ ; Ghasemitehrani H⁵ ; Abbaspour M⁶ ; Clark CCT⁷ ; Askari G^{2, 3} Show Affiliations
Source: Phytotherapy Research Published:2023

Abstract

One of the most prevalent ovulation disorders is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). According to the anti-inflammatory and beneficial effects of propolis, this triple-blind controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effect of propolis on metabolic factors, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and testosterone in women with PCOS. Recruited patients from the gynecologist clinic were randomized based on a stratified permuted four-block randomization procedure to supplement with propolis tablets, two tablets/day (500 mg propolis/day) (n = 30) or identical placebo tablets (n = 30) for 12 weeks in 2021 until 2022. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, blood samples, and a checklist to record the measured parameters. A total of 57 patients completed the trial. ANCOVA test showed that hip circumference (HC)) p = 0.03), fasting insulin (p = 0.007), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (p = 0.004), testosterone (p = 0.004), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p = 0.02) were significantly decreased in the propolis versus the placebo group after adjustment for confounders. Although fasting blood glucose (p = 0.04) decreased significantly in the propolis group compared to the placebo, after adjusting for confounders, significance was lost (p = 0.09). Supplementation with propolis elicited positive effects on fasting insulin and insulin resistance, in addition to reducing the testosterone level, LDL/HDL, and HC, in PCOS women. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.