Abstract: FR-PO1083
Apitherapy Improves Cardiovascular Markers in Patients on Hemodialysis: Focus on Royal Jelly and Green Propolis
Session Information
- Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
November 07, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
- 1500 Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Authors
- Kemp, Julie Ann, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
- Estanislau Mendonça, Marianna, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
- Santos, Paloma Chrispim, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
- Sant'Anna, Bruna, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Alves, Thais Ionara, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
- Britto, Isadora, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Coutinho-Wolino, Karen Salve, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Ribeiro, Marcia Maria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Ribeiro-Alves, Marcelo, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Berretta, Andresa, Apis Flora Indl. Coml. Ltda., Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Cardozo, Ludmila F.M.F., Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
- Mafra, Denise, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
Background
Apitherapy uses bee products to slow disease progression, including cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Royal jelly (RJ) and Green propolis (GP) are rich in bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering effects. This study evaluated the impact of GP and RJ on cardiovascular markers in hemodialysis (HD) patients.
Methods
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in HD patients allocated to three groups: RJ (300 mg/day), RJ+GP (100+500 mg/day), or placebo (P), for two months. Identical capsules were used. IL-6 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA, and biochemical routine exams were assed.
Results
Sixty patients completed the study: RJ+GP [4 women, 15 men, 60 (16.5) years, BMI 26 (9.2) Kg/m2], RJ [5 women, 8 men, 52 (21) years, BMI 25.9 (3.2) Kg/m2], and P [11 women, 17 men, 57 (25.2) years, BMI 26.1 (7.1) Kg/m2]. The RJ+GP group showed significant reductions in IL-6 after 2 months compared to P (Figure 1A). TC decreased significantly in the RJ+GP group compared to its baseline (Figure 1B). TNF-α levels were reduced in the RJ+GP group compared to the RJ group at the end (Figure 1C).
Conclusion
Apitherapy (RJ+GP) positively impacts inflammation and total cholesterol in patients undergoing HD, possibly due to the synergistic effect of its bioactive compounds. This study suggests a promising complementary therapeutic strategy to mitigate cardiovascular markers in HD patients.
Figure 1. Effects of RJ and GP on cardiovascular markers in HD patients. (A) RJ+GP reduced IL-6 vs. placebo. (B) TC decreased after 2 months in RJ+GP. (C) TNF-α was lower in RJ+GP vs. RJ at study end. Gray boxes and strips show data distribution; black circles and bars represent marginal means and 95% CIs from mixed-effects models, with patient ID as a random effect. P-values were Tukey HSD–corrected.
Funding
- Government Support – Non-U.S.