Effects of Artepelin-C Supplementation Present in Propolis Related to Inflammatory Processes in Physically Active Individuals

Abstract

The scientific literature shows that propolis has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities and is widely used in phytotherapic therapy. In this context, its main objective is to evaluate the inflammation recovery process in physically active individuals, from two groups, with or without propolis intake. Volunteers had their food, blood and pain parameters evaluated with or without propolis intake. The trial used seven male volunteers undergoing specific training in two 30day protocols, one using placebo and another using propolis which contains Artepelin-C (chemically 3,5-diprenyl-p-coumarin acid, which is one of the main phenolic acids present in the green propolis extract). Participants between 18 and 35 years old under no medication should have had at least a 6-month workout. Performance physical tests were applied, body composition measurements and blood collection were taken and a 24-hour food recall and food frequency questionnaire were carried out at São Judas Tadeu University. All volunteers were asked to register their food intake during the 30-day protocol and data were analyzed by using ANOVA and Students T-test for paired samples at <0.05 significance level set. A significant lymphocytes increase during placebo protocol and a significant reduction of these cells during propolis protocol were observed. Concerning propolis and placebo protocols, volunteers showed less pain during the former, which means that propolis is highly beneficial for those practicing intense physical exertion. Artepelin-C present in propolis protocol and having a modulator effect in inflammatory processes enables a higher intense physical exertion more easily, due to its property to minimize pain.