The Cardiovascular Therapeutic Potential of Propolis—A Comprehensive Review

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.

Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases with Plant Phytochemicals: A Review

“…Plant-derived natural medicine is a vital health resource with various applications, including heart disorder prevention and management [ 143 ]. Plants are the major sources of the continuous need for new drugs with lesser side effects and lower costs [ 188 ]. Hence, there is an urgent interest in safe, effective, green, and more economical drug candidates [ 189 ].…”

Clinical and Immunological Efficacy of Mangosteen and Propolis Extracted Complex in Patients with Gingivitis: A Multi-Centered Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…A recent clinical study involving nearly 1000 subjects revealed that the increases in the levels of Hct, Hb, and RBC within the normal ranges were beneficial for the maintenance of vascular function and structure, which may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease [ 47 ]. Propolis has been extensively studied for its cardiovascular therapeutic potential [ 48 ]. A randomized clinical trial on healthy subjects showed that orally administered propolis supplement resulted in a significant decrease in BP after two months [ 49 ].…”

Propolis: Chemical Constituents, Plant Origin, and Possible Role in the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity and Diabetes

“…An increasing number of recent studies are reporting new physiological effects on neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, 56−58 and on cardiovascular disease. 59 Several reviews on the beneficial effects of propolis against COVID-19 have been published. 60−62 Recently, clinical trial reports suggest that propolis might contribute to ameliorating the symptoms and reducing the negative effects of COVID-19.…”

“…Propolis has long been known to have various biological activities. An increasing number of recent studies are reporting new physiological effects on neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, − and on cardiovascular disease . Several reviews on the beneficial effects of propolis against COVID-19 have been published. − Recently, clinical trial reports suggest that propolis might contribute to ameliorating the symptoms and reducing the negative effects of COVID-19. , However, much remains unclear on this topic and more studies need to be conducted to obtain further clinical evidence.…”