The effects of propolis supplementation on blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Abstract

Purpose Recent trials have found that propolis supplementation can beneficially reduce blood pressure (BP) in adults, but there is no definitive consensus on this topic. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview and update the current documents regarding the effects of propolis supplementation on BP by presenting a systematic review and meta-analysis. Design/methodology/approach The systematic search was conducted, considering all studies published up to July 2024, in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and ISI Web of Science. Data were pooled by using the random-effects model, and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the summary effect size. Findings In this systematic review and meta-analysis, eight clinical trials were included. The obtained results show that propolis supplementation caused a significant decrease in systolic BP (WMD = −3.93 mmHg, 95% CI = −7.05 to −0.82, p = 0.01 and I2 = 45.2%). However, the meta-analysis results showed that propolis supplementation did not significantly change the levels of diastolic BP (WMD = −1.64 mmHg, 95% CI = −4.60 to 1.32, p = 0.27 and I2 = 74.0%). Originality/value The findings of this study suggest that propolis supplementation may be used as a dietary supplement to improve systolic BP, but further studies are needed to confirm these results.