Skip to main content
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In

The effect of propolis supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials.

  • 2026-01
  • Minerva cardiology and angiology 73(6)
    • Hongyan Qu
    • Li Cao
    • Ziye Wen
    • Chao Li
    • Meihong Xiao

Study Design

Type
Meta-Analysis
Sample size
n = 30
Population
patients with hypertension (from clinical trials included in meta-analysis)
Methods
systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials assessing effects of propolis on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), search up to October 2023, fixed-effect model, Egger's test for publication bias
Duration
up to October 2023

Introduction

The current meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of propolis supplementation on hypertension.

Evidence acquisition

the systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken on five online databases to find clinical trials assessing the effects of propolis on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) markers up to October 2023. The pooled estimation of the weighted mean difference (WMD) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a fixed-effect model. Egger's regression test was used to assess publication bias.

Evidence synthesis

A significant decrease was observed in SBP levels following propolis supplementation (WMD=-5.58 mmHg, 95% CI: -7.74, -3.42; I2=42.99%, P=0.08). However, no significant change was found in the levels of DBP (WMD=-1.34 mmHg, 95% CI: -6.10, 3.41; I2=75.94%, P<0.01). Moreover, studies with an experimental design (-5.53, 95% CI: -13.24, 2.18) and trials with <30 individuals (-3.96, 95% CI: -7.98, 0.06) did not demonstrate a significant impact of propolis on SBP levels. In trials with an experimental design, a substantial decrease in DBP levels was seen in subgroup analyses after propolis supplementation (-9.29, 95% CI: -12.50, -6.08).

Conclusions

The results of the study revealed the positive effects of propolis supplementation in the context of hypertension, as evidenced by a reduction in SBP levels.

Research Insights

  • Propolis→Reduced Diastolic Blood Pressure

    However, no significant change was found in the levels of DBP (WMD=-1.34 mmHg, 95% CI: -6.10, 3.41; I²=75.94%, P<0.01).

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
  • Propolis→Reduced Systolic Blood Pressure

    A significant decrease was observed in SBP levels following propolis supplementation (WMD=-5.58 mmHg, 95% CI: -7.74, -3.42; I²=42.99%, P=0.08).

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
Back to top