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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
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Propolis and Reduced Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha

Research synthesisLow evidenceMixed effect size3 studies · 3 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of propolis on reducing tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), with effect sizes ranging from small to large. The strongest evidence comes from a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis showing a moderate, statistically significant reduction (WMD: -1.15; 95%CI: -1.75, -0.55; p < 0.001). Effects were observed in general adult populations and in patients with Type 2 diabetes, but dose ranges and study durations were not consistently reported.

  • Studied populations: adults; patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Effect sizes varied from small to large across studies, and doses, durations, and forms were not consistently reported, limiting the ability to make specific recommendations.

Generated Jul 12, 2026
3 of 3 papers
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