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[Prophylactic effectiveness of propolis for immunostimulation: a clinical pilot study]
C Brätter1, M Tregel, C Liebenthal
1Börner GmbH Berlin. cbraetter@yahoo.de
Forschende Komplementarmedizin
|November 27, 1999
Summary
Propolis supplementation enhanced immune cell cytokine production, boosting immune reactivity without altering plasma cytokine levels. This suggests propolis offers prophylactic immunostimulating effects with no adverse side effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Propolis is known for its potential biological activities.
- Understanding its immunostimulating effects is crucial for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prophylactic immunostimulating effectiveness of propolis.
- To measure changes in cytokine levels (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8) in response to propolis.
Main Methods:
- An open, prospective, monocentric study involving 10 healthy adults (18-45 years).
- Participants received 500 mg of Propolis XNP daily for 13 days.
- Cytokine secretion capacity was measured ex vivo from peripheral blood leukocytes.
Main Results:
- Propolis significantly increased spontaneous and LPS-induced cytokine secretion capacity of leukocytes.
- IL-6 secretion capacity increased throughout the 13-day application.
- TNF-alpha and IL-8 secretion capacity reached a plateau after day 4, remaining significantly elevated.
Conclusions:
- Propolis therapy significantly enhanced immune reactivity by increasing cytokine secretion capacity.
- The observed effects were time-dependent and occurred without altering plasma cytokine levels.
- Propolis demonstrates prophylactic immunostimulating potential with no reported adverse effects.