The efficacy of propolis extracts as a food supplement in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Propolis is a natural immunomodulator with anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Propolis may be considered an agent in the supportive treatment of COVID-19. Propolis is known for its wide range of pharmacological properties, with many studies finding it effective in both the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions. Forty-five patients who were hospitalized in our hospital and did not need intensive care were divided into groups of 15. The patients were receiving the standard COVID-19 treatment protocol. In the randomized, controlled study, one group of patients received 2 ml of water extract of propolis (WEP) (50 mg/ml) orally three times a day for one week, while another group received 1 ml of olive oily extract of propolis (64 mg/ml) plus 1 ml of olive oily Perga extract (120 mg/ml) (OEP). Hospital discharge times and changes in biochemical parameters were used as indicators of recovery. The WEP and OEP groups were found to have statistically significantly better D-dimer, CRP, and WBC results than the control group when the improvement in parameters between the groups were compared. Significantly different hospital discharge times in groups 1 and 2 were found compared to the control group. The addition of propolis to the treatment as a food supplement has a positive effect on the recovery of patients with COVID-19 and may shorten the treatment time. The use of propolis as a food supplement has been shown to have a range of health benefits, and the addition of it to the treatment regimen for COVID-19 may help to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.