Apitherapy with Royal Jelly and Green Propolis EPP-AF® Improves Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #propolis #male #female #renal-dialysis

Apitherapy with Royal Jelly and Green Propolis EPP-AF® Improves Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Kemp et al., 2025 | Toxins (Basel) | Rct

Citation

Kemp Julie Ann, Mendonça Marianna, ... Cardozo Ludmila. Apitherapy with Royal Jelly and Green Propolis EPP-AF® Improves Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis. Toxins (Basel). 2025-Jul-26;17(8). doi:10.3390/toxins17080369

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Reducing cardiovascular risk markers is an essential target in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of royal jelly plus green propolis supplementation on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved HD patients allocated to receive either royal jelly plus green propolis EPP-AF® (100 mg RJ + 500 mg GP) or placebo capsules daily for 2 months. Before and after the intervention period, the biochemical parameters, inflammatory cytokines, and uremic toxins were measured. RESULTS: A total of 38 HD patients completed the 2-month supplementation study, with 19 patients in each group. After 2 months, the treated group showed a significant reduction in plasma levels of IL-6 (0.78 to 0.63 pg/mL, p = 0.008) and total cholesterol (138.60 to 111.85 mg/dL, p = 0.03), whereas no changes were observed in the placebo group. Uremic toxins did not change after intervention. CONCLUSION: Apitherapy with RJ + GP EPP-AF® extract significantly reduced plasma IL-6 and total cholesterol in HD patients. This supplementation shows promise as a non-pharmacological strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk markers in this population.

Key Findings

A total of 38 HD patients completed the 2-month supplementation study, with 19 patients in each group. After 2 months, the treated group showed a significant reduction in plasma levels of IL-6 (0.78 to 0.63 pg/mL, p = 0.008) and total cholesterol (138.60 to 111.85 mg/dL, p = 0.03), whereas no changes were observed in the placebo group. Uremic toxins did not change after intervention.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population ckd undergoing hemodialysis
Sample Size 19
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Propolis
  • Male
  • Female
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Middle Aged
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fatty Acids
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
  • Apitherapy
  • Heart Disease Risk Factors
  • Cholesterol
  • Interleukin-6
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Royal Jelly

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: royal-jelly

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-12