The effects of propolis supplementation on high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, testosterone hormone, and metabolic profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, triple‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Abstract

One of the most prevalent ovulation disorders is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). According to the anti‐inflammatory and beneficial effects of propolis, this triple‐blind controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effect of propolis on metabolic factors, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and testosterone in women with PCOS. Recruited patients from the gynecologist clinic were randomized based on a stratified permuted four‐block randomization procedure to supplement with propolis tablets, two tablets/day (500 mg propolis/day) (n = 30) or identical placebo tablets (n = 30) for 12 weeks in 2021 until 2022. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, blood samples, and a checklist to record the measured parameters. A total of 57 patients completed the trial. ANCOVA test showed that hip circumference (HC)) p = 0.03), fasting insulin (p = 0.007), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (p = 0.004), testosterone (p = 0.004), and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)/high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (p = 0.02) were significantly decreased in the propolis versus the placebo group after adjustment for confounders. Although fasting blood glucose (p = 0.04) decreased significantly in the propolis group compared to the placebo, after adjusting for confounders, significance was lost (p = 0.09). Supplementation with propolis elicited positive effects on fasting insulin and insulin resistance, in addition to reducing the testosterone level, LDL/HDL, and HC, in PCOS women.