Propolis, rich in numerous polyphenols with unique therapeutic values makes this bee product the most researched worldwide. This randomized placebo-controlled clinical study of Azerbaijan propolis proved it to be an important adjuvant therapeutic with impressive results. Interestingly enough, this anti-depressive characteristic has been identified in previous studies.
Propolis add-on therapy alleviates depressive symptoms; A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial
Almost
half of the treatments with common antidepressants are failed or result in a
relapse of symptoms after cessation. Moreover, the antidepressants side effects
rationalize the use of complementary medicine as an adjunctive therapy. This
study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of propolis in complementary
therapy of depressive disorder. Chromatography technics were used to detect
propolis components. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was
designed, and 54 participants were randomly assigned to receive either propolis
or Placebo for 6 weeks. Treatment was defined as a decrease in 17-item Hamilton
Depression Scale (HAMD-17) and Beck depression inventory (BDI). On D42, there
was a significant reduction in HAMD score in the propolis group compared with the placebo group (p < .0001). HAMD score significantly decreased in the propolis group from 20.92 ± 3.77 on D0 to 10.03 ± 5.55 on D42, and BDI score was improved from 29.25 ± 3.06 on D0 to 14.17 ± 4.86 on D42. Our findings confirmed that complementary treatment of propolis with SSRIs could safely attenuate symptoms of moderate–severe MDD. These antidepressant effects might result from the rich phenolic acids and flavonoids content of Azerbaijan propolis.
was a significant reduction in HAMD score in the propolis group compared with the placebo group (p < .0001). HAMD score significantly decreased in the propolis group from 20.92 ± 3.77 on D0 to 10.03 ± 5.55 on D42, and BDI score was improved from 29.25 ± 3.06 on D0 to 14.17 ± 4.86 on D42. Our findings confirmed that complementary treatment of propolis with SSRIs could safely attenuate symptoms of moderate–severe MDD. These antidepressant effects might result from the rich phenolic acids and flavonoids content of Azerbaijan propolis.
