Propolis may have beneficial effects in type 2 diabetic patients. The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine the available scientific evidences in order to clarify the effects of propolis in these patients.

Six randomized and controlled trials, for a total of 373 participants, have been analyzed by the authors. The results of the meta-analysis revealed significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (-13.51 mg/dl; 95% CI: -24.98, -2.04) and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c, -0.52%, 95% CI:-0.94, -0.10) concentrations following propolis supplementation. However, no significant effect on insulin concentration has been noted (-0.53 pmol/L, 95% CI: -1.69, 0.63) or insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR, -0.543, 95% CI: -1.72, 0.64).

Therefore, these results suggest that propolis supplementation may be effective for the short-term (fasting blood glucose) and long-term (HbA1c) management of glucose control in type 2 diabetic patients.

Karimian J, Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Ghavami A. The efficacy of propolis on markers of glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2019 Apr 5.