Propolis for COVID-19

Among candidate treatment options for COVID-19, propolis, produced by honey bees from bioactive plant exudates, has shown potential against viral targets and has demonstrated immunoregulatory properties. We conducted a randomized, controlled, open-label, single center trial, with a standardized propolis product (EPP-AF) on hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients. Patients received standard care plus propolis at an oral dose of 400mg/day (n=40) or 800mg/day (n=42) for seven days, or standard care alone (n=42). Standard care included all necessary interventions, as determined by the attending physician. The primary end point was the time to clinical improvement defined as the length of hospital stay or oxygen therapy dependency. Secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury and need for intensive care or vasoactive drugs. Time in the hospital after intervention was significantly shortened in both propolis groups compared to the controls; median 7 days with 400mg/day and 6 days with 800mg/day, versus 12 days for standard care alone. Propolis did not significantly affect the need for oxygen supplementation. With the higher dose, significantly fewer patients developed acute kidney injury than in the controls (2 versus 10 of 42 patients). Propolis as an adjunct treatment was safe and reduced hospitalization time. The registration number for this clinical trial is: NCT04480593 (20/07/2020).

Background: No prophylactic treatment is available for individuals at high risk of developing COVID-19. This study, which was conducted between December 25, 2020 and January 25, 2021, is one of the first clinical studies to evaluate the efficacy of Anatolian propolis supplement against COVID-19. The aim was to obtain evidence on the prophylactic use of Anatolian propolis in individuals at high risk of developing COVID-19. Methods: This volunteer-based study was conducted in two centers. Study involved 209 healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, medical secretaries) from Emergency Medicine Department of Medical Faculty of Ataturk University and Emergency Medicine Department of Rize Recep Tayyip Erdogan University. 209 participants meeting the study criteria were divided into two groups as experimental group and control group. The experimental group received 20 drops of BEE'O UP 30% Propolis Drops twice a day during a follow-up period of 1 month. The control group received no supplement but was followed up. Findings: The participants showing symptoms during the study and all the participants at the end the study were subjected to PCR testing. The evaluation of the results of PCR testing at the end of the study has shown that 14 participants from the control group and only 2 participants from the experimental group, who received Anatolian propolis supplement, were reported as positive cases. Interpretation: It has been found that a statistically significant protection was induced against COVID-19 infection in 98% of the experimental group, who received Anatolian propolis, compared to the control group.

Royal jelly, propolis, and bee pollen are used for different purposes all around the world according to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Given that Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral condition accompanied by a dysregulated inflammatory response in the body, we intend to evaluate the effects of natural supplementations on the disease course. A randomized, open-label, controlled trial was conducted among 50 definitive cases of COVID-19. These patients were randomly assigned into control and intervention groups. Royal Jelly, propolis, and bee pollen were prescribed to patients in the intervention group (n = 24) in addition to conventional treatment; while the control group only received the standard treatment (n = 26). At the end of the study, functional class improved in both groups, but this change was more pronounced in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Moreover, total symptoms duration and the time to return to work were significantly reduced in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Although royal jelly, propolis, and bee pollen are not definitive treatments in COVID-19 patients, they can be used as an adjuvant treatment to limit disease symptoms and virus propagation.

Background: No prophylactic treatment is available for individuals at high risk of developing COVID-19. This study, which was conducted between December 25, 2020 and January 25, 2021, is one of the first clinical studies to evaluate the efficacy of Anatolian propolis supplement against COVID-19. The aim was to obtain evidence on the prophylactic use of Anatolian propolis in individuals at high risk of developing COVID-19. Methods: This volunteer-based study was conducted in two centers. Study involved 209 healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, medical secretaries) from Emergency Medicine Department of Medical Faculty of Ataturk University and Emergency Medicine Department of Rize Recep Tayyip Erdogan University. 209 participants meeting the study criteria were divided into two groups as experimental group and control group. The experimental group received 20 drops of BEE'O UP 30% Propolis Drops twice a day during a follow-up period of 1 month. The control group received no supplement but was followed up. Findings: The participants showing symptoms during the study and all the participants at the end the study were subjected to PCR testing. The evaluation of the results of PCR testing at the end of the study has shown that 14 participants from the control group and only 2 participants from the experimental group, who received Anatolian propolis supplement, were reported as positive cases. Interpretation: It has been found that a statistically significant protection was induced against COVID-19 infection in 98% of the experimental group, who received Anatolian propolis, compared to the control group.

Despite the fact that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment and management are now considerably regulated, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still one of the leading causes of death in 2022. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines, FDA-approved antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies in low-income countries still poses an issue to be addressed. Natural products, particularly traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and medicinal plant extracts (or their active component), have challenged the dominance of drug repurposing and synthetic compound libraries in COVID-19 therapeutics. Their abundant resources and excellent antiviral performance make natural products a relatively cheap and readily available alternative for COVID-19 therapeutics. Here, we deliberately review the anti-SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms of the natural products, their potency (pharmacological profiles), and application strategies for COVID-19 intervention. In light of their advantages, this review is intended to acknowledge the potential of natural products as COVID-19 therapeutic candidates.