Propolis effects on people living with HIV under retroviral therapy

Despite the benefits of the antiretroviral therapy (ART), its prolonged use and earlier initiation indicate the need of interventions to reduce its harmful effects, specially regarding the oxidative stress, which contributes to accelerate the inflammaging, a commonly phenomenon observed in people living with HIV/aids (PLWHA). Propolis is a bee product exhibiting several properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This work aimed at evaluating whether the daily use of propolis could affect the metabolic/biochemical, nutritional and inflammatory/immune profile of PLWHA. A double blind study enrolled 40 virologically suppressed PLHWA: 20 under intake of 500mg/day of propolis and 20 placebo. Blood samples and medical records were collected at two periods of time, before and after three months of intervention. There were no changes in the food pattern during the intervention nor side effects or complaints, showing that that the daily intake of propolis (500mg/day for 3 months) is safe for asymptomatic PLVHA on ART. The viral load remained undetectable, showing no propolis interference in the therapeutic treatment. T CD4⁺/CD8⁺ cell count remained elevated. Propolis increased magnesium concentration, lymphocyte proliferation and led to an anti-inflammatory profile. Such findings were not associated to sociodemographic and therapeutic features, nor to changes in food habits.