Brazilian Green Propolis Flavonoids
Also known as: Propolis polyphenols, EPP-AF®, Brazilian Green Propolis Flavonoids
Overview
Brazilian Green Propolis Flavonoids are bioactive compounds derived from a resinous substance collected by bees primarily from Baccharis dracunculifolia in Brazil. This natural botanical supplement is rich in a complex mixture of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other polyphenols, characterized by their C6-C3-C6 chemical structure. It is primarily utilized for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties. Research indicates its potential in mitigating oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, supporting metabolic health, and serving as an adjunctive therapy, particularly in conditions like COVID-19. The evidence supporting its efficacy is moderate to advanced, with multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses available.
Benefits
Brazilian Green Propolis Flavonoids offer significant health benefits, primarily in inflammation and oxidative stress reduction. It has been shown to significantly reduce inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein (CRP) by –1.23 mg/L, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) by –1.52 pg/mL, and Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by –1.15 pg/mL, based on high-quality meta-analyses. It also enhances antioxidant capacity, increasing Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) by 0.32, glutathione (GSH) by 4.71, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) by 44.75. Furthermore, meta-analyses indicate improvements in glycemic control, including reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c, and a decrease in liver enzyme AST. In hospitalized COVID-19 patients, a standardized extract (EPP-AF®) significantly reduced the incidence of secondary infections from 18.9% to 6.1%. While beneficial for adults with metabolic disorders and inflammatory conditions, it shows no significant effects on IL-10, IL-2, IL-8, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), or body weight/BMI.
How it works
Brazilian Green Propolis Flavonoids exert their effects primarily by modulating inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, thereby reducing systemic inflammation. It enhances the body's endogenous antioxidant systems by increasing levels of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and by inhibiting oxidative stress pathways. The compounds interact with immune system signaling and influence liver metabolism and oxidative stress regulation. Key molecular targets include cytokine signaling pathways and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant response elements. Flavonoids are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, with bioavailability varying by formulation; standardized extracts like EPP-AF® are designed to ensure consistent absorption and efficacy.
Side effects
Brazilian Green Propolis Flavonoids are generally considered safe, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse events. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been reported in some cases, though not consistently. The most notable uncommon side effect is allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with known allergies to bee products or propolis. These reactions are typically mild but can occur in sensitive individuals. There are no documented serious rare adverse events. Potential drug interactions include those with anticoagulants and immunosuppressants due to the bioactive compounds present, though the clinical relevance of these interactions is currently unclear. It is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to bee products or propolis. Data on its use in pregnant or lactating women are limited, and caution is advised for these special populations.
Dosage
Clinical trials indicate that effective dosages of standardized Brazilian Green Propolis extract range from 300 mg to 900 mg per day. An optimal dosage range appears to be 500–900 mg/day of a standardized extract, such as EPP-AF®. Doses up to 900 mg/day have been used safely in trials, but higher doses lack sufficient safety data. Daily administration is recommended, and the timing relative to meals is not considered critical, though co-administration with food may enhance bioavailability. Standardized extracts are preferred to ensure consistent flavonoid content and efficacy. No specific cofactors are required for its absorption or activity, but general nutritional status may influence overall efficacy.
FAQs
Is Brazilian Green Propolis flavonoids safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports its safety for several months, but long-term data beyond this period are limited.
Can it replace conventional anti-inflammatory drugs?
No, it should not replace standard medical therapies but may be used as a complementary approach.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are typically observed within a few weeks of consistent use.
Are there any known allergies?
Yes, individuals with allergies to bee products or propolis should avoid this supplement.
Does it help with weight loss?
No significant effect on body weight or BMI has been demonstrated in clinical studies.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1542184/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 RCTs found that propolis significantly reduced inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) and increased antioxidant markers (TAC, GSH, GPx). It highlights the strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of propolis, though some markers remained unaffected.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8588957/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that propolis reduced AST and improved glycemic parameters in adults with metabolic disorders. However, it showed no significant effect on lipid profiles, suggesting targeted benefits for metabolic health.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-43764-w – This double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT involving 188 hospitalized COVID-19 patients demonstrated that EPP-AF® significantly reduced the incidence of secondary infections. While it did not shorten hospital stay, it showed a clear benefit in preventing complications.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8212256/ – This source, likely a meta-analysis, supports the findings regarding propolis's impact on glycemic control and liver enzymes. It contributes to the understanding of propolis's role in metabolic regulation, particularly concerning glucose metabolism.
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effects-of-propolis-consumption-on-blood-pressure-lipid-profile-and-glycemic-parameters-in-adults-a-gradeassessed-systematic-review-and-doseresponse-metaanalysis/14D49DFB6FF4B9C36F372BD53DA5D9CC – This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis assessed the effects of propolis on blood pressure, lipid profile, and glycemic parameters. It provides comprehensive insights into propolis's impact on cardiovascular and metabolic health markers, confirming some benefits while noting areas without significant change.
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