This study aimed to investigate the effects of Brazilian propolis on body fat mass and levels of adiponectin and reactive oxygen species among community-dwelling elderly females. This was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Altogether, 78 females aged 66-84 years were randomly assigned to the propolis (PRO; n = 39) or placebo (PLA; n = 39) group. For 12 weeks, the PRO group were given three capsules containing 227 mg of propolis twice a day. Meanwhile, the PLA group were given daily placebo capsules. Of 78 participants, 53 (PLA group: n = 28, PRO group: n = 25) completed the study. Although no changes were observed in absolute or relative fat mass in the PLA group, they showed a significant decline in the PRO group. The level of serum adiponectin in the PLA group did not change, although that of the PRO group significantly increased. The level of d-ROMs in the PLA group significantly increased, whereas that of the PRO group significantly decreased. The serum SOD activity in the PLA group significantly decreased, whereas that of the PRO group tended to increase. These results suggest that propolis supplementation may decrease body fat mass and oxidative stress among community-dwelling elderly females.
Keywords: adiponectin; antioxidant; body composition; oxidative stress; supplementation.