Wong Chee Ning, Lee Siew-Keah, Liew Kai Bin, Chew Yik-Ling, Chua Ang-Lim
M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Cyberjaya, Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
Planta Med. 2025 Aug;91(9):496-512. doi: 10.1055/a-2596-0010. Epub 2025 Apr 28.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health concern characterized by insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. Growing interest in natural therapies has led to the exploration of propolis, a resinous bee product, for its potential anti-diabetic effects. This review examines the mechanisms by which propolis may aid in T2DM management. A literature search was conducted in SCOPUS and PubMed using the terms (Propolis) AND (diabetes OR "insulin resistance" OR hyperglycemia), focusing on studies published from 2014 onwards. The search yielded 384 and 207 records in SCOPUS and PubMed, respectively. After screening and full-text review, 42 studies met the inclusion criteria. Key variables analyzed included the type and source of propolis, experimental models, dosage, treatment duration, and primary and secondary outcomes. Findings highlight multiple mechanisms through which propolis may benefit T2DM, including enhancing pancreatic -cell function, improving insulin sensitivity, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, modulating gut microbiota, and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Some studies also reported protective effects on renal and hepatic function. Overall, propolis exhibits promising potential as a complementary therapy for T2DM. However, further well-designed clinical trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy, determine optimal dosing, and identify key bioactive compounds responsible for its therapeutic effects. Future research should focus on optimizing its clinical application for diabetes management.
2型糖尿病（T2DM）是一个主要的全球健康问题，其特征为胰岛素抵抗和糖代谢受损。对天然疗法的兴趣日益浓厚，促使人们探索蜂胶这种树脂状蜂产品的潜在抗糖尿病作用。本综述探讨了蜂胶可能有助于管理T2DM的机制。在SCOPUS和PubMed中进行了文献检索，使用的检索词为（蜂胶） AND （糖尿病 OR “胰岛素抵抗” OR 高血糖症），重点关注2014年以后发表的研究。检索分别在SCOPUS和PubMed中得到384条和207条记录。经过筛选和全文审查，42项研究符合纳入标准。分析的关键变量包括蜂胶的类型和来源、实验模型、剂量、治疗持续时间以及主要和次要结局。研究结果突出了蜂胶可能有益于T2DM的多种机制，包括增强胰腺β细胞功能、改善胰岛素敏感性、调节糖脂代谢、调节肠道微生物群以及减轻氧化应激和炎症。一些研究还报告了对肾功能和肝功能的保护作用。总体而言，蜂胶作为T2DM的辅助疗法具有广阔的潜力。然而，需要进一步设计良好的临床试验来证实其疗效、确定最佳剂量并鉴定负责其治疗效果的关键生物活性化合物。未来的研究应专注于优化其在糖尿病管理中的临床应用。
