Propolis Supplementation Reduces NLR, MPV, and FPG in Obese Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders, including Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Biomarkers such as Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), and Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) are commonly used to assess inflammation and metabolic status. Propolis has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, however evidence in obese individuals with and without T2DM remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of propolis supplementation on these biomarkers.

Materials and methods: A total of 45 obese adults aged <60 years, with and without T2DM, received 400 mg/day of propolis extract for 30 days. Participants receiving anti-inflammatory or steroid therapy, experiencing severe depression or anxiety requiring treatment, or unwilling to participate were excluded. Blood samples were collected to measure IL-1β, NLR, MPV, and FPG. IL-1β was analyzed using ELISA, while NLR, MPV, and FPG were assessed using automated laboratory analyzers. Pre- and post-intervention values were compared using paired statistical tests.

Results: Obese individuals with T2DM demonstrated more pronounced changes in Inflammatory and hematological biomarkers than obese individuals without T2DM. In obese with T2DM group, significant reductions were observed in NLR (p=0.003), MPV (p=0.031), and FPG (p=0.046), while IL-1β showed no significant. In obese without T2DM group, MPV decreased significantly, IL-1β and NLR did not change significantly. FPG increased modestly, remained within the normal range.

Conclusion: Propolis supplementation improved NLR, MPV and FPG more prominently in obese with T2DM than obese without T2DM, suggesting greater benefits under metabolically dysregulated conditions.

Keywords: propolis, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, inflammation, hematological profile