The Use of Brazilian Green Propolis Extract (EPP-AF) in Patients Affected by COVID-19.

Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic is of grave concern due its impact on human health and on the economy. Propolis, a natural resin produced by bees from plant materials, has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant properties, and various aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanism are potential targets for propolis compounds. Propolis components have inhibitory effects on the ACE2, TMPRSS2 and PAK1 signaling pathways; in addition, antiviral activity has been proven in vitro and in vivo. This is a pilot randomized study that aims to assess the impact of using Brazilian green propolis extract against the deleterious effects of the new coronavirus.

Timeline

Start

2020-06-02

Primary completion

2020-08-30

Completion

2020-08-30

Publications

• Background Hori JI, Zamboni DS, Carrao DB, Goldman GH, Berretta AA. The Inhibition of Inflammasome by Brazilian Propolis (EPP-AF). Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:418508. doi: 10.1155/2013/418508. Epub 2013 Apr 16.
• Results Sanders JM, Monogue ML, Jodlowski TZ, Cutrell JB. Pharmacologic Treatments for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Review. JAMA. 2020 May 12;323(18):1824-1836. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.6019.
• Results Maruta H, He H. PAK1-blockers: Potential Therapeutics against COVID-19. Med Drug Discov. 2020 Jun;6:100039. doi: 10.1016/j.medidd.2020.100039. Epub 2020 Apr 19.
• Results Serkedjieva J, Manolova N, Bankova V. Anti-influenza virus effect of some propolis constituents and their analogues (esters of substituted cinnamic acids). J Nat Prod. 1992 Mar;55(3):294-302. doi: 10.1021/np50081a003.
• Results Hoffmann M, Kleine-Weber H, Schroeder S, Kruger N, Herrler T, Erichsen S, Schiergens TS, Herrler G, Wu NH, Nitsche A, Muller MA, Drosten C, Pohlmann S. SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry Depends on ACE2 and TMPRSS2 and Is Blocked by a Clinically Proven Protease Inhibitor. Cell. 2020 Apr 16;181(2):271-280.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.02.052. Epub 2020 Mar 5.
• Results Machado JL, Assuncao AK, da Silva MC, Dos Reis AS, Costa GC, Arruda Dde S, Rocha BA, Vaz MM, Paes AM, Guerra RN, Berretta AA, do Nascimento FR. Brazilian green propolis: anti-inflammatory property by an immunomodulatory activity. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:157652. doi: 10.1155/2012/157652. Epub 2012 Dec 19.
• Results Mani JS, Johnson JB, Steel JC, Broszczak DA, Neilsen PM, Walsh KB, Naiker M. Natural product-derived phytochemicals as potential agents against coronaviruses: A review. Virus Res. 2020 Jul 15;284:197989. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.197989. Epub 2020 Apr 30.
• Results Silveira MAD, Teles F, Berretta AA, Sanches TR, Rodrigues CE, Seguro AC, Andrade L. Effects of Brazilian green propolis on proteinuria and renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. BMC Nephrol. 2019 Apr 25;20(1):140. doi: 10.1186/s12882-019-1337-7.
• Results Cusinato DAC, Martinez EZ, Cintra MTC, Filgueira GCO, Berretta AA, Lanchote VL, Coelho EB. Evaluation of potential herbal-drug interactions of a standardized propolis extract (EPP-AF(R)) using an in vivo cocktail approach. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Dec 5;245:112174. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112174. Epub 2019 Aug 20.

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