1. Introduction
obesity, metabolic complications, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular disease
OBESITY, OXIDATIVE STRESS, VASCULAR DISEASE, METABOLIC DISORDERS
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; Females undergoing the menopause experience a considerable change in metabolic activity [Body fat mass shows a positive correlation with systemic oxidative stress in clinically healthy middle-aged females [Exercise and dietary restrictions are effective in controlling fat accumulation. However, since these countermeasures can be difficult to continue, alternative methods should be considered. Daily nutritional supplementation has been found to be effective against obesity and metabolic complications [Based on previous reports, we hypothesized that Brazilian propolis supplementation would reduce fat mass and promote adiponectin secretion among females, thereby optimizing an integrated balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of ethanol extracts of Brazilian green propolis on fat mass, adiponectin secretion, and oxidative stress among community-dwelling elderly females. This study could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for preventing obesity and its associated metabolic disorders, such as vascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease, among elderly females.