02/26/2019 / By Ellaine Castillo
There are many things that could go wrong during a pregnancy. This is especially true for mothers who have been diagnosed with diseases such as diabetes. Fortunately, researchers from Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Nigeria and Universiti Sains Malaysia found a potential way of improving pregnancy outcomes in diabetic women. Their study, which was published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, showed that the superfood propolis not only improves pregnancy outcomes but also placental oxidative stress.
Nowadays, diabetes mellitus has become increasingly prevalent. By 2040, it is expected to affect more than 642 million people in the world. This condition is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, which often lead to a wide range of complications when left untreated. These include kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Pregnant women with diabetes have to be more careful about maintaining their blood sugar levels since it could also affect the development of their baby. Previously, it has been shown that diabetic mothers are more likely to give birth to infants with congenital malformations compared to those who have never had the disease. This risk is affected by maternal factors including age, obesity, duration of the disease, diet, and medications. Diabetic mothers also exhibit higher placental oxidative stress, which can be resolved with the help of natural antioxidants.
Propolis is a compound produced by bees from tree sap, their own discharges, and beeswax. It has long been used as a traditional remedy for wounds and cancer. Studies have also shown that it can be used to improve body weight, blood sugar levels, lipid profile, malondialdehyde levels, and kidney function in rats. These benefits can be attributed to the more than 300 bioactive compounds found in propolis, which include polyphenols like flavonoids. However, there are no prior reports on the benefits of propolis against diabetes-induced impaired pregnancy outcomes and placental oxidative stress.
In this study, the researchers evaluated the effects of propolis produced by the stingless bee (Heterotrigona itama) on pregnancy outcomes and placental oxidative stress. To do this, they used pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats and divided them into the following groups:
The team determined placental oxidative stress based on malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels and total antioxidant capacity. Meanwhile, pregnancy outcomes included resorption and implantation loss, number of live and dead fetuses, fetal and placental weights, and fetal fasting blood glucose. Looking at these parameters, the researchers found that propolis improves pregnancy outcomes and placental oxidative stress. Additionally, they found that its beneficial effects were greater when given along with insulin.
Overall, the results of this study suggest that propolis is an important superfood for diabetic women. This is because of its ability to improve pregnancy outcomes and placental oxidative stress.
By eating propolis, you can also enjoy the following health benefits:
Sources include:
BMCComplementAlternMed.BioMedCentral.com
Tagged Under:
bee propolis, Birth defects, children's health, diabetes, functional food, infant's health, natural cures, natural remedies, oxidative stress, pregnancy, pregnant women, Propolis, women's health
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