Taiwan Green Propolis for Blood Lipids and Body Fat in Patients With MASLD

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Taiwan green propolis capsule: Taiwan green propolis extract capsule taken orally, 4 capsules per day for 12 weeks.

Placebo capsule: Capsules containing edible dextrin with vitamin B2 (approximately 0.1 mg/capsule), identical in appearance and regimen to the active intervention capsules.

Study summary

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common chronic liver condition linked to excess body fat, high blood lipids, and other metabolic problems. Taiwan green propolis is a natural health product collected by bees from plants, which has shown potential benefits for blood lipids and body fat in laboratory and animal studies. However, its effects in people with MASLD have not been well established in clinical trials.

This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolling up to 60 adults with MASLD at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital in Taiwan. Eligible participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Taiwan green propolis capsules or matching placebo capsules for 12 weeks. Participants take 2 capsules before breakfast and 2 capsules before dinner each day (4 capsules per day total). Neither participants nor the research team know which capsules are being taken until the study ends.

The study measures changes in blood lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C), body fat percentage, body weight, waist circumference, liver enzymes, blood sugar levels, inflammatory markers, and health-related quality of life. Liver fat and scarring are assessed by abdominal ultrasound before and after the intervention. Gut microbiota samples are also collected. Assessments are conducted at baseline, at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks (end of intervention), and at follow-up visits 2 weeks and 12 weeks after the intervention ends.

The goal of this study is to provide scientific evidence on whether Taiwan green propolis can safely and effectively improve blood lipids, body fat, and metabolic health in people with MASLD, and to explore the relationship between physiological improvements and health behavior changes.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Serum Lipid Profile — Baseline, Week 4, Week 8, Week 12, Week 14, and Week 24
  Change from baseline in fasting serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), measured in mg/dL.
• Change in Skeletal Muscle Mass (InBody) — Baseline, Week 4, Week 8, Week 12, and Week 24
  Change from baseline in skeletal muscle mass measured in kilograms (kg) by InBody bioelectrical impedance analysis.
• Change in Fat Mass (InBody) — Baseline, Week 4, Week 8, Week 12, and Week 24
  Change from baseline in total fat mass measured in kilograms (kg) by InBody bioelectrical impedance analysis.
• Change in Bone Mass (InBody) — Baseline, Week 4, Week 8, Week 12, and Week 24
  Change from baseline in bone mass measured in kilograms (kg) by InBody bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Trial sites (1)

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