The effect of propolis supplementation to CD4/CD8 ratio in HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral regimen therapy

Background: The HIV infection affects the immune system by decreasing CD4/CD8 ratios. Previous studies reported that the use of nutrient supplements in HIV patients was quite high. Propolis is one of nutrient supplements that are reported to be beneficial in the immune system but evidences of its clinical benefits are limited. The aimed of this study was to reveal the advantageous outcome of propolis supplementation in patients on antiretroviral regimen therapy. Methods: The research was conducted in a double blind randomized controlled trial, pre and posttest control group including the treatment group (antiretroviral regimen + propolis) and the control group (antiretroviral regimen + placebo). CD4/CD8 ratio was checked at baseline and 6 months after the trial, as well as their safety profile, any side effect was documented and treated properly. Results: Forty-three subjects managed to reach the end of the study, consisting of 19 subjects in the treatment group and 21 subjects in the control group. Duviral-Neviral is the most widely used ARV regimen (51.2%). After 6 months of treatment, there was an increase in the mean CD4/CD8 ratio in the propolis group, but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.22). Interestingly, the delta CD4/CD8 ratio between propolis and placebo was significantly different (0.06 vs-0.01; p = 0.02). Conclusion: There were non-life-threatening side effects that occur in the propolis group subjects which improve after supplementation was stopped. To conclude, the effect of propolis supplementation on increasing CD4/CD8 ratio in HIV patients who had received antiretroviral regimen therapy did not reach statistical significance.