薬理と治療

Abstract

Objective　The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of propolis on lower urinary tract symptoms（LUTS）and clarify its mechanism of action. Method　This was an open–label study conducted on 26 healthy women with frequent urination. The participants took propolis–containing food daily for 8 weeks. Voiding and related items were assessed using voiding diaries and questionnaires（overactive bladder symptom score, nocturia–quality of life, Kings health questionnaire, visual analog scale questionnaire, Oguri–Shirakawa–Azumi sleep inventory MA Version sleep questionnaire）. The pharmacological action of propolis was verified using rat bladder smooth muscle model. An in vitro study verified the protective effect of propolis and propolis–containing components against oxidative stress. Results　The frequency of 24–h urination, urinary urgency, frequency of urinary incontinence, and urine volume were significantly decreased compared to before propolis–containing food administration. The volume per urination increased significantly, and the time from sleep onset to the first morning void was significantly longer. Furthermore, pharmacological evaluation revealed that propolis suppressed the contraction of rat bladder smooth muscle and showed protective effects against oxidative stress in cell assays. Conclusion　This study demonstrates that the continuous intake of propolis may mitigate LUTS. Inhibition of bladder smooth muscle contraction and protection against oxidative stress may improve bladder function. Trial resistration　UMIN–CTR: UMIN000046266 （Jpn Pharmacol Ther 2023；51：235‒47）