Glucocorticoid and Cortisol Hormone in Response to Honey and Honey Propolis Supplementation in Mild Stress Women
Andi Nilawati Usman, Andi Zulkifli Abdullah, Indah Raya, Budiaman Budiaman, Agussalim Bukhari
Midwifery Department, Graduated School, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
Epidemiology Department, Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
Chemistry Faculty, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
Agriculture Department, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
Medicine Faculty, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
Abstract
Abstract Objective: This study aimed to assess the response of supplementation of honey and honey propolis to women who experience mild stress. Methods: The subjects of 30 people were divided into 3 groups; control, honey, and propolis honey every 10 people per group. All groups were given the same dose of 60 grams/day for 14 days. Measurements of glucocorticoid and cortisol hormones using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and the difference in cortisol hormone levels before and after the intervention were analyzed by a paired T-test. Results: Honey and propolis honey group decrease cortisol levels but none of the groups have significant changes. This is reciprocal with the changes in the hormone cortisol, the decrease in glucocorticoid hormone levels in the group given honey is the highest following propolis honey and the control group. However, changes in glucocorticoid hormones in the honey group were statistically significant. Conclusion: Our result confirmed that in women who experience mild stress, honey and honey propolis have the potential to reduce stress-related hormones, that is glucocorticoids and cortisol, this reduction does not have the potential to suppress the immune system.
Keywords: Stress; Women; Honey; Propolis; Cortisol Glucocorticoid
Topic: Herbal medicine