PROPOLIS
Place in Therapy
Propolis, a natural non-toxic resinous flavonoid, are abundant in nature (1,2). The substance is made naturally by bees, produced by certain types of trees, and are found in beeswax and other bee secretions (1). Historically, propolis was used by the Greek and Egyptians for healing sores and ulcers (1,2). It has flavonoid containing properties and have demonstrated in vitro to possess free radical scavenging ability, and antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activity (2,3). Propolis is commonly found in foods and cosmetics (1).
Due to its flavonoid properties, propolis have been assessed in some inflammatory and ulcerative conditions (3). The use of propolis has potential benefits in oral health and its use in treating ulcers in the mouth as traditional therapy have been utilized by the Middle East (2,3). A pilot study has shown efficacy for propolis in reducing the frequency of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) outbreaks (Fisher's exact test, one sided, p=0.04) and a significant self-reported improvement in quality of life (p=0.03). The study had high risk of bias, was underpowered and had no statistical significance compared to placebo. In another study, using a topical solution of propolis, also concluded that propolis reduces the number of RAS lesions, and reduces the duration and frequency of recurrences. The trial also had a high risk of bias.
The evidence for efficacy of propolis in reducing the number of outbreaks of RAS ulcers is lacking, and additional high quality trials are required before a clinical conclusion can be made. However, due to the flavonoid properties that propolis exhibits and its favorable safety profile, propolis can be used in patients with RAS who do not respond to other forms of treatment. Ingestion or topical application of propolis solution have been reported as safe (2,3).
References:
1. Conquer J, et al. Propolis Monograph. Natural Standard Database: Natural Standard Inc; 2013.
2. Parolia A, Thomas MS, Kundabala M, Mohan M. Propolis and its potential uses in oral health. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences. 2010; 2(7): 210-215.
3. Samet N, Laurent C, Susarla SM, Samet-Rubinsteen N. The effect of bee propolis on recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a pilot study. Clin Oral Invest. 2007; 11:143-147.
4. Health Canada-Natural Health Products Database. Propolis. 2013 [cited 2013 July 15]. Available from: http://webprod3.hc-sc.gc.ca/lnhpd-bdpsnh/search-recherche.do?lang=eng&field_Champ2=&field_Champ3=&field_Champ4=&field_Champ5=&field_Champ6=&condition2=&condition3=&condition4=&condition5=&crit2=&crit3=&crit4=&crit5=&crit6=&op2=&op3=&op4=&op5=&op6=&productStatus_EtatProduit=2&field_Champ1=4&op1=0&crit1=propolis&condition1=0&dateOp2=0&monthLicensing_MoisHomologation=&yearLicensing_AnneeHomologation=&dateOp1=0&monthRevised_MoisModifiee=&yearRevised_AnneeModifiee=&action=Search
Due to its flavonoid properties, propolis have been assessed in some inflammatory and ulcerative conditions (3). The use of propolis has potential benefits in oral health and its use in treating ulcers in the mouth as traditional therapy have been utilized by the Middle East (2,3). A pilot study has shown efficacy for propolis in reducing the frequency of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) outbreaks (Fisher's exact test, one sided, p=0.04) and a significant self-reported improvement in quality of life (p=0.03). The study had high risk of bias, was underpowered and had no statistical significance compared to placebo. In another study, using a topical solution of propolis, also concluded that propolis reduces the number of RAS lesions, and reduces the duration and frequency of recurrences. The trial also had a high risk of bias.
The evidence for efficacy of propolis in reducing the number of outbreaks of RAS ulcers is lacking, and additional high quality trials are required before a clinical conclusion can be made. However, due to the flavonoid properties that propolis exhibits and its favorable safety profile, propolis can be used in patients with RAS who do not respond to other forms of treatment. Ingestion or topical application of propolis solution have been reported as safe (2,3).
References:
1. Conquer J, et al. Propolis Monograph. Natural Standard Database: Natural Standard Inc; 2013.
2. Parolia A, Thomas MS, Kundabala M, Mohan M. Propolis and its potential uses in oral health. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences. 2010; 2(7): 210-215.
3. Samet N, Laurent C, Susarla SM, Samet-Rubinsteen N. The effect of bee propolis on recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a pilot study. Clin Oral Invest. 2007; 11:143-147.
4. Health Canada-Natural Health Products Database. Propolis. 2013 [cited 2013 July 15]. Available from: http://webprod3.hc-sc.gc.ca/lnhpd-bdpsnh/search-recherche.do?lang=eng&field_Champ2=&field_Champ3=&field_Champ4=&field_Champ5=&field_Champ6=&condition2=&condition3=&condition4=&condition5=&crit2=&crit3=&crit4=&crit5=&crit6=&op2=&op3=&op4=&op5=&op6=&productStatus_EtatProduit=2&field_Champ1=4&op1=0&crit1=propolis&condition1=0&dateOp2=0&monthLicensing_MoisHomologation=&yearLicensing_AnneeHomologation=&dateOp1=0&monthRevised_MoisModifiee=&yearRevised_AnneeModifiee=&action=Search