PMID 30022350 Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the efficacy of propolis mouthwash in cancer therapy-induced oral mucositis Meta-analysis · Support Care Cancer, 2018 5 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s, 209 people - propolis mouthwash lowered severe oral mucositis incidence versus control (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.18-0.70). No side effects reported.
Key summary
A systematic review and meta-analysisA statistical synthesis combining results of multiple studies into one conclusion. evaluating the efficacy and safety of propolis mouthwash for cancer therapy-induced oral mucositis. Searching 10 databases, it included 5 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s (209 people) published in English and Chinese. The incidence of severe oral mucositis was significantly lower with propolis (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.18-0.70), between-study heterogeneity was low (I2 about 0), and no side effects were reported. The authors concluded that propolis mouthwash is effective and safe for severe mucositis, while calling for multi-center trials and a standard protocol to confirm.
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PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of propolis mouthwash in cancer patients with therapy-induced oral mucositis. METHODS: This was a systematic review of randomized control trails (RCTs). We searched ten electronic databases for studies published prior to April 06, 2017. The included RCTs were published in English and Chinese. The Jadad score was used to evaluate the quality of the articles identified. Two reviewers independently evaluated each of the studies. The data were entered into Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 software and checked for accuracy. Outcome incidence analysis was performed using odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: Of the 352 articles identified, five potentially relevant articles met our inclusion criteria. These 5 RCTs included a total of 209 participants. The Jadad score for methodological quality was 3.60 ± 0.55. No obvious publication bias was noted. The incidence of severe oral mucositis was significantly lower in the propolis group than in the control group (OR = 0.35, p = 0. 003). The corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.18 to 0.70. Between-study heterogeneity was low (I2 = 0.000, p = 0.45). No side effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis mouthwash is effective and safe in the treatment of severe oral mucositis. To maintain propolis safety, propolis usage should occur under the supervision of medical staff and health professionals. Future multi-center studies and a clinical protocol are needed to confirm the current findings regarding the efficacy and safety of propolis mouthwash. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 33578659 Effectiveness of Propolis in the Treatment of Periodontal Disease: Updated Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis Meta-analysis · Antioxidants (Basel), 2021 3 of 8 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s in quantitative synthesis - propolis as adjunct reduced probing pocket depth by -0.67 mm versus placeboAn inert dummy treatment used as the comparison baseline.. Reported safe.
Key summary
An updated systematic review and meta-analysisA statistical synthesis combining results of multiple studies into one conclusion. of propolis for periodontal disease. Of 224 studies reviewed, 8 met the meta-analysis criteria and 3 were used in the quantitative synthesis. In that synthesis, the propolis group showed probing pocket depth about -0.67 mm lower than placeboAn inert dummy treatment used as the comparison baseline. (fixed effects, 95% CI -0.84 to -0.50). The authors concluded that propolis is safe and can improve the results of periodontal care. However, with only 3 trials in the quantitative synthesis, the weight of evidence remains limited.
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In recent times, the use of natural products has gained momentum, either as a treatment or as adjuvants for other drugs in the treatment of different conditions. Propolis is a natural substance produced by bees which has proven useful for treating periodontal disease. This systematic review and meta-analysis gather evidence of the effectiveness of propolis in this kind of condition. The MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched for scientific articles to identify the findings published up to October 2020. The MeSH phrases used in the search were: "periodontal diseases AND propolis treatment"; "gingivitis AND propolis treatment"; "periodontitis AND propolis treatment"; "propolis treatment AND oral health"; "propolis AND oxidative stress AND periodontitis". The Boolean operator "AND" was used to combine the searches. Randomized trials where propolis was used in the treatment of different periodontal conditions were included. Non-randomized clinical studies were systematically reviewed and 224 studies were detected, eight of which met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Only three of these were selected for quantitative synthesis. In conclusion, propolis is safe to use and can improve the results of periodontal disease treatment, reducing probing pocket depth compared with treatment with a placebo (difference in means, fixed effects -0.67 [95% CI: -0.84, -0.50]). ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 30950136 The efficacy of propolis on markers of glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis Meta-analysis · Phytother Res, 2019 6 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s, 373 people - propolis lowered fasting glucose (-13.51 mg/dL) and HbA1cGlycated hemoglobin, a blood marker reflecting average glucose over the past 2-3 months; used to gauge diabetes control. (-0.52%). No significant change in fasting insulin or HOMA-IR.
Key summary
A meta-analysisA statistical synthesis combining results of multiple studies into one conclusion. of propolis supplementation on glycemic markers in adults with type 2 diabetes (6 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s, 373 people). The propolis group had significantly lower fasting glucose (-13.51 mg/dL, 95% CI -24.98 to -2.04) and HbA1cGlycated hemoglobin, a blood marker reflecting average glucose over the past 2-3 months; used to gauge diabetes control. (-0.52%, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.10), but no significant change in fasting insulin or insulin resistanceA state in which cells respond poorly to insulin, so blood glucose does not fall as it should. (HOMA-IR). The authors said propolis supplementation may help control glycemic levels, while noting that further studies are needed to confirm the results.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The impetus for the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of propolis supplementation on markers of glycemic status in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to August 2018, identifying randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of propolis supplementation on glycemic markers in adults with T2DM. Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias assessment. A random-effects model was applied in the meta-analysis to compensate for potential heterogeneity among the included studies. RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials comprising 373 participants were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (-13.51 mg/dl; 95% CI [-24.98, -2.04]) and hemoglobin A1C (-0.52%; 95% CI [-0.94, -0.10]) concentrations following propolis supplementation. However, no significant lowering effect was observed in fasting insulin levels (-0.53 pmol/L; 95% CI [-1.69, 0.63]) or homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (-0.543; 95% CI [-1.72, 0.64]). CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that propolis supplementation may be effective in controlling glycemic levels for T2DM patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these results. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 40662144 Propolis supplementation improves cardiometabolic health in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: findings from a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs Meta-analysis · J Diabetes Metab Disord, 2025 13 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s - propolis lowered fasting glucose (-15.29 mg/dL), HbA1cGlycated hemoglobin, a blood marker reflecting average glucose over the past 2-3 months; used to gauge diabetes control. (-0.58%), and LDLLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol - the so-called "bad" cholesterol.. No significant change in triglycerideA type of fat in the blood; high levels raise cardiovascular risk.s, total cholesterol, or BMI.
Key summary
A GRADEAn international standard for rating the certainty of evidence from high to very low.-assessed meta-analysisA statistical synthesis combining results of multiple studies into one conclusion. of how propolis supplementation affects cardiometabolic indices in type 2 diabetes (13 RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects.s). The propolis group had significant reductions in fasting glucose (-15.29 mg/dL), 2-hour postprandial glucose (-35.41 mg/dL), HbA1cGlycated hemoglobin, a blood marker reflecting average glucose over the past 2-3 months; used to gauge diabetes control. (-0.58%), fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and LDLLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol - the so-called "bad" cholesterol. cholesterol (-11.47 mg/dL). By contrast, there was no significant change in triglycerideA type of fat in the blood; high levels raise cardiovascular risk.s, total cholesterol, HDL, or body mass index (BMI). The authors concluded that propolis may serve as a beneficial adjunct in type 2 diabetes. The direction agrees with the 6-RCT analysis above.
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BACKGROUND AND AIM: Diabetes is a common metabolic disorder associated with cardiometabolic complications. Propolis, a natural resinous compound, has shown potential benefits in improving metabolism. However, existing evidence remains inconsistent and fragmented. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze to evaluate the impact of propolis supplementation on cardiometabolic indices in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHOD: A comprehensive search was performed in online major databases up to April 2025 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed and analyzed for relevant outcomes. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), taking into account study heterogeneity. RESULTS: The pooled analysis of 13 RCTs revealed that propolis supplementation in individuals with T2DM led to a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (WMD: -15.29 mg/dL), 2-hour postprandial glucose (WMD: -35.41 mg/dL), HbA1c (WMD= -0.58%), fasting insulin (WMD: -1.93 µU/mL), and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD: -0.99), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: -11.47 mg/dL), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (WMD: 1.52 pg/mL), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (WMD: 2.28 pg/mL), and body weight (WMD: 2.09 kg). In contrast, the meta-analysis revealed no significant changes in triglycerides (TG) (p = 0.055), total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.248), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.068), and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.204). CONCLUSION: Propolis supplementation may serve as a beneficial adjunct therapy for patients with T2DM, showing significant improvements in blood glycemic markers, serum lipid profile, inflammation, and body weight. The overall findings support the use of propolis as a promising complementary approach to enhance cardiometabolic health in T2DM. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 24382957 Propolis: a wonder bees product and its pharmacological potentials Narrative review · Adv Pharmacol Sci, 2013 Narrative review - lists cold syndrome, wounds, and burns among propolis's traditional uses, but this is a record of usage, not controlled-trial efficacy.
Key summary
A narrative review outlining propolis's origin, composition, and pharmacological potential. It explains that propolis is a resinous mixture bees gather from plant exudates and use to repair and defend their hives, and it lists current antimicrobial applications including cold syndrome (upper respiratory infections, common cold, and flu-like symptoms), wounds and burns, acne, herpes, and dermatitis. However, this list summarizes traditional and empirical usage, not efficacy confirmed by controlled trials for preventing or easing colds. It is used here to check that the strong Korean 'immunity and cold' image rests on such usage patterns.
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Propolis is a natural resinous mixture produced by honey bees from substances collected from parts of plants, buds, and exudates. Due to its waxy nature and mechanical properties, bees use propolis in the construction and repair of their hives for sealing openings and cracks and smoothing out the internal walls and as a protective barrier against external invaders like snakes, lizards, and so forth, or against weathering threats like wind and rain. Bees gather propolis from different plants, in the temperate climate zone mainly from poplar. Current antimicrobial applications of propolis include formulations for cold syndrome (upper respiratory tract infections, common cold, and flu-like infections), wound healing, treatment of burns, acne, herpes simplex and genitalis, and neurodermatitis. Worldwide propolis has a tremendous popularity, but in India the studies over propolis have just started, not extensively reported except few regions of India like Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujrat, and Madhya Pradesh. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 16536336 Allergic contact dermatitis from propolis Review · Dermatitis, 2005 1.2-6.6% of patch-tested dermatitis patients are sensitized to propolis. Found widely in lip balms, cosmetics, and toothpastes, so exposure is broad.
Key summary
A review of allergic contact dermatitis from propolis. Propolis is widely used in cosmetic and medicinal preparations for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, yet 1.2-6.6% of dermatitis patients who undergo patch testing are sensitized to it. The main allergens are 3-methyl-2-butenyl caffeate and phenylethyl caffeate, with benzyl salicylate and benzyl cinnamate as less frequent sensitizers. Because propolis appears in many 'natural' products such as lip balms, cosmetics, lotions, ointments, shampoos, and toothpastes, the authors advise considering patch testing with propolis in users of such products.
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Propolis is commonly used in cosmetic and medicinal preparations because of its antiseptic, antiinflammatory, and anesthetic properties. Its therapeutic qualities have been well documented. However, 1.2 to 6.6% of patients who are patch-tested for dermatitis are sensitive to propolis. The main allergens are 3-methyl-2-butenyl caffeate and phenylethyl caffeate. Benzyl salicylate and benzyl cinnamate are less frequent sensitizers. Propolis is found in a number of "natural" products, including lip balms, cosmetics, lotions and ointments, shampoos, conditioners, and toothpastes. Dermatologists should consider patch testing with propolis in users of such remedies. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 35195191 Allergic contact cheilitis caused by propolis: case report Case report · Einstein (Sao Paulo), 2022 Case - a patient who upped propolis drops 'to improve immunity' during COVID-19 had 5 years of contact cheilitis. Contact allergy may rise with more natural-product use.
Key summary
A case report of allergic contact cheilitis from propolis. A 21-year-old woman had 5 years of itchy perioral eczema, and patch testing was strongly positive (++) for propolis. She had used propolis drops for 10 years, and increasing the dose 'to improve immunity' during the COVID-19 pandemic triggered the worsening. The authors noted that propolis contact allergy may increase as natural-product use rises, and that propolis should be considered a sensitizer in patients with long-lasting cheilitis.
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Propolis is a lipophilic resin extracted from plants by bees. The purpose of this case report was to show the importance of this substance as cause of allergic contact cheilitis. A 21-year-old female patient complained of pruritic perioral eczema for 5 years. In the past months it also affected the neck. After diagnosing contact dermatitis, she was submitted to a patch test with a Latin American baseline series. The result was strongly positive for propolis (++) and weakly positive for perfume mix I (+). After the test, the patient revealed she had been using propolis drops, per oris, for 10 years. The worsening of the condition was due to increased dose, aiming "to improve immunity", during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The contact allergy to propolis might be increasing due to the widespread use of natural products. Propolis is a sensitizer to be considered in patients with long-lasting cheilitis. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
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