Propolis
Bee-product resin with RCT signal for oral mucositis prevention in chemotherapy and recurrent herpes labialis duration reduction.
Why
Propolis is the resinous substance bees collect from tree buds and use to seal their hives. Composition varies by geographic source (Brazilian green vs European poplar-type, etc.). The Yiu 2020 meta-analysis confirmed reduction of oral mucositis severity in chemotherapy patients using topical propolis. Vynograd 2000 reported reduced HSV labialis healing time with topical propolis cream. Smaller signal in dental gingivitis and oral health.
How it works
Flavonoids (chrysin, pinocembrin, galangin) and phenolic acids (CAPE, caffeic acid phenethyl ester) have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity. Direct topical effects on oral and skin mucosa.
Expected onset · Mucositis effect over days-weeks during chemotherapy; HSV outbreak shortening within days
How to take
Dosage
Topical: propolis mouthwash 1% three times daily (mucositis); propolis cream 0.5–3% to lesion (HSV labialis). Oral: 250–500 mg standardised extract daily.
Timing
Topical: 3 times daily for mucositis; at first sign of HSV prodrome. Oral: once daily.
On the label
Standardised propolis extract with stated flavonoid content. Brazilian green propolis (Baccharis-source) and European poplar-type propolis have different compositions; some indications use specific types.
Ideal for
Cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (under oncology coordination); adults with recurrent oral or labial herpes seeking topical adjunct.
Safety
Evidence
Yiu 2020 systematic review (5 RCTs): topical propolis significantly reduced severity of oral mucositis in chemotherapy patients. Vynograd 2000 RCT: propolis cream outperformed acyclovir cream and placebo for HSV labialis healing time. Preliminary, RCTs exist in non-tier-1 journals but are small or short-duration. No Cochrane review, EMA monograph or EFSA-authorised claim covers the indication.
Preliminary, RCTs exist in non-tier-1 journals but are small or short-duration. No Cochrane review, EMA monograph or EFSA-authorised claim covers the indication.
- Yiu et al., Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020, propolis for the prevention of oral mucositis in cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis
- Vynograd et al., Phytomedicine 2000, comparative multi-centre study of the efficacy of propolis, acyclovir and placebo in the treatment of genital herpes (HSV)
- Sforcin & Bankova, J Ethnopharmacol 2011, propolis: is there a potential for the development of new drugs?
Where to get it
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