Clinical evaluation of the topical use of propolis in recurrent minor aphthous ulceration

Celso A L Júnior,Renata Cabral,Mônica A Lotufo,Mario T Shimizu,Esther G Birman

doi:10.14295/bds.2005.v8i3.327

Abstract

Our purpose was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a natural product (propolis) on recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) of the minor type regarding the number of lesions, their duration and frequency of recurrence. Seventy patients with RAU composed the study group who were examined according to pre-established criteria. Forty patients presenting with RAU (mean age 38.5 years; 25 women and 15 men) were selected and medicated during the recurrence of their lesions using a purified propolis solution in a 5%propyleneglycol vehicle. Patients applied the topical solution three times a day from the first premonitory sign of RAU appearance and also during episodes of recurrence for a period of one year. A statistically significant reduction was observed in the number, frequency and duration of the lesions (p≤ 0.01). The natural propolis product utilized in this study for RAU therapy was without any adverse effects and proved beneficial.

Highlights

Recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) is one of the most frequently encountered pathologic conditions in the oral cavity and does not have a well established etiology or treatment
The observed absence of toxicity allows its use for humans . 2,7,14. Taking all these aspects into consideration, as well as the difficulty in establishing a suitable treatment for RAU, we aimed to evaluate the use of propolis as an alternative therapy due to its actions as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, healing and immunologic stimulating agent and to identify any side-effects
We found that 75% (28/40) of the patients reported a variety of initiating factors with emphasis on food (75%; 28/40), trauma (25%; 10/40) and stress (25%; 10/40). 58% reported more than one triggering factor

Summary

Introduction

Recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) is one of the most frequently encountered pathologic conditions in the oral cavity and does not have a well established etiology or treatment. The mechanisms that have been implicated in its etiopathogenicity include local or systemic factors, associated with microbial, nutritional, immunologic or genetic activity Other triggering factors such as allergy, stress and anxiety have been reported[1,18,20]. Many topical preparations have been employed for the treatment of RAU with varying effectiveness regarding reduction in the number of ulcers occuring, their duration and the frequency of recurrence of episodes of ulceration. Topical agents, such as anti-inflammatories, antimicrobials, immunomodulative drugs and analgesics are among topical agents that have been used to manage RAU11-12,16-17,21. Topical corticosteroids, such as fluocionomide or triamcinolone in orabase, have been utilized in RAU treatment with some reports of a reduction in the duration and number of lesions, but with no reduction in recurrence rates[6,19]

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Conclusion