Mixing two different propolis samples potentiates their antimicrobial activity and wound healing property: A novel approach in wound healing and infection

Noori Al-Waili

doi:10.14202/vetworld.2018.1188-1195

Abstract

Aim:The study aimed to investigate whether mixing two different propolis samples can potentiate their biological activity. This hypothesis was tested by studying the effect of mixed propolis on microbial growth and wound healing and compared with the effect of each propolis individually.Materials and Methods:The effect of mixing two different propolis extracts (A and B) collected from different locations in Iraq on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans was studied by minimum inhibitory concentration assessment and compared with the effect of each propolis. Wound healing effect of the mixed propolis was studied. Twenty-four rabbits were used for the experiment, and they were assigned to four groups. Wounds were created on the dorsum of each rabbit and treated by topical application of 1 mL of either mixed propolis, propolis A, or propolis B extracts or were kept without treatment as a control. Macroscopic wound evaluation was performed with an assessment of wound size, wound recovery, redness, edema, discharge, granulation tissue, and epithelialization.Results:Propolis A was more potent than propolis B extracts to inhibit the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans (p<0.05). However, mixed propolis showed a higher antimicrobial activity toward all the pathogens than propolis A or propolis B extract individually (p<0.05). Furthermore, propolis A and propolis B extracts showed favorable effects on wound healing which was more pronounced with propolis A extract. Interestingly, mixed propolis accelerated wound healing faster than propolis A or propolis B extracts, and it shortened the time of reepithelialization (p<0.05).Conclusion:This study demonstrates for the first time that mixing different propolis samples possesses a higher antimicrobial activity and higher wound healing property than individual propolis. This approach could pave the way for the development of more effective antimicrobials and wound healing agents.

Highlights

Honeybee produces propolis from buds and exudates that are modified by wax and bees’ salivary secretions
Propolis A was more potent than propolis B extracts to inhibit the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans (p
This study demonstrates for the first time that mixing different propolis samples possesses a higher antimicrobial activity and higher wound healing property than individual propolis

Summary

Introduction

Honeybee produces propolis from buds and exudates that are modified by wax and bees’ salivary secretions. Propolis has been used in folk medicine for a long time. It has various potential biological activities that include anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant, radioprotective, antiproliferation, antidiabetic, antiproteinuric, and antimicrobial effects [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. We found that propolis collected from the Arabian Peninsula or Egypt has potent antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, and their effects were potentiated by honey [9]. Propolis enhanced wound healing in different animal models including diabetic wounds and burns [10,11].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion