The Effect of Propolis Tablet on Oral Mucositis Caused by Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Oral mucositis is defined as oral mucosal inflammation in cancer patients that is caused by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Propolis is a natural product produced by bees and has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, considering the anti-inflammatory properties of Propolis, the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Propolis tablet on oral mucositis caused by chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 50 patients were enrolled in the study, and samples were taken from patients on Folfox chemotherapy regimen with colon cancer who were admitted to the Oncology Center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari. The patients were then divided into two groups of 25. The first group received 50 mg Propolis tablets as 2 tablets per day for 21 days and the second group received placebo. All patients were examined by oral medicine specialist after initial examination, weekly and for 3 weeks, and the severity of mucositis was recorded according to WHO criteria. Data analysis was performed in SPSS ver. 22 software using T test and Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: The age range of the participants in the study was between 26-72 years. In the intervention group 13 women (52%) and 12 men (48%) and in the control group 13 women (52%) and 12 men (48%) participated .In this study, there was a significant difference in the mean of oral mucositis severity in the Propolis group compared to placebo group. In the intervention group, oral mucositis grade was significantly lower in the 2nd and 3rd follow up sessions than in the placebo group (p <0.05). No negative complications were reported by patients. Conclusion: This clinical trial study showed that Propolis tablet could play an important role in preventing and improving the oral mucositis caused by chemotherapy.