Propolis Ointment Research Articles

Effect of Brazilian green propolis in chronic ulcer treatment: a randomized clinical trial.

to assess the effectiveness of 5% Brazilian green propolis (ointment) in individuals with chronic ulcers. a randomized clinical trial, developed with 40 patients randomized equally to control group (treated with essential fatty acid) and experimental group (treated with 5% green propolis) for 30 days. The outcomes of interest were sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics, lesion characteristics, such as type of tissue in the bed, presence of exudate, edge characteristics, microbial content and pain. regarding sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics, the two groups did not show statistically significant differences. After assessment in 30 days, an effect was observed for both treated groups, but for the experimental group, greater effectiveness in terms of the type of tissue in the bed, type of exudate, edge characteristics, microbial content and pain. propolis-based ointment showed a healing effect, presenting itself as a potential tool in healing chronic ulcers.

The use of propolis in ointment ingredient for the treatment of dermatophytosis infection

Dermatophytosis in animals is very important since it is zoonotic. Propolis is a promising natural compound against pathogenic fungi since there is an increasing need to discover less expensive, more natural, and more accessible treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate propolis as an anti-dermatophyte and topical drug preparation against Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Propolis was tested for its antifungal properties at various concentrations using the diffusion method. The ointment was applied to the rabbit with dermatophytosis after being prepared by combining the ointment base with 10% propolis. The result demonstrated that propolis was able to inhibit the growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes which was indicated by a clear zone around the disc. Propolis ointment helped lessen inflammation more than Miconazole 2% at severe lesions, according to in vivo trials on rabbits, while the two ointment’s healing times were nearly identical. According to the findings, propolis is a promising ointment ingredient for the treatment of dermatophytosis.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of propolis ointment against Staphylococcus aureus

Background: This study was carried out to determine the antimicrobial effect of propolis ointment formulations against Staphylococcus aureus.Methods: Propolis was extracted with 70 ml Ethanol (99 %) and the ointment was prepared by incorporating the extract into emulsifying ointment BP. Formulations were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus using agar diffusion test. Physicochemical properties of the formulation (pH, viscosity and spreadability) were determined using a pH meter, and viscometer. Homogeneity and texture were also determined. Differences in means were evaluated by the independent student t-test at p-value < 0.05.Results: The ointment was dark brown, greasy with a smooth texture. The viscosity of the propolis emulsifying ointment and simple ointment was 11133 ± 1229 and 11800 ± 1100 cP with spreadability of 6.32 ± 1.33 and 6.00 ± 2.40 mm2/g respectively. The pH of the simple and emulsifying ointment was 7.10 ± 0.05 and 7.22 ± 0.06 respectively. There was however reduced pH, spreadability and viscosity of the formulation over a period of 90 days (3 months) resulting in more acidic preparations less than 6 (5.65) in batch F2. Depth of penetration of the simple ointment was between 6.00 ± 0.8 mm to 7.55 ± 0.8 mm and 6.75 ± 0.5 mm to 9.20 ± 1.10 mm for the emulsifying ointment over a period of 14 days. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the propolis extract against Staphylococcus aureus was 300 mg/ml. Inhibition zone diameter of the simple and emulsifying ointment were 16.5 ± 1.3 mm and 17.0 ± 1.2 mm respectively.Conclusion: Propolis can be formulated as an ointment for the treatment of bacterial skin infections. The physicochemical properties of the formulation were stable with gradual decline over a period of 3 months. The propolis ointment exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

ЭТИОПАТОГЕНЕТИЧЕСКОЕ ЛЕЧЕНИЕ ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ СЕРЕДИННОЙ ТРЕЩИНЫ НИЖНЕЙ ГУБЫ В УСЛОВИЯХ СУБАРКТИЧЕСКОГО КЛИМАТА

Chronic crack of the lip has a high prevalence among young people in subarctic climates. The disease relapses and remissions. Linear cracks on the lips cause pain, discomfort, defects, aesthetics, cracks are completely constantly observed without complex treatment and prevention during exposure to adverse environmental conditions. The meteorological factor is a trigger mechanism for the development of chronic recurrent lip cracks in the subarctic climate. Cold wind and high sweetness destabilize the barrier function of the lip epithelium, reduce the activity of intercellular lipids. The study involved 68 male patients aged 18 to 28 years with an established diagnosis of chronic recurrent lip crack. In patients, adverse meteorological conditions were carriers of etiological diseases according to the anamnesis. At the primary medical appointment, the doctor treated chronic cracks with 0.05% chlorhexidine bigluconate, took an anamnesis, and took a complete blood count. Patients were divided into 3 groups of average manifestations of diseases (defect size, duration and nature of the manifestation). Within 14 days, patients had to adhere to the local therapy plan: group 1 used a cream based on 0.1% mometasone for 7 days, cocoa butter 3 times a day for the next 7 days, group 2 - the use of 20% propolis ointment 2-3 times a day, group 3 - local sea buckthorn oil 5 times a day. All patients were given recommendations and prescribed vitamin therapy for 2 months: AEvit and Combilipen. The subjects were tested to determine the interest in treatment on the 7th day. We evaluated the results of treatment on days 7, 14 and 30. Based on the results of the study, we concluded that, regardless of the interest in treatment, the best results were shown by treatment according to the group 1 scheme with the use of glucocorticoids. The rest of the study participants had results ranging from complete epithelialization and remission to no sign of improvement, depending on the level of interest in treatment. The treatment of a chronic lip crack requires an individual and comprehensive approach and the patient's obligatory interest in treatment. Patients should definitely use lipids as part of hygienic lipsticks during the remission period. This local prophylaxis helps restore the lipid matrix of the stratum corneum and maintain the lipid barrier of the red border of the lips from the effects of adverse meteorological factors of the subarctic climate.

Amplification of Wound Healing by Propolis and Honey Ointment in Healthy and Diabetic Rat Models; Histopathological and Morphometric Findings.

Skin wound healing, especially in diabetic patients, has been a major medical challenge for decades. In the meantime, the use of traditional medicine has always been questioned. Propolis) resin and wax (is one of the most likely solutions to this problem. The present study aimed to establish an animal model for healing skin wounds and diabetic ulcers. To this aim, rats were randomly allocated into two healthy and diabetic groups (50 mg/kg streptozotocin resulted in diabetes with high BSL to 300 mg/dL), which were divided into four subgroups. The 7 mm full-thickness skin wounds were created on the abdomen region in 80 male Wistar rats using paunch. In the subgroups, the wounds were cleaned with normal 0.9% saline as the control subgroup and dressed with Eucerit, 1.5% honey+eucerit, and 3% propolis +1.5% honey+eucerit, once daily for 14 days in other subgroups, respectively. On days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after the intervention, wound and area contractions were calculated using digital photographs measurement. The histopathological and semi-quantitative studies were performed on days 7 and 14 after wounds creation. The microscopic findings demonstrated that the granulation tissue, fibroblasts, re-epithelization, and angiogenesis increased (P≤0.05) in the subgroups treated by propolis and honey combination in healthy and diabetic rats within 7 and 14 days post-injury. Also, less inflammation and a significant reduction in wound contraction were observed in the same subgroups on days 3, 5, and 7 compared to other subgroups (P≤0.05). The results indicated that significant healing quality and acceleration were affected by propolis and honey compared to other subgroups on days 3 and 5 (P≤0.05).

Potential Use of Propolis in Phytocosmetic as Phytotherapeutic Constituent.

Phytocosmetic is an important aspect of traditional medicine in several cultures. Researchers are now focusing to find new and effective ingredients of natural origin. Propolis is a natural beehive product extensively used in traditional medicine. We aimed in the present study to investigate the potential use of propolis as an aesthetic and phytotherapeutic constituent in phytocosmetics. Propolis was extracted using 80% ethanol. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined calorimetrically. Free radical scavenging ability and reducing capacity were evaluated using four assays and expressed as IC50 values. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on 11 Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The wound healing activity of 30% ethanolic extract and propolis ointment was studied using excision wounds in the anterio-dorsal side of the rats. The phenolic acid composition of the tested propolis was investigated using UFLC/MS-MS analysis. The tested propolis was rich in phenolic and flavonoid content and demonstrated an interesting antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Wounds treated with propolis appear to display a lesser degree of inflammation. Chemical analysis led to the identification of 11 phenolics. Among them, five are considered as main compounds: Chlorogenic acid (48.79 ± 5.01 ng/mL), Gallic acid (44.25 ± 6.40 ng/mL), Rutin (21.12 ± 3.57 ng/mL), Caffeic acid (28.19 ± 4.95 ng/mL), and trans-cinnamic acid (20.10 ± 6.51 ng/mL). Our results indicated that propolis can not only be used as a cosmetic ingredient but also be used as a preventative and curative constituent, which might be used as a barrier when applied externally on infected and non-infected skin.

Clinical Assessment of Antimicrobial Effects of Brazilian Green Propolis on Chronic Wounds

Pharmacognosy Research,2022,14,3,251-255.DOI:10.5530/pres.14.3.36Published:July 2022Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Pascalle Sousa Rocha, Fernando Luiz Affonso Fonseca, David Feder, Luiz Elidio Gregório, Joserlan Nonato Moreira, Luis Rafael Leite Sampaio, Glaucia Luciano da Veiga, Fulvio Alexandre Scorza, Beatriz da Costa Aguiar Alves, Thais Gascón, Carla Alessandra Scorza, and Fabio Ferreira Perazzo Author(s) affiliations:Pascalle Sousa Rocha1,3, Fernando Luiz Affonso Fonseca2,7, David Feder7, Luiz Elidio Gregório2, Joserlan Nonato Moreira3, Luis Rafael Leite Sampaio4, Glaucia Luciano da Veiga7, Fulvio Alexandre Scorza5,6, Beatriz da Costa Aguiar Alves7, Thais Gascón7, Carla Alessandra Scorza5,6, Fabio Ferreira Perazzo1,2 1Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia, Centro Universitário FMABC. Santo André, BRASIL. 2Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas. Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Diadema, BRASIL. 3Departamento de Saúde. Instituto Federal da Paraíba. Paraíba, BRASIL. 4Departamento de Enfermagem. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Regional do Cariri. Paraíba, BRASIL. 5Centro de Neurociências e Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Paulo /UNIFESP. São Paulo, BRASIL. 6Disciplina de Neurociência. Universidade Federal de São Paulo/UNIFESP. São Paulo, BRASIL. 7Laboratório de Análises Clínicas. Centro Universitário FMABC. Santo André, BRASIL. Abstract:Objectives: Chronic wounds in patients of several diseases, especially diabetics, comprise a public health problem in Brazil. The aim of this study was evaluate the effects of topical application of 5% green propolis ointment on nonspecific chronic wounds of patients from a health unit in Cajazeiras, Paraíba. Materials and Methods: The patients were divided into two groups: 20 for the intervention group, treated with 5% green propolis ointment, and 20 participants for the control group, treated with an essential fatty acid, plus vitamins A and E, which has standard application in the Brazilian Public Service, both during 30 days. The following clinical variables were observed: complications (necrosis, crust), aspects of the skin around the lesion, appearance and amount of exudate, signs of infection, presence of pain during treatment, appearance of any complication and odor. Forty participants were surveyed from May 2017 to October 2018. Results: Most of them were women (52.5%) aging from 76 to 95 years (55%), and illiterate (77.5%). The prevalent bacteria in the wounds were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and most of the sensitive antibiotics were aminoglycoside. In the control group, two of eight participants evaluated on the first day remained infected, whereas, in the group treated with green propolis ointment, all nine patients had infection cleared, with reduction of pain, 81.8% decrease of lesions with purulent exudate, and 73.4% debridement of devitalized tissue. Conclusion: These results confirm the potential of the green propolis ointment as a debridement, bactericide, and the ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, and adsorb odors. Keywords:Chronic wound, Clinical trial, Propolis, Treatment, Wound infectionView:PDF (148.9 KB)

Клініко-лабораторне обгрунтування удосконалення методу лікування фурункулів та карбункулів щелепно-лицевої ділянки

Selection of medications to apply locally for treatment of abscessive forms of boils and carbuncles of maxillofacial area still remains a debatable issue, despite their wide range. Alternative means for application use in surgical interventions in maxillofacial area are medications of natural origin. Drugs of natural origin that have anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties include cayenne pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum). Therapeutic properties are caused by the presence in their structure of the main active ingredient – capsaicin alkaloid and other biologically active compounds (vitamins, flavonoids, minerals, etc.) which influence the main pathogenetic inflammation bonds. Capsaicin has a distinct keratoplastic effect and normalizes microcirculation in the tissues. Phytogel with anti-inflammatory and anesthetic action (patent for utility model No. 30032 “Phytogel with anti-inflammatory and anesthetic action”) was developed for clinical use based on phytosubstance of pepper cayenne fruits (patent for utility model No. 19547 “Method of obtaining phytosubstance with anti-inflammatory action”). The purpose of the study was to increase treatment efficiency of boils and carbuncles of maxillofacial area by using a medication based on the capsicum annuum fruits. Materials and methods. The analysis of inspection and treatment results of 45 patients having boils and carbuncles of maxillofacial area at abscessing stage is carried out. On the first, third, seventh and tenth day of treatment, a number of clinical indicators (presence and intensity of edema and infiltrate, condition of regional lymph nodes, presence and intensity of pain in the inflammation site, time of wound exudate clearance, intensity of regeneration, length of hospital stay treatment) and indicators obtained by laboratory methods (total number of leukocytes, leukocyte intoxication index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) were studied and compared with the same parameters in the control group, where traditional treatment was carried out; and when using the comparison medication - 3% propolis ointment. Results and discussion. Analysis of the results showed that despite the similarity of the clinical picture and laboratory parameters on admission to the hospital, the healing of purulent wounds under the influence of capsicum annuum phytogel was more effective comparing with traditional methods of surgical treatment. Thus, wound epithelialization of patients in the experimental group No. 1 was observed on average on the seventh day, which was significantly faster than in other experimental groups. Sanation of the inflammatory focus also decreased body intoxication, which can be traced by the dynamics of changes in the degree of leukocytosis, leukocyte intoxication index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate. On the tenth day, the clinical blood parameters of patients of the experimental group No. 1 were close to the average norm. As a result, the length of stay in hospital was significantly reduced. The average bed-day for the experimental group No. 1 was 7.5 days, which is authentically less than for patients of the control and experimental group No. 2. Conclusion. According to the results of clinical and laboratory studies, the efficiency of the proposed method has been proved in comparison with traditional treatment of boils and carbuncles of maxillofacial area

A Comparative pharmacological study on moxidectin and propolis ointment in rabbits naturally infested with Psoroptes cuniculi

Ear mange is an annoying problem for all animal breeders including rabbit's breeders. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of moxidectin and 10% propolis ointment on rabbits infested with Psoroptes cuniculi with especial reference to some related biochemical parameters diagnostic and prognostic value. For this purpose, a total of thirty-two rabbits: 8 non-infested rabbits (control group (CG) and 24 naturally infested rabbits were used. Infested rabbits were equally divided into three groups: 1st group remained without treatment (diseased group (DG)), 2nd group was treated with moxidectin ((0.2 mg/kg body weight) S/C (MG)). Propolis ointment (10%) was applied topically to rabbits of the 3rd group (PG) once daily. Ear scrapes and blood samples were taken on 0, 7, 14 and 21 days. The ear scraping was examined microscopically and the biochemical parameters were estimated and statistically analyzed. The results cleared that moxidectin achieved the complete healing (14th day) faster than propolis ointment (21st day), but MG suffered from a significant (P<0.05) hypoalbuminemia, increased liver and kidney function tests and cortisol levels when compared to PG. Liver and kidney function tests and cortisol yielded good values of the area under the curve, sensitivity%, specificity%, likelihood ratio, PPV%, NPV%, accuracy rate% in DG, MG (except creatinine) and PG. The study concluded that propolis had a prominent antipsoroptic effect without inducing hepatic or renal toxicity. Liver and kidney function tests and cortisol may be useful markers for rabbit mange diagnosis and prognosis and following up its treatment.

Biological Activity of Propolis Ointment with the Addition of 1% Nanosilver in the Treatment of Experimentally-Evoked Burn Wounds.

The main objective of this study was to assess the pharmacological efficacy of ointments containing 1% propolis and 1% nanosilver, compared to the conventional treatment of burn wounds. In the evaluation of the results, we used clinical observation of scars, microbiological examinations, pathomorphological examinations, and analysis of free radicals. The analysis of the experiment results concerning the therapeutic effectiveness of the propolis ointment revealed its wide-ranging antibacterial action (against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria). The 1% propolis ointment was found to accelerate neoangiogenesis and epithelialization, have a positive effect on the healing of burn wounds, improve the cosmetic look of scars, and have no side-effects. The analysis of free radicals in burn wounds showed impressive activity of the 1% nanosilver ointment in the reduction of free radicals. No synergism of pharmacological activity of propolis and nanosilver was shown. A comparative evaluation of the acquired research material allows us to provide a favorable opinion on the topical treatment of burn wounds with 1% propolis. The obtained results show that the 1% propolis ointment reduces healing time, offers antimicrobial action, and has a positive effect on the normal process of scar formation.

Effect of green propolis extracts on experimental aged gingival irritation in vivo and in vitro

ObjectivesTooth bleaching has become one of the most frequently requested esthetic procedures in dental practice. A side effect of bleaching is gingival irritation. This study examined the efficacy of propolis to treat gingival irritation caused by bleaching in vivo and in vitro. MethodsGingival irritation was mimicked by a mild burn injury to oral mucosa in young (10 week old) and aged (18 month old) mice. Propolis ointment was immediately applied to the burn area. After 24 h, gingiva was collected to determine the efficacy of propolis by hematoxylin and eosin staining and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). ResultsTopical application of propolis ointment reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells at irritated sites and promoted the repair of the mucosal epithelium in young and aged mice. It also suppressed the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α and increased keratin 1 and 5 expression in the irritated gingiva. Propolis suppressed an increase in IL-1β and TNF-α upon stimulation with H2O2 in young and SA-β-gal-expressing senescent human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) cultures. ConclusionsPropolis may be effective for mucosal repair in gingival irritation as it suppresses the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and promotes keratin expression.

Brazilian Green Propolis as a Therapeutic Agent for the Post-surgical Treatment of Caseous Lymphadenitis in Sheep.

As antibiotics are ineffective when used to treat caseous lymphadenitis, the surgical excision of lesions is often required. Iodine solution (10%) is currently the choice for the post-surgical treatment; however, it may cause histotoxicity. Propolis are resinous substances composed by a mixture of different plants parts and molecules secreted by bees. As green propolis has already proven to possess anti-bacterial and wound healing properties, this study aimed to evaluate the use of a green propolis-based ointment as a therapeutic agent for the post-surgical treatment of caseous lymphadenitis. The caseous lesions of 28 sheep were surgically excised before dividing animals into two groups: (1) iodine-treated animals and (2) sheep treated with an ointment made with a previously characterized green propolis extract. Clinical data of animals, size of the scar area, the presence of moisture and secretion in the surgical wound, the humoral immune response against the bacterium and the susceptibility of C. pseudotuberculosis clinical isolates to the green propolis extract were analyzed. The green propolis-treated group presented complete healing of the surgical wound 1 week before the iodine-treated group. Additionally, animals treated with the green propolis ointment had fewer cases of wound secretion, but it was not statistically different from the iodine-treated group. No clinical signs indicating green propolis toxicity or other side effects were found, associated with a faster and more organized hair recovery by propolis use. The green propolis extract was able to inhibit the growth of 23 from the 27 C. pseudotuberculosis clinical isolates, with minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericide concentrations ranging from 01 to 08 mg/mL, and did not interfere with the humoral immune response against the bacterium. In addition, green propolis was able to inhibit biofilm formation by four of the C. pseudotuberculosis clinical isolates. We concluded that green propolis is a promising therapeutic agent to be used in the post-surgical treatment of caseous lymphadenitis in small ruminants due to its effects on surgical wound healing, hair recovery, inhibition of wound contamination and bacterial growth.

Effect of Propolis Preparations on Transepithelial Electrical Potential, Resistance, and Ion Transport in In Vitro Study.

Background Propolis and its ethanol extract show positive germicidal, bacteriostatic, and anti-inflammatory antioxidants and regenerative properties after use on the surface of the skin. Propolis is in common use in production of cosmetics and in folk medicine. The influence of this resinous mixture on ion channels, channels located in skin cells membranes and skin electrical resistance, was not explained. Objective The main aim of the study was the evaluation of electrophysiological skin parameters during mechanical and chemical-mechanical stimulation after use of ethanol extract of propolis and propolis ointment in comparison with iso-osmotic Ringer solution. Methods Skin fragments were taken from white New Zealand rabbits and distributed into three experimental groups which were incubated in ethanol extract of propolis (EEP), propolis ointment, and Ringer solution. Then they were placed in a Ussing chamber to measure electrophysiological parameters values. Results In this study the influence of EEP on changes in value of electrical potential during block of chloride ions transport at the same time was observed. Ethanol propolis extract dissolved in water increases the transepidermal sodium ions transport in contrast to propolis ointment. Conclusion The way of preparation cosmetics, which contain propolis, has effects on transepidermal ions transport in the rabbit's skin. The value of skin electrical resistance is changing with penetration depth of active propolis substances contained in cosmetics.

Biomarkers as predictive tools to test the in vivo anti-sarcoptic mange activity of propolis in naturally infested rabbits.

The present study was designed to investigate the use of specific biomarkers, such as albumin, serum total protein, aspartate amino transferase (AST), globulin, alanine amino transferase (ALT), serum cortisol and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as predictive tools for sarcoptic mange in rabbits. A total of 40 naturally infested rabbits were equally divided into four groups.Thirty infested rabbits were administered with three different treatments (propolis,ivermectin, and propolis with ivermectin) and were compared to10 infested un-treated rabbits. The impact of treatment was assessed via microscopic examination of skin scrapings, clinical signs, and blood measurements relating to the liver. The present study demonstrated that topical application of 10% propolis ointment resulted in complete recovery from clinical signs and complete absence of mites based on microscopic examination after 10–15 days of treatment. Moreover, AST, ALP, ALT, and cortisol were determined to be acceptable biomarkers to track the response of diseased rabbits to the therapeutic use of propolis.

Wound Healing Activity of Propolis of West Algeria

Propolis is a resinous substance that bees use todefend their colonies against any pathogen. It has beenused in traditional medicine since ancient times because ofits therapeutic properties. Pollen analysis of propolis of AinTrid has shown that the region of Ain Trid is rich in plantspecies visited by bees (31 genus identified) and that themajority of these species are considered as medicinal plants,which gives propolis an important place in wound healing.The study of the wound healing activity is carried out in vivoon theWistar rats divided into 3 groups: group 1 treated withpropolis ointment, group 2 treated with commercial cream,and group 3 considered as untreated. The duration of treatmentwas estimated to be 23 days. The results obtainedshowed that the group treated by propolis ointment showeda high cure rate, in which the percentage of wound closurereached up to 94.93% ± 5.29 in the group 1, while in thegroup 2 arrived to 79.97% ± 13.01, and in group 3 was72.55% ± 19.94. The results demonstrated also that the numberof days required to contract 50% of wound area wasdifferent among the groups, in the 12th day in group 1,16th day in group 2, and 18th day post wounding in group 3.These results have shown that propolis can be prepared andused in traditional medicine as a natural ointment for thetreatment of skin diseases in our region.

Clinical and Pathological Assessment of Aloe Vera and Propolis for Wound Healing in Normal and Diabetic Albino Rats

The study was conducted to evaluate the role of topical application of either aloe vera gel extract or propolis ointment on wound healing in diabetic and non-diabetic animals. Ninety adult female albino rats weighing (180±200 gm) were divided into 2 groups (A; non-diabetic) and (B; diabetic), each group was further subdivided into 3 subgroups. Group A contains subgroups 1, 2 and 3 but group B contains subgroups 4, 5 and 6. Subgroups (1, 4) were experimentally punched for induction of skin wound and left untreated for 2 weeks. The wound in both subgroups (2, 5) were treated with Aloe vera extract topically daily. Subgroups (3, 6) skin wound was treated with 10% propolis ointment topically twice daily for 2 weeks. The rats were examined daily during the experiment for any abnormality or mortality rates. Blood samples were collected, besides skin wound specimen from all sacrificed rats on 3, 7, and 14 dpi for cellular immune response and histopathological examination, respectively. Both treated rats mainly (subgroup 2, 3 and 6) were responded to treatment with rapid healing which begin from 7 dpi compared to (subgroups 1, 5) which showed delayed healing. However, subgroup (4) was difficult to response to recovery until 14 dpi. It could be concluded that both propolis and Aloe vera accelerated the healing process in both diabetic and non-diabetic wounded animals.

Topical propolis improves wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: a randomized controlled trial

In this randomized controlled trial, diabetic patients with foot ulcers (Wagner grades 1 and 2) were randomly assigned to conventional therapies for diabetic foot ulcer plus topical propolis ointment (5%; twice daily) or conventional therapies alone. The process of ulcer healing was observed during 4 weeks and compared between the two groups regarding the size, erythema, exudates, white blood cell (WBC) count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The process of ulcer size reduction during the four-week period of study was significantly different between the groups. However, this difference was not significant between the third and fourth weeks. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding erythema and exudate reduction as well as WBC count and ESR. Administration of topical propolis ointment in addition to the conventional treatments of diabetic foot ulcer could reduce the size of ulcers with Wagner grades 1 and 2.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL, CLINICO-BIOCHEMICAL AND THERAPEUTIC STUDIES ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF MANGE IN DOMESTIC RABBITS

Mange is one of the serious injuries caused by Ectoparasites like Sarcoptes scabiei and Psoroptes cuniculi and the most frequently found in rabbit farms and results in considerable loss of weight, productivity, and fur quality. Several strategies have been proposed for the treatment of mange caused by these mites, ranging from the use of acaricides, drugs and chemicals such as ivermectin, which involves disadvantages including genotoxic and cytotoxic effects, resistance and environmental damage. In this study, we examined the oxidative status of the peripheral blood of rabbits infested with Psoroptes cuniculi and Sarcoptes scabiei and investigated the pathogenesis of this disease. Moreover, comparative study between the the therapeutic effects of topical application of propolis ointment 10 % and subcutaneously injected ivermectin in naturally infested rabbits with Sarcoptes scabiei and Psoroptes cuniculi was done. Parasitological examination of ear wax and body scraping revealed the presence of living movable stages of both Sarcoptic and Psoroptic mites. However, microscopical examination of skin scraping and ear wax collected from treated rabbits after 10 days post treatment were negative for adult mites and its developmental stages. Hematological analysis revealed that RBCs count and PCV % values in infested rabbits were decreased significantly (P<0. 05) (2.2 ± 0.1) and (14 ± 2.3) respectively than control group (4.8 ± 0.2) and (31.8 ± 3.8) respectively. Treatment with ivermectin and propolis were restored both RBCs count and PCV % values significantly (4.3 ± 0.2) and (21.5 ± 2.2) respectively. Levels of lipid peroxides and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) were significantly higher in the mange infested rabbits compared with the healthy controls while those of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly lower. Treatment with ivermectin and propolis recovered these peroxides and antioxidant enzymes to approximately normal level. Regarding biochemical analysis, the levels of Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST) and Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT) in rabbits treated with ivermectin and propolis were decreased significantly (P<0.05) than those of rabbits of the positive control group. Histopathological examination of skin of infested rabbits revealed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, subepidermal dermatitis and leukocytic infiltrations. Treated groups showed improvement in skin lesions manifested by reduction or absence of scales and mite stages. It was concluded that significant alteration of oxidant/antioxidant balance is a factor in the pathogenesis of mange infestation of rabbits, and recovery can be enhanced by ivermectin treatment and topical application of propolis.

Preliminary Study on Wound Healing Activity of Propolis in Albino Rats

Background: Infection can lead to delayed wound healing. Recently it has been shown that propolis which is used in complementary medicine has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this study is to determine whether propolis may contribute to wound healing.&#x0D; Material and Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group1 and Group 2 were topically treated with propolis ointment and Thiocillin® oinment, respectively while Group 3 was the control group. On incision wound model, Thiocillin® and propolis ointments were applied on wound sites once daily for 30 days and the mean epidermal thickness (MET) at the 30th day was compared while antimicrobial activity of propolis was studied against different pathogens as well.&#x0D; Results: Propolis exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. It is observed that the MET in the groups of Propolis ointment and Thiocillin® ointment were significantly greater than that of the control group, while the MET in the group of propolis ointment was significantly greater than that of Thiocillin® ointment treated group. Conclusion: Propolis is effective in wound healing. Further study in-depth is necessary to probe into clinical correlation.

Topical treatment of nonhealing venous leg ulcer with propolis ointment.

An investigation of effectiveness of topical treatment of nonhealing chronic venous leg ulcers with propolis ointment was conducted. 56 patients were included in the study and randomized into two groups. In group 1, there were 28 patients (ulceration area: 6.9–9.78 cm2) treated by means of topical propolis ointment application and short stretch bandage compression. In group 2, there were 29 patients (ulceration area: 7.2–9.4 cm2) treated by means of Unna boot leg compression without topical propolis treatment. In the study, the efficacy of both treatment methods in patients with resistive venous leg ulcers was compared. The ulceration of patients from group 1 healed completely after 6 weeks of therapy in all cases. In all patients from group 2, the process of healing was longer but successfully completed after 16 weeks of the therapy. We found that an adjunctive propolis ointment treatment increases the efficacy of the short stretch bandage compression stocking, and this combined treatment is more effective than Unna's boot compression alone.