PROPOLIS - AN ANCIENT REMEDY OR A NEW PARADIGM FOR WOUND HEALING: IN-VIVO PRECLINICAL EVALUATION, ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC ASPECTS

Many records show that propolis has been used by ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Romans. New evidence suggests that propolis is as old as honey, Hippocrates, a Greek physician, considered the father of modern medicine, recognized the healing properties of propolis. An important factor in impaired wound healing is biofilm formation; propolis as an antimicrobial agent can reduce biofilm generation and result in an accelerated healing processes. In this study the aim was to develop a formula of a Propolis solution containing Propolis extract (30% Propolis tincture) which can assist in the wound healing and to evaluate the effects of this propolis formula on the healing process of wounds in rabbits by scrutinizing the in-vivo healing properties, antimicrobial activity and monitoring the histopathological aspects, and to suggest the most promising concentration for clinical use. Three propolis solution concentrations (1%, 2% and 3%) were evaluated and compared to a control solution (saline). The results of this research established that all propolis solutions had beneficial impact on healing processes with the 1% solution having the best healing properties in vivo pre-clinical evaluation confirmed by antimicrobial testing and the histopathological exam. The Propolis formula 3% concentration present a spectacular decrease in contamination of the wound and ensured the best results in limiting the microbiological load of the cutaneous surgically induced defects, but the Propolis formula 1% concentration induced the less regenerative side effects like acanthosis, fibroplasia, hyperkeratosis or rete ridges compared to the control group treated with saline.