Back to the basics: Propolis and COVID ‐19

Abstract

The epidemiological burden of COVID‐19 is a healthcare challenge throughout the world, not only in terms of testing the limits of medical capacities, but also as an enigma considering preventive strategies and methods. The upper respiratory tract mucosa is the first line of defense, as a physical barrier, as well as through multiple innate and adaptive immune mechanisms which are crucial for efficient antiviral responses. Identifying methods able to reduce or prevent colonization, viral adhesion, and promote virus shedding on mucous membranes or have the ability to inactivate pathogens and thus reduce virus dose and/or increase immune response would be essential in the management of COVID‐19 outbreak and help in flattening the curve. We review the effects of propolis, an old remedy with proven antiviral properties, as a possible low‐cost inhibitor of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the oropharyngeal niche, prophylaxis, or adjuvant therapy.

Propolis and its potential against SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms and COVID-19 disease

“…This option provides alternatives that are normally inexpensive and do not require prescriptions. Specifically, propolis has been suggested as a prophylactic treatment for high risk groups in the current COVID-19 pandemic [ 232 ].…”

Plant Sources Responsible for the Chemical Composition and Main Bioactive Properties of Poplar-Type Propolis

“…A comprehensive review on the potential uses of propolis in oral health was published in 2010 by Parolia et al [ 144 ]. Different beneficial properties of propolis were mentioned, which included dental surgical wound healing [ 151 ], new storage media following avulsion [ 152 , 153 , 154 ], pulp capping agent [ 155 ], as an intracanal irrigant [ 156 ], as a mouth rinse [ 153 , 157 ], for dentinal hypersensitivity [ 158 , 159 ], for treatment of perodontitis [ 160 ], for treatment of denture stomatitis [ 161 ], as an intra-canal medicament [ 162 ], an effect on recurrent aphthous stomatitis [ 163 ], and an effect on Candida albicans [ 164 ]. A conclusion of the review was that propolis can be used in all these pathologies, but cautions must be taken due to some allergic reactions in some patients.…”

Beekeepers who tolerate bee stings are not protected against SARS-CoV-2 infections

“…Recently, stingless bee honey was suggested to reduce the severity of pulmonary manifestations in COVID-19 infections; however, this hypothesis was clearly rejected by other researchers ( Mustafa et al, 2020 ; Ch'ng & Tang, 2020 ). Other researchers consider propolis to be a potentially preventive substance ( Bachevski et al, 2020 ; Berretta et al, 2020 ; Scorza et al, 2020 ). Beekeepers with a stronger belief in apitherapy might have been more interested in completing our assessment form in cases where they hadn't been infected, while those with an infection might have refrained.…”