Clinical Study: Lotion Containing Propolis Special Extract GH 2002 0.5% vs. Placebo as On-Top Treatment of Herpes Zoster

Abstract

Background: The aim of the clinical trial was to establish the contribution of propolis special extract GH 2002 as constituent of a lotion for the supportive treatment of Herpes zoster. Methods: 60 patients with diagnosed Herpes zoster were either treated with a propolis containing (n = 33) or an identical, but propolis-free lotion (n = 27) for 28 days, as an add-on therapy to oral antiviral treatment with aciclovir. Study parameters were the assessment of pain on a visual analogue scale, the assessment of the formation of new vesicles, and the safety of application of the preparation. Results: Improvement of pain was significantly better and quicker in the propolis lotion group (p < 0.001 at all visits). On day 3/4, the reduction of pain versus baseline was 54% versus 20% reduction in favour of propolis lotion. On day 14 the results were 80% versus 42% pain reduction. Healing of lesions was significantly quicker with the propolis-containing lotion: at visit 3 on day 7, 21% versus none of the patients showed a closed skin with or without crusting. After 14 days, the comparison showed 57.6% versus 25.9%. At least 50% of propolis-treated patients were lesion-free on day 14, versus day 28 in the control group (p = 0.013). The formation of new vesicles was also significantly suppressed. On day 3/4 the number of newly formed vesicles was 15 versus 25, on day seven the number of new vesicles was 4 versus 14 (p < 0.001). The advantage of propolis lotion was confirmed through the global assessment of efficacy by the physician, with 75.8 versus 33.3% "good" to "excellent" ratings already on day 3/4, 90.9 vs. 44.4% on day 7, and 100 vs. 74.1% on day 28 (p < 0.001). Skin tolerability was excellent, no allergic reactions, skin irritations or other adverse events were observed. Conclusion: The observations clinically confirm antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects of propolis special extract GH 2002 and at the same time demonstrate the benefits of the topical add-on to the systemic antiviral therapy of Herpes zoster.

Lip creams with propolis special extract GH 2002 0.5% versus aciclovir 5.0% for herpes labialis (vesicular stage)

“…Antiviral effects of the special propolis extract preparation GH 2002 applied in this trial have been demonstrated in several open studies aimed on the treatment of herpes labialis [ 29 , 31 ] and herpes zoster [ 30 ], including an examination of the dose and effect [ 29 ]. A recent study under blinded conditions examined the effects GH 2002 against herpes labialis in patients included in the early stages of the episode [ 9 ].…”

“…Raw propolis is purified in a special procedure and freed from the accompanying substances like wax, resins and pollen. This purification leads to an extract enriched with flavonoids, polyphenols and phenyl carboxylic acids with clinically demonstrated antiviral effects [ 9 , 30 ]. One study arm was given a lip cream containing 0.5% of the propolis extract (developmental medicinal product manufactured by Gehrlicher Pharmazeutische Extrakte, 82547 Eurasburg, Germany; cream batch No.…”

Comparative Study with a Lip Balm Containing 0.5% Propolis Special Extract GH 2002 versus 5% Aciclovir Cream in Patients with Herpes Labialis in the Papular/Erythematous Stage: A Single-blind, Randomized, Two-arm Study

“…The extract GH 2002 is purified from potentially allergenic pollen, waxes, and resins, and is standardized to a defined content of flavonoids, polyphenols, and phenylcarboxylic acids. 11 …”

Effects of Propolis on Infectious Diseases of Medical Relevance

“…A total of 33 patients with a diagnosis of Herpes zoster applied a treatment with a propolis-based lotion for 28 days as a complementary treatment to oral antiviral treatment with acyclovir. The healing of lesions was improved and faster with the propolis treatment; approximately 50% of propolis-treated patients had no injuries on day 14 and the growth of new vesicles was inhibited, clinically confirming the antiviral effects of European propolis and demonstrating the properties of complementary therapy on the systemic antiviral treatment of Herpes zoster ( Table 19 ) [ 201 ].…”

“…Herpes zoster in patients Improvement in pain and healing of lesions were better and quicker with treatment of the propolis lotion (0.5%); approximately 50% of propolis-treated patients had no injuries on day 14 and the formation of new vesicles was suppressed [201] The current situation related to COVID, which has compromised all health systems, makes it necessary to search for therapies that prevent or mitigate the complications of this disease. Natural products such as propolis are an interesting option in the search of complete therapies.…”