Propolis as an Adjuvant in the Healing of Human Diabetic Foot Wounds Receiving Care in the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre from the Regional Hospital of Talca

Abstract

Objective. Diabetic foot wounds are a relevant diabetes complication and a major health problem. It has been described that propolis has health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and support in the healing process. The current study assessed the effect of propolis as an adjuvant in the healing of human diabetic foot ulcers. This was evaluated in a randomized placebo-controlled study of subjects receiving care in the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre from the Regional Hospital of Talca, Chile. Research Design and Methods. Randomized subjects received ambulatory healing treatment for diabetes foot wounds with propolis spray (3%), which was applied to cover the entire wound surface each time it was dressed from week 0 until cicatrization or 8 weeks as a maximum. Two serum samples were taken (day 0 and end of the study) for cytokine and oxidative stress analyses. Also, macro- and microscopy were analyzed in the process of wound healing. Results. The study comprised 31 subjects with type 2 diabetes in treatment for diabetic foot wounds in the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre from the Regional Hospital of Talca. Propolis promotes a reduction of the wound’s area by an average of 4 cm2, related to an increase in the connective tissue deposit compared to the control. Also, propolis increased the glutathione (GSH) and GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio (p<0.02), depleted tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, and increased interleukin- (IL-) 10 levels. Topical propolis did not modify the biochemical parameters in the serum of the studied subjects. Conclusions. The topical use of propolis turned out to be an interesting therapeutic strategy as an adjuvant in the care of diabetes foot wounds due to its ability to improve and promote healing based on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profile. This trial is registered with NCT03649243.

Effects of Propolis Extract and Propolis-Derived Compounds on Obesity and Diabetes: Knowledge from Cellular and Animal Models

“…The numbers of patients showing ulcer discharge and erythema were diminished in the propolis-treated group (discharge, 5%; erythema, 0%) compared to the control group (discharge, 15%; erythema, 15%) [315]. More recently, the effects of Chilean propolis spray on diabetic foot ulcers have also been reported [316]. Chilean propolis spray reduced the average ulcer size and promoted fibrosis [316].…”

“…More recently, the effects of Chilean propolis spray on diabetic foot ulcers have also been reported [316]. Chilean propolis spray reduced the average ulcer size and promoted fibrosis [316]. On the other hand, patients who received propolis spray exhibited increased tissue GSH as well as an increased GSH/glutathione disulfide ratio, indicating that propolis increased local antioxidant activity [316].…”

“…Chilean propolis spray reduced the average ulcer size and promoted fibrosis [316]. On the other hand, patients who received propolis spray exhibited increased tissue GSH as well as an increased GSH/glutathione disulfide ratio, indicating that propolis increased local antioxidant activity [316]. In the ulcer region, propolis treatment decreased TNF-α content as well as inducing a net increase in IL-10 content, suggesting the anti-inflammatory potential of propolis [316].…”

“…In the 21 completed studies, three studies were associated with T2DM: two focused on assessing the efficacy of propolis in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and one focused on glycemic control in patients suffering from T2DM and chronic periodontitis. Although the data from one of the completed studies has not yet been published in an article, the data from the other studies are available [312,316]. In the future, researchers will be able to easily and efficiently browse clinical data on propolis treatment deposited in the database.…”

Mel: Uma Jornada Na Qualidade

“…A própolis pode ser classificada quanto ao teor de flavonoides, quando apresenta um baixo teor <1,0% (m/m) e um alto teor > 2,0% (m/m) (Brasil, 2001). (Tiveron et al, 2016), cicatrizante (Mujica et al, 2019), anticarcinogênica (Badria et al, 2018) e antiviral (Yildirim et al, 2016).…”