Effect of Anatolian propolis on the healing of mouth ulcers and wounds

Experts point out that Anatolian propolis can be a natural support for oral care and healing of oral ulcers and sores. From May 30th to June 5th, International Week of Children with Leukemia is commemorated. Globally, each year, more than 400,000 children and adolescents aged 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer, with over 8,000 children diagnosed in Turkey. Pediatrician Dr. Elif Pınar Çakır emphasizes that Leukemia is the most common type of childhood cancer, accounting for a third of cases, and mentions that Anatolian propolis can be a natural support for oral care and healing of oral ulcers and sores.
“Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.” Çakır highlights that early diagnosis and treatment can lead to recovery rates of up to 70% in tumors. She states, “Depending on the subtype of cancer in childhood cancers, treatments such as drug therapy (chemotherapy), radiation therapy (radiotherapy), surgical treatments, stem cell transplants, and combination therapies are used. Oral mucositis, seen as a side effect of cancer treatments, not only affects the quality of life of those battling the disease but also complicates food intake. Especially during childhood cancer treatments, the increased protein and energy needs may be difficult to meet due to oral ulcers and sores, leading to nutritional deficiencies and even malnutrition in children.”
The impact of propolis has been researched. Dr. Elif Pınar Çakır, a Pediatrician, emphasizes the importance of effectively combating oral ulcers and sores commonly seen in cancer treatments. She says, “Scientific studies indicate that gargling with propolis may be effective against oral mucositis.” Food Engineer and Bee Products Specialist Dr. Aslı Elif Tanuğur Samancı mentions a randomized controlled scientific study conducted in Malaysia in 2022 where the effect of propolis against oral mucositis in individuals undergoing radiotherapy was investigated. She explains, “The 6-week study involved 17 voluntary participants who were randomly divided into two equal groups: an experimental group and a control group. The 10 individuals in the experimental group gargled with a 7 ml propolis mixture three times a day for 6 weeks, while the 7 individuals in the control group gargled with salty water. The study evaluated oral mucositis scores, and the data indicated a significant decrease in oral mucositis scores in individuals gargling with propolis in the 2nd, 4th, and 6th weeks of the study.”