Akhavan-Karbassi, M.H., Yazdi, M.F., Ahadian, H., & SadrAbad, M.J. (2016). Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of propolis for oral mucositis in patients receiving chemotherapy for head and neck cancer. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 17, 3611–3614. 

To test the effectiveness of propolis as a mouthwash to reduce chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis

Patients were randomized to receive a propolis mouth rinse (30% extract) or sterile water placebo rinse. Patients were to swish 5 ml of the rinse in the mouth for 60 seconds, gargle, and expectorate. Rinses were used three times daily for seven days.

• N = 40   
• AGE = Not reported
• MALES: Not reported  
• FEMALES: Not reported
• CURRENT TREATMENT: Combination radiation and chemotherapy
• KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Patients with head and neck cancer receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy

• SITE: Single site   
• SETTING TYPE: Outpatient    
• LOCATION: Iran

PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial

World Health Organization (WHO) mucositis grading

By day seven, erythema, wounding, and general mucositis grades were lower in the propolis group (p < 0.006). Mucositis grades were lower in the propolis group.

The findings suggest that propolis mouth rinses may be helpful to manage oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Well designed research is needed to confirm these findings.

• Small sample (< 100)
• No demographic information was provided, and the chemotherapy regimens used were not adequately described. There is no information about other aspects of oral care that were used.

This study report has multiple flaws and provided only weak evidence of the potential effectiveness of propolis for the reduction of oral mucositis. Well designed research is needed to further evaluate the potential effects of this intervention.