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Propolis as a Natural Remedy in Reducing Dental Plaque and Gingival Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

  • 2025-09-08
  • Journal of functional biomaterials 16(9)
    • Magdalena Sycińska-Dziarnowska
    • Liliana Szyszka-Sommerfeld
    • Monika Bugajska
    • Magdalena Ziąbka
    • Izabela Szućko-Kociuba
    • Gianrico Spagnuolo
    • Krzysztof Woźniak
    • Hyo-Sang Park

Study Design

Type
Review
Methods
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies assessing propolis-based mouthwashes or toothpastes; data synthesis used random-effects meta-analysis
Dental plaque, if not regularly removed through proper oral hygiene, can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, and more severe periodontal disease. Effective plaque removal is essential in preventing gingivitis, the precursor to periodontitis. Propolis, a bee product known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, has shown potential in dental applications. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of propolis-containing mouthwashes and toothpastes in reducing dental plaque and gingival inflammation.

Materials and methods

The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023467573), and the review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed up to 10 May 2025 to identify randomized controlled trials and observational studies assessing propolis-based mouthwashes or toothpastes. Data synthesis used random-effects meta-analysis due to anticipated heterogeneity among studies.

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis, evaluating the efficacy of propolis alcohol-free mouthwash on plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI). For PI, the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was 1.74 (95% CI: 0.19-3.29; p = 0.036), with low between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 13.7%). For GI, the pooled SMD was 2.19 (95% CI: 1.10-3.29; p = 0.005), with no observed heterogeneity (I2 = 0.0%). Propolis mouthwashes demonstrated large effect sizes, significantly reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation compared to baseline.

Conclusions

The evidence supports the potential of propolis-containing mouthwashes and toothpastes in managing dental plaque and gingival health. Propolis-based oral care products could be a valuable addition to preventive strategies in dental hygiene, offering an alternative for reducing dental plaque and gingival inflammation.

Research Insights

  • Propolis→Reduced Formation of Dental Plaque

    For PI, the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was 1.74 (95% CI: 0.19-3.29; p = 0.036), with low between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 13.7%). Propolis mouthwashes demonstrated large effect sizes, significantly reducing plaque accumulation.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Large
  • Propolis→Reduced Gingival Inflammation

    For GI, the pooled SMD was 2.19 (95% CI: 1.10-3.29; p = 0.005), with no observed heterogeneity (I2 = 0.0%). Propolis mouthwashes demonstrated large effect sizes, significantly reducing gingival inflammation.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Large
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