Propolis and Reduced Plaque Index

Research synthesisModerate evidenceMixed effect size3 studies · 3 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects on plaque index reduction, with effect sizes ranging from small to large. The highest-quality evidence from a small randomized controlled trial found a large reduction using 0.2% propolis mouthwash over 21 days in patients with gingivitis. The evidence base is small and predominantly positive, but further research is needed to confirm effect magnitude and optimal dosing.

Studied populations: patients with gingivitis or periodontitis

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). The only original trial had a small sample (n=45) and short duration (21 days), and two of the included studies are reviews.

Generated Jul 14, 2026

Time to effect

Median: 3 weeks · IQR 3 weeks–3 weeks · Range 3 weeks–3 weeks — Reported in 1 of 3 studies

3 of 3 papers

Comparative effectiveness of Propolis with chlorhexidine mouthwash on gingivitis - a randomized controlled clinical study.
- 2024-04-06
- RCT · n = 45
- BMC complementary medicine and therapies 24(1)
- - Shilpa Gunjal
  - Deepak Gowda Sadashivappa Pateel
- PubMed: 38582863
- DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04456-8
2 Insights on
- Reduced Plaque Index
- High evidence
- Clinical
Bonferroni post-hoc test showed statistically significant difference between Propolis and Chlorhexidine mouthwash (P < 0.001), with higher reduction in the mean plaque and gingival scores in propolis group compared to chlorhexidine and placebo groups.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Significant
Yes
Dose
0.2% Propolis mouthwash
Comparison Between Natural Products and Chlorhexidine in Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.
- 2026-02-13
- Review
- Dentistry journal 14(2)
- - Andrea Scribante
  - Matteo Pellegrini
  - Maurizio Pascadopoli
  - Valentino Natoli
  - Valentina Poma
  - Andrea Butera
- PubMed: 41744948
- DOI: 10.3390/dj14020110
4 Insights on
- Reduced Plaque Index
- Low evidence
- Clinical
along with significant reductions in bleeding on probing (BoP) and plaque index (PI)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes
Clinical Applications and Therapeutic Potential of Nano-Bio Fusion Gel in Oral Soft Tissue Therapy: A Critical Narrative Review.
- 2026-05-14
- Review
- Gels (Basel, Switzerland) 12(5)
- - Gábor Kammerhofer
  - Ákos Tamás Nagy
  - Árpád Joób-Fancsaly
  - György Szmirnov
  - Ilona Szmirnova
  - Dániel Végh
  - Márton Kivovics
  - György Szabó
  - Zsolt Németh
- PubMed: 42196113
- DOI: 10.3390/gels12050429
11 Insights on
- Reduced Plaque Index
- Low evidence
- Clinical
NBF gel may provide clinical benefits as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy, with reported improvements in plaque and gingival indices
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Significant
Yes

Propolis and Reduced Plaque Index

Comparative effectiveness of Propolis with chlorhexidine mouthwash on gingivitis - a randomized controlled clinical study.

Comparison Between Natural Products and Chlorhexidine in Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Clinical Applications and Therapeutic Potential of Nano-Bio Fusion Gel in Oral Soft Tissue Therapy: A Critical Narrative Review.