Efficacy of Brazilian propolis extract and gel for the management of denture stomatitis

Denture stomatitis presents as a chronic diseases in denture-bearing patients, especially under maxillary prosthesis. Despite the existence of a great number of antifungal agents, treatment failure is observed frequently. Propolis, a natural product, possesses well-documented antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a news Brazilian propolis extract and gel formulation in patients diagnosed with denture stomatitis. Forty-five complete-denture wearers with denture stomatitis were enrolled in this pilot study. At baseline, clinical evaluation was performed by a single clinician and instructions for denture hygiene were provided. Fifteen patients received Daktarin^® (Miconazole gel), 15 received propolis extract (BPE) and 15 received propolis gel. All patients were recommended to apply the product four times a day during one week. Clinical evaluation was repeated by the same clinician after treatment. All patients treated with Brazilian propolis extract, Brazilian propolis gel and Daktarin^® had complete clinical remission of palatal edema and erythema. This new Brazilian propolis gel formulation had efficacy comparable to Daktarin^® and could be an alternative topical choice for the treatment of denture stomatitis.

Acknowledgements: FAPEMIG – Fundação de Apoio a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais; CNPq – Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico; CAPES – Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior; Pharm. Dra. Sheila Rago Lemos Abreu (Pharmanéctar- Belo Horizonte- Brazil).