Effects of Propolis on Oral Health and Oral Cavity Cancers

For centuries, people have used apitherapy, the therapeutic use of bee products like propolis, honey, bee venom, wax, pollen, and royal jelly, to prevent and treat various diseases. Propolis is well-known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. It contains over 300 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, and aromatic substances. Recent studies have highlighted its growing application in dentistry, especially in products like toothpaste, mouthwashes, and sprays, which have demonstrated efficacy in preventing dental caries, reducing gum inflammation, and accelerating the healing of oral ulcers. Moreover, due to its antioxidant capacity, propolis may help mitigate oxidative stress, potentially contributing to the prevention of oral cancer. Given its therapeutic potential in both oral health and oncology, propolis emerges as a promising natural treatment option. However, further in-depth studies are required to fully elucidate its clinical potential and verify its efficacy and safety.