Chronic Periodontitis Treated Effectively with Propolis

This clinical study verifies other results which have proven propolis effective as an adjuvant and even as a primary solution for a variety of oral conditions. Regular use of propolis in toothpaste or chewing gum would be well-advised to avoid these issues. 

Propolis as an Adjuvant in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis - A Clinicomicrobiologic Study

J Clin Diagn Res. 2014 Sep;8(9):ZC41-4

OBJECTIVES:

This study was aimed at the clinical and microbiological evaluation of the efficacy of subgingivally delivered Indian propolis extract as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Twenty patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis presenting a minimum of two pockets (probing depth ≥5 mm) were selected. Sites were assigned randomly into control sites (n=20) which received SRP alone or test sites (n=20) which received SRP and locally delivered propolis. At selected sites, the clinical parameters were assessed and subgingival plaque samples were collected at baseline, 15 days and one month. The samples were cultured anerobically for periodontal pathogens.

RESULTS:

The results indicated that there was a significant improvement in both clinical and microbiological parameters (p < 0.01) in the test sites compared to the control sites at the end of the study.

CONCLUSION:

Subgingival delivery of propolis showed promising results as an adjunct to SRP in patients with chronic periodontitis when assessed by clinical and microbiological parameters.

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Honey Consumption Reduces Chemotherapy Side Effects

This clinical study reaffirms that honey is medicine. It's therapeutic value improved the health of children suffering from Leukemia. It also enhanced hemoglobin levels, decreased hospital stay and chemotherapy side effects. Whether ill or well, consuming honey has important advantages to improving and maintaining one's health, while preventing unwanted illnesses.

Clinical Trial: The Effects of Honey on Febrile Neutropeniain Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Clinical Trials.gov, Oct 2014

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common and serious side effect of chemotherapy. Current management of FN is expensive and may induce side effects. Honey is a natural substance produced by honeybees. It possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. In addition, honey is not expensive. 

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 12-week honey consumption on children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) particularly with regards of FN episodes. This randomized crossover clinical trial included 40 patients of both sexes, aged 2.5 to 10 years. They were randomized into two equal groups [intervention to control (I/C) and control to intervention (C/I)]. 

The dietary intervention was 12-week honey consumption in a dose of 2.5g//kg body weight per dose twice weekly. The intervention resulted in a significant decrease of FN episodes and duration of hospital admission. Furthermore, the intervention improved the levels of hemoglobin and did not lead to any serious side effect. As a possible effect of honey withdrawal in the I/C group, the Hb%, the absolute neutrophil count and the platelet count decreased. 

This small clinical trial suggests that honey consumption might have positive effects on FN and hematologic parameters of children with ALL.