EXPLORING THE HEALING POTENTIAL OF PROPOLIS IN ORAL MUCOSAL INJURIES: A HISTOCHEMICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION

Background: Propolis, natural resinous entity that bees build from plant exudates acts as anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant; antimicrobial and regenerative. Based on its well-recognized therapeutic capabilities, there is limited
knowledge related to the effect of propolis application towards promoting oral mucosal wound healing. The purpose of
the present investigation was to study histochemical and immunohistochemical finding on the influence topical
propolis gel upon oral wound healing in rabbits.
Methods: Forty-eight healthy adult male Iraqi rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were divided randomly into eight
groups, four control groups (C3, C7, C14 and C21), survivored with propolis-free gel and four experimental groups
(T3,T7, T14 and T21), survi vored with propolis-based gel. A standardized longitudinal cut (10 × 3 mm) was created in
the hard palate of each rabbit. The healing process was monitored by measuring the extent of wound contraction.
Masson trichrome staining was used to evaluate collagen fiber distribution and areas, fibroblast proliferation, and
ECM organization. Moreover, immunohistochemical VEGF and TGF-β stainings were performed to detect angiogenic
and regenerative capabilities.
Results: Wound closure (AB) was faster and the organization of extracellular matrix (ECM) fibers as well as collagen
deposition were more optimally observed in propolis-treated than in control groups. Evidence of active angiogenesis
and mucosal keratinization in the treated wounds was also noted at an earlier date. Moreover, VEGF expression was
obviously upregulated (P ≤ 0.05) in the irradiated T7, T14 and T21 groups as compared to that in their respective
control ones, where a weak reactivity could be seen very localized.
Conclusion: Application of topical propolis gel had a remarkable perfective effect on the process of oral mucosal
wound healing by a stimulatory activity of fibroblasts, promoting synthesis of collagen and facilitating angiogenesis.
These results highlight propolis as a safe, bio-friendly biomaterial to enhance healing of oral soft tissues on dental
applications.