Propolis improves periodontal status and glycemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic periodontitis. - GreenMedInfo Summary

BACKGROUND: Propolis is a natural resin made by bees from various plant sources. Propolis exerts antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties. The purpose of this study was to assess the adjunctive benefit of propolis supplementation in individuals with both chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) receiving scaling and root planing (SRP).

METHODS: A 6-month randomized blinded clinical trial comparing SRP with placebo (placebo+SRP group, n=26) or combined with a 6- month regimen of 400 mg oral propolis once daily (propolis+SRP group, n=24) was performed in patients with long-standing T2DM and chronic periodontitis. Treatment outcomes included the change of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (the primary outcome) in addition to fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum N(€)-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML) and changes in periodontal parameters as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS: After 3 and 6 months, the average HbA1c levels in the propolis group decreased significantly by 0.82% and 0.96% units; respectively, p<0.01, however, there were no significant differences in the placebo subjects. Likewise, both FPG and CML levels were significantly reduced in the propolis group, but not in the placebo group. After therapy, periodontal parameters of chronic periodontitis were significantly improved in both groups. The propolis group showed significant greater PD reduction and CAL gain compared to the control group after 3 and 6 months.

CONCLUSION: A 6-month regimen of 400 mg daily propolis is a potentially viable adjunct to SRP that significantly reduces HbA1c, FPG and CML levels and improves periodontal therapy outcomes in people with T2DM and chronic periodontitis.