Propolis for Cold Sores

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Propolis for treating all stages of cold sores.

 

 

Schematic Representation of the Stages of a cold Sore

(adapted from Fiddian AP et al., Journal of Infection, 1983)

 

Herpes labialis or cold sores affect between 20 to 40% of the population and are

caused by a virus known as Type 1 Herpes Simplex virus (HSV-1). Once contracted,

the virus resides in the nervous system for life where it remains latent until

the immune system is under stress when it starts to replicate. Cold sores are

normally treated with an external (topical) antiviral preparation when the first

symptoms – a tingling sensation in the area affected – arise. After about 24

hours a blister forms, followed by a weeping or ulceration stage. After around

five days a scab forms and it can take up to ten days before the cold sore is

healed.

 

Propolis, a natural product collected from beehives, may offer a more effective

treatment for cold sore sufferers even when they have missed that tingle stage.

 

Like conventional treatments propolis has antiviral properties. However, over

150 different compounds have been identified in propolis including amino acids,

trace elements and flavonoids and it has many other beneficial effects on cold

sores. Propolis can relieve symptoms even when applied later in the cold sore

episode. These include anaesthetic properties to help reduce pain, and

antifungal and antibacterial properties which can help to prevent secondary

infections. In addition, propolis has wound healing properties and it has been

shown to reduce significantly the time taken for cold sores to heal.

 

A double blind-placebo controlled trial of a topical 3% propolis preparation was

conducted in Sweden in 2001. Thirty-three patients applied a topical treatment

of propolis, while a further 35 patients applied a placebo. Patients applied the

treatment or placebo five times a day as soon as possible after the cold sore

episode began and continued for 12 days. They were trained to recognise the

stages of cold sores and recorded their symptoms in a ‘cold sore diary’.

 

The study found that propolis could reduce the normal healing time of cold sores

from ten days to just over six days. In addition there was a significant

reduction in pain reported by patients using propolis when compared to the

placebo group. This improvement in symptoms was reflected by the comments of the

patients on the trial. 91% of patients felt that propolis accelerated healing

and 94% felt that propolis limited the size of the cold sore. Overall 82% of the

patients who received propolis rated it as ‘very effective’.

 

The study concludes that at the time of writing no other topical antiviral drug

has been shown to be as effective in reducing healing time or intensity of pain

in cold sores.

 

http://www.healthywaymagazine.com/issue27/10_did_you_know.html

 

Reference: Hoheisel, O. Journal of Clinical Research 2001; 4: 65-75

 

 

 

 

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