Bee Propolis: Nature’s Remedy for Bone Healing – A Narrative Review

Abstract

Propolis is a resin-like compound bees produce from botanical substances mixed with their saliva and beeswax. It contains antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids that promote bone healing. The promising potential of propolis in supporting bone healing has significant implications in various medical and dental fields, such as orthopedics, periodontology, orthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. This review aims to evaluate the existing body of research on the impact of propolis on bone healing. A comprehensive literature search spanning the last two decades until 2024 was conducted across reputable databases utilizing the search terms “propolis AND bone AND alveolar bone AND healing. Articles with these keywords, published in English and accessible from reputable databases like PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were included. Articles from unreliable sources, non-English publications, those without full-text access, and review articles or letters to editors were excluded. Initially, 1,974 articles were identified, and after removing duplicates and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 54 articles were selected, and 31 were deemed relevant for the review. The literature indicates that propolis offers significant advantages in halting the progression of bone loss and expediting bone formation and maturation, primarily due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, incorporating propolis could be an effective and cost-efficient strategy for managing bone defects.