The effects of Propolis in the management of non-infectious lesions in the oral cavity: an integrative review

Introduction: propolis is a natural product that has numerous therapeutic properties, including healing and anti-inflammatory action. Several studies have suggested its use in the management of oral mucositis (OM) and ulcerated lesions in the oral mucosa. OM is an inflammation of the oral mucosa resulting from chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Whereas ulcerated lesions are characterized as a painful inflammatory ulcerative disorder. Objective: to discuss the action of propolis on the prevention and healing of non-infectious lesions that affect the oral cavity. Methodology: this is an integrative literature review in which LILACS, PubMed, SciELO and Cochrane databases were used, by crossing descriptors in Portuguese: "própolis", "úlceras orais" and "mucosite oral"; and in English: "propolis", "oral ulcer" and "mucositis". The following inclusion criteria were established: clinical trials and systematic reviews, in full, written in English or Portuguese, between 2005 and 2018, which used propolis topically or systemically. Results: a total of 10 studies were included, where 2 addressed the use of propolis in oral ulcers and 8 focused on the application of this agent in the management of OM. As for the outcome, the application of propolis in mucositis proved to be effective in 7 of the 8 studies. As for oral ulcers, the administration of this agent was effective in both studies. Conclusion: the analysed studies demonstrated that propolis has properties capable of help the prevention and healing of OM lesions and oral ulcers.