The evidence from these trials suggests that propolis is the best of all natural possibilities in the treatment of herpetic skin lesions.

PMID: 

Complement Ther Med. 2019 Apr ;43:81-84. Epub 2019 Jan 22. PMID: 30935560

Abstract Title: 

Bee products and the treatment of blister-like lesions around the mouth, skin and genitalia caused by herpes viruses-A systematic review.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVES: To assess the value of bee products with respect to antiviral efficacy against herpes viruses.DESIGN: A systematic review was done using the JUSTfind System of the Justus-Liebig-University Gießen and Scopus.RESULTS: Three trials on honey and 6 trials on propolis were conducted. Each trial provided evidence that these two bee products are interesting alternatives to acyclovir, especially propolis, which was found to be superior to acyclovir in 4 trials.CONCLUSIONS: The evidence from these trials suggests that propolis is the best of all natural possibilities in the treatment of herpetic skin lesions, especially those related to HSV-1. Future studies should analyse if propolis could be an adjunct to treatment with acyclovir. For lesions in the oral cavity, honey could be an interesting alternative.

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