Clinical Assessment of Antimicrobial Effects of Brazilian Green Propolis on Chronic Wounds

Objectives: Chronic wounds in patients of several diseases, especially diabetics, comprise a public health problem in Brazil. The aim of this study was evaluate the effects of topical application of 5% green propolis ointment on nonspecific chronic wounds of patients from a health unit in Cajazeiras, Paraíba. Materials and Methods: The patients were divided into two groups: 20 for the intervention group, treated with 5% green propolis ointment, and 20 participants for the control group, treated with an essential fatty acid, plus vitamins A and E, which has standard application in the Brazilian Public Service, both during 30 days. The following clinical variables were observed: complications (necrosis, crust), aspects of the skin around the lesion, appearance and amount of exudate, signs of infection, presence of pain during treatment, appearance of any complication and odor. Forty participants were surveyed from May 2017 to October 2018. Results: Most of them were women (52.5%) aging from 76 to 95 years (55%), and illiterate (77.5%). The prevalent bacteria in the wounds were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and most of the sensitive antibiotics were aminoglycoside. In the control group, two of eight participants evaluated on the first day remained infected, whereas, in the group treated with green propolis ointment, all nine patients had infection cleared, with reduction of pain, 81.8% decrease of lesions with purulent exudate, and 73.4% debridement of devitalized tissue. Conclusion: These results confirm the potential of the green propolis ointment as a debridement, bactericide, and the ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, and adsorb odors.