Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026
Murine Model of Wound Healing
Published on: May 28, 2013
Mixing two different propolis samples potentiates their antimicrobial activity and wound healing property: A novel
1Private Clinic, Basic Science Research, Al-Rusafa, Baghdad, Iraq.
Aim:
The study aimed to investigate whether mixing two different propolis samples can potentiate their biological activity. This hypothesis was tested by studying the effect of mixed propolis on microbial growth and wound healing and compared with the effect of each propolis individually.
Materials And Methods:
The effect of mixing two different propolis extracts (A and B) collected from different locations in Iraq on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans was studied by minimum inhibitory concentration assessment and compared with the effect of each propolis. Wound healing effect of the mixed propolis was studied. Twenty-four rabbits were used for the experiment, and they were assigned to four groups. Wounds were created on the dorsum of each rabbit and treated by topical application of 1 mL of either mixed propolis, propolis A, or propolis B extracts or were kept without treatment as a control. Macroscopic wound evaluation was performed with an assessment of wound size, wound recovery, redness, edema, discharge, granulation tissue, and epithelialization.
Results:
Propolis A was more potent than propolis B extracts to inhibit the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans (p<0.05). However, mixed propolis showed a higher antimicrobial activity toward all the pathogens than propolis A or propolis B extract individually (p<0.05). Furthermore, propolis A and propolis B extracts showed favorable effects on wound healing which was more pronounced with propolis A extract. Interestingly, mixed propolis accelerated wound healing faster than propolis A or propolis B extracts, and it shortened the time of reepithelialization (p<0.05).
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates for the first time that mixing different propolis samples possesses a higher antimicrobial activity and higher wound healing property than individual propolis. This approach could pave the way for the development of more effective antimicrobials and wound healing agents.
Insights
Mixing propolis samples enhances antimicrobial and wound healing properties. This combination therapy offers a promising new approach for developing potent therapeutic agents.
Area of Science:
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Propolis, a natural resinous mixture produced by honeybees, exhibits diverse biological activities.
- Different propolis samples can vary in composition and efficacy.
- Investigating synergistic effects of combined propolis extracts is crucial for optimizing therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if mixing two distinct propolis samples potentiates their antimicrobial and wound healing activities.
- To compare the efficacy of the mixed propolis with individual propolis extracts.
- To evaluate the potential of combined propolis for developing novel therapeutic agents.
Main Methods:
- Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays were performed to assess antimicrobial activity against *Escherichia coli*, *Staphylococcus aureus*, and *Candida albicans*.
- A wound healing study was conducted on rabbits, comparing the effects of mixed propolis, individual propolis extracts (A and B), and a control group.
- Macroscopic wound evaluation included assessments of size, recovery, redness, edema, discharge, granulation tissue, and epithelialization.
Main Results:
- Propolis A demonstrated greater antimicrobial potency than propolis B against all tested pathogens.
- The mixed propolis exhibited significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to individual propolis A or B extracts.
- Mixed propolis accelerated wound healing and reduced reepithelialization time more effectively than individual extracts.
Conclusions:
- Mixing different propolis samples significantly enhances both antimicrobial and wound healing properties.
- This synergistic approach offers a promising strategy for developing more effective antimicrobial and wound healing formulations.
- The findings support the development of novel therapeutic agents by combining natural propolis sources.
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