Propolis-xenograft scaffolds: comparing delivery methods for tibial bone regeneration in rats

Alveolar bone loss after tooth extraction may compromise implant placement and often requires regenerative treatment. Propolis, a natural compound with osteogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, may enhance bone regeneration, particularly when combined with xenograft biomaterials. This study evaluated the effects of oral and topical propolis, alone and in combination with xenograft, on bone healing in a rat tibial defect model.

Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10): control, oral propolis, topical propolis, xenograft, oral propolis with xenograft, and topical propolis with xenograft. Standardized tibial defects (5 × 2 × 2 mm) were created and treated accordingly. After 4 weeks, radiographic, histological, and histomorphometric analyses were performed. Outcomes included relative bone density, new bone area, and osteoblast and osteoclast counts. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05).

Relative bone density increased from 19% in the control group to 81% in the topical propolis with xenograft group (p < 0.05). This group also showed the largest new bone area (434,196 ± 153,911 µm² vs. 89,408 ± 42,376 µm²; p < 0.001), higher osteoblast counts (178.4 ± 44.2 vs. 49.4 ± 15.2), and lower osteoclast counts compared with single-treatment groups (p < 0.001). Combination treatments, particularly topical propolis with xenograft, consistently yielded superior outcomes (p < 0.01).

Propolis enhances bone regeneration, especially when applied topically in combination with xenograft. This approach promotes bone formation and balanced remodeling, supporting its potential for clinical application in bone regenerative therapy.