[Local treatment of rheumatic diseases with propolis compounds]

The authors conducted a single blind, placebo controlled local therapy trial on a total of 190 patients involving the use of materials (i) topically and (ii) by iontophoresis for pain and/or inflammation of the organs of movement. The materials used comprised of the following: (i) purified propolis and propolis saturated with antiinflammatory trace metal elements and (ii) propolis saturated with trace metal elements and poplar bud ointment saturated with trace metal elements also. Both methods of application using all the three preparations significantly improved symptoms. The preparations saturated with metallic ions were more effective. The mild effect of the placebo treatment is explained by the treatment procedure itself. Side effects were not observed.