プロポリスと蜂蜜のヘルペス単純ウイルスに対する塩酸アシクロビル軟膏に対する優位性：メタアナリシス

BackgroundTopical antiviral agents, particularly acyclovir, are standard over-the-counter treatments for minor herpes simplex infections. However, natural products such as propolis and honey have drawn attention for their potential antiviral and wound healing-promoting properties. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety profiles of propolis and/or honey with 5% topical acyclovir in the management of labial and genital herpes.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Europe PMC, and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify studies comparing topical propolis and/or honey with 5% acyclovir for herpes simplex lesions. Clinical outcomes were synthesized using random-effects models, with outcomes reported as mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR).ResultsSeven studies were included in the analysis. Treatment with propolis and/or honey was associated with quicker lesion resolution (MD: -1.87 days; 95% CI: -2.73 to -1.01; p < 0.0001) and higher healing rates by day 7 (OR: 4.71; 95% CI: 2.70-8.25; p < 0.00001). No significant difference was observed in the number of aborted attacks (p = 0.66). Propolis and/or honey also reported reduced pain duration (MD: -0.96 days; p = 0.03) and pain intensity (MD: -6.53; p = 0.0002), with more patients reporting being symptom-free by day 3. No significant difference was observed in adverse events (AEs) rates between the natural therapy and acyclovir groups.ConclusionsPropolis and/or honey demonstrated superior lesion healing and pain relief compared to 5% acyclovir, with comparable safety, supporting their potential as safe and effective alternatives to conventional antiviral therapy.