Upper respiratory tract infections affect the organs of the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, sinuses, and trachea. Viruses typically cause these infections, but bacteria can also be responsible. Upper respiratory tract infections are common health issues, especially during seasonal transitions. Natural and effective solutions play a significant role in treating such conditions alongside traditional methods. Two critical scientific studies highlight the potential of throat and nasal sprays containing propolis as an effective alternative for upper respiratory tract infections from children to adults.
Positive Effects of Propolis Nasal Sprays on Acute Rhinitis and Common Cold
A scientific study in Barcelona in 2017 investigated the effect of propolis nasal spray on acute rhinitis. Forty children suffering from acute rhinitis and common cold symptoms aged 2-12 were enrolled in a prospective epidemiological multicentre study. The patients subjected to a 7-day treatment with propolis nasal spray (3 times/day) were followed for symptomatology, subjective global improvement, and quality of life by comparing the first and seventh-day observations. After seven days of treatment, symptoms significantly decreased starting on the fourth day and none on the final day. Both subjective global improvement impressions and the QoL of patients improved significantly after treatment without any adverse effects. It is evident that propolis nasal spray effectively improves recovery from infectious AR and common cold symptoms in children and is an optimal alternative for treating this disease.
Positive Effects of Propolis Throat Sprays on Upper Respiratory Tract Infections:
A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in Italy in 2021 examined the effects of propolis extract on mild upper respiratory tract infections. This 8-week study was conducted on 122 adults with mild upper respiratory tract infections. Participants were divided into experimental and control groups.
• 58 participants in the experimental group received propolis oral spray with a total polyphenol content of 15 mg/ml by applying 2-4 puffs (12-24 mg polyphenol/day) three times a day for five days.
• 64 participants in the control group did not take any propolis.
On the 3rd day, 83% of the participants in the experimental group who applied propolis showed a decrease in symptoms. In comparison, in 72% of the participants in the control group without propolis, at least one symptom remained.
References:
1. Marti, J., et al. “Propolis nasal spray effectively improves recovery from infectious acute rhinitis and common cold symptoms in children: a pilot study.” Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents 31.4 (2017): 943-950.
2. Esposito C, Garzarella EU, Bocchino B, et al. A standardized polyphenol mixture extracted from poplar-type propolis for remission of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection (URTI): A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2021;80:153368. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153368.
