Efficacy of Kelulut Bee Propolis Extract–Based Dressings on Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats: A Preclinical Study
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Abstract
Introduction: Diabetic ulcers require effective management to prevent complications. Kelulut bee propolis, rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, offers significant potential for wound care. This study evaluated the efficacy of standardised Kelulut bee propolis extract–based dressings on wound healing in diabetic rats.
Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats (n = 6 per group) were divided into healthy control (Group I), diabetic control (Group II), povidone-iodine (Group III), and 20% (w/v) propolis dressing (50 mg/pad) (Group IV). Diabetes was induced using alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight). Wounds were measured daily for 20 days using digital callipers under a single-blind procedure to minimise bias. Data were analysed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) and post-hoc least significant difference (LSD) tests (P < 0.05).
Results: Group IV showed the most rapid contraction. By Day 5, Group IV’s mean incision length (0.55 ± 0.22 cm) was significantly lower than Group II (1.70 ± 0.17 cm; P = 0.001 ). Group IV achieved complete closure by Day 10, significantly faster than Group II (1.28 ± 0.24 cm) and Group III (0.27 ± 0.11 cm). RM-ANOVA confirmed significant differences between groups [F (3, 20) = 48.72; P = 0.001]. LSD tests validated propolis’s superiority over povidone-iodine (P = 0.003).
Conclusion: Standardised 20% Kelulut propolis dressings significantly accelerate diabetic wound healing in rats compared to povidone-iodine. These preclinical findings suggest that propolis effectively modulates the hyperglycemic microenvironment. However, further human clinical trials are essential to validate safety and dosage before clinical implementation.
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