Lip Balm Containing Propolis Better Than Aciclovir Cream in Treating Cold Sores

Comparative Study with a Lip Balm Containing Propolis Special Extract GH 2002 0,5 % vs. Aciclovir Cream 5 % in Patients with Herpes labialis in the Papular / Erythematous stage. A Single-blind, Randomized Two-arm Study

Current Therapeutic Research

Available online 14 October 2017

Background and Objectives

This controlled single-blind trial compared the efficacy of a lip balm with propolis special extract GH 2002 at a concentration of 0.5 % in the treatment of episodes of Herpes labialis with that of aciclovir 5% cream.

Patients and Methods

Patients in the erythematous/papular stage were randomized to two groups: 189 patients were treated with propolis cream, 190 patients with aciclovir (ITT population). Application was five times daily. The primary parameter was the difference in median time to complete encrustation or epithelization of lesions. Secondary parameters were the development of typical Herpes symptoms (pain, burning and itching, tension and swelling), the global assessment of efficacy, and the safety of application.

Results

The predefined clinical situation was reached after a median of four days with propolis and after five days with aciclovir (p < 0.0001). Significant differences in favor of the study preparation were also found with all secondary parameters and symptoms. No allergic reactions, local irritations or other adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

Propolis GH 2002 extract lip balm 0.5 % was found superior in the treatment of episodes of Herpes labialis over aciclovir cream 5 % in patients in the papular/erythematous phase upon inclusion.