Propolis has been used since ancient times for the treatment of skin diseases and, currently, its pharmacological potential for healing and repairing various types of wounds is widely cited in the literature. The healing properties of propolis are mainly attributed to its composition which is rich in phenolic compounds, and propolis has aroused the interest of the pharmaceutical industry as a low-cost product as compared with other treatments and medications; however, most of the published data refer to its effects in vitro and in vivo and, so far, few clinical studies have been carried out proving its therapeutic efficacy. In this article, we aimed to review clinical trail data published in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, in Scielo, PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and Lilacs between 1990 and 2021 on the clinical use of propolis for skin ulcers. The potential of propolis as an alternative healing treatment for skin wounds such as diabetic, venous, and surgical wounds, as well as wounds caused by burns, etc., is mainly due to its evidenced properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and angiogenesis promoter effects. However, there is a need to standardize the type of administration and the concentration of propolis for each type of wound. Furthermore, further clinical studies are essential to add information about propolis safety and for obtaining the best possible therapeutic benefits from its use.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is the main obstacle in anticancer therapy. The use of drug combinations to circumvent tumor resistance is a well-established principle in the clinic. Among the therapeutic targets, glycoprotein-P (P-gp), an energy-dependent transmembrane efflux pump responsible for modulating MDR, is highlighted. Many pharmacological studies report the ability of calcium channel blockers to reverse tumor resistance to chemotherapy drugs. Isolated for the first time from parsley, the phenylpropanoid apiole is described as a potent calcium channel inhibitor. Taking this into account, herein, the ability of apiole to potentiate the action of well-established chemotherapeutics in the clinic, as well as the compound’s relationship with the reversal of the resistance phenomenon by blocking P-gp, is reported. The association of apiole with both chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin and vincristine resulted in synergistic effect, in a concentration-dependent manner, as evaluated by the concentration reduction index. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated the affinity between apiole and the active site of P-gp, corroborating the inhibitory effect. Moreover, apiole demonstrated druglikeness, according to ADME analysis. In conclusion, apiole possibly blocks the active P-gp site, with strong binding energy, which, in turn, inhibits doxorubicin and vincristine efflux, increasing the antiproliferative response of these chemotherapeutic agents.

Background/Objectives: Treating chronic wounds incurs substantial costs for Brazil’s Unified Health System. Natural compounds, particularly propolis, are increasingly explored as low-cost alternatives due to their healing properties. Brazilian green propolis, distinct in its chemical composition, has garnered scientific interest. This study aimed to assess the healing effects of green propolis ointment on lower-limb ulcers from leprosy. Methods: A blinded, randomized clinical trial included 18 wounds in two groups: propolis ointment (G1) and control (G2), with evaluations conducted weekly for 61 days. Wound progress was monitored using morphometry and the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH). Results: No participants exhibited sensitivity to the propolis. G1 showed significant initial healing: average wound area reduction (%) for G1 vs. G2 included 56.38 vs. 6.13–p < 0.001 (week 1); 79.51 vs. 24.16–p = 0.022 (week 4); and 84.33 vs. 39.73–p = 0.051 (week 7). In G1, the PUSH scores decreased from the beginning, whereas in G2, reductions were observed after three weeks. By week 5, 71.4% of G1 wounds scored below eight points, versus 33.3% in G2. G1 wounds exhibited a reduced area and exudate, as well as revitalized granulation tissue without adverse effects. Conclusions: The findings suggest that green propolis ointment is safe, supports tissue repair and may offer cost-effective treatment benefits. Standard wound dressings are selected to support all healing stages, with an emphasis on antimicrobial action, hemostasis to reduce exudate, and pain-reducing and non-irritant properties. Green propolis ointment meets these criteria, offering a cost-effective treatment that accelerates lesion reduction and encouraging leprosy patients to follow the therapeutic regimen.