Efficacy and tolerability of propolis special extract gh 2002 as a lip balm against herpes labialis: a randomized, double-blind three-arm dose finding study

A dose-finding study was performed with respect to the clinical applicability and tolerability of three different concentrations of propolis special extract GH 2002 in a lip balm (0.1%, 0.5% and 1%). The trial was designed as a double-blind, randomized dermatological study in 150 outpatients with Herpes labialis. The primary parameter was the duration in days until painless incrustation in 50% or 90% of the patients (observable in 121 patients). Secondary parameters were local pain (assessed on a visual analogue scale), itching, burning and tension/ swelling on a verbal rating scale, and tolerability. Visits were performed on days 2/3, 5/6 and 8/9. Best efficacy results with shortest healing time (3.4 and 5.4 days in the 50 and 90 percentile, respectively; p = 0.008 vs. 1% and 0.09 vs. 0.1%) and good tolerability were observed with the 0.5% concentration. All three concentrations achieved highly significant therapeutic results in comparison with baseline values (p < 0.0005) for all secondary parameters as early as day 2/3. Analgesia was the most prominent effect for the patients. Conclusion: The 0.5 % concentration of propolis special extract GH 2002 in a lip balm was found to have the best risk-benefit ratio for the treatment of Herpes labialis.