Is propolis toothpaste effective against Helicobacter pylori?
Aug 06, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, propolis toothpaste has limited effects on Helicobacter pylori and cannot effectively eradicate or significantly inhibit H. pylori infection. Propolis toothpaste cannot replace standard medical treatment for H. pylori infection. If infection is diagnosed, standardized quadruple therapy should be followed as directed by a physician, and measures such as eating separately and washing hands frequently should be practiced to avoid cross-infection.
Under normal circumstances, propolis toothpaste has limited effect on Helicobacter pylori and cannot effectively eradicate or significantly inhibit H. pylori infection. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Helicobacter pylori mainly colonizes the gastric mucosa, while toothpaste acts only within the oral cavity and cannot reach the bacteria in the stomach. Although propolis has shown some antibacterial activity in vitro, the concentration of propolis in toothpaste is relatively low, and the oral and gastric environments are vastly different, making it difficult to achieve an effective concentration to kill H. pylori. Moreover, H. pylori possesses special survival mechanisms, such as producing urease to resist gastric acid. Effective eradication requires oral medications, such as quadruple therapy combining a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and bismuth. Topical application of toothpaste cannot penetrate the gastric mucosa to exert its effects.
Propolis toothpaste cannot replace standard medical treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection. If infection is confirmed, standardized quadruple therapy should be followed as directed by a physician. Additionally, measures such as eating separately and frequent handwashing should be practiced to avoid cross-infection.
