Comparison of analgesic properties of propolis with sodium hypochlorite as an endodontic irrigant: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Despite the growing interest in Propolis as an endodontic irrigant, limited research has compared its clinical efficacy and post-operative outcomes with Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl), especially concerning post-operative pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the analgesic properties of 5.25% NaOCl and 20% Propolis, during the initial phase of multi visit endodontic treatment in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). Methodology: A double blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 44 teeth of patients presenting with SIP in premolars. The patients were allocated to two groups receiving different endodontic irrigants, Group A: NaOCl, and Group B: Propolis solution. These were used in equal volumes during the chemo-mechanical process, on the first visit of treatment. The pain scores were recorded using the visual analog pain scale, preoperatively and postoperatively at 24, 48 and 72 hours. The number of postoperative rescue medicine used by patients was recorded. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, two-sample t-tests, and two-way repeated measures ANOVA, with Bonferroni post hoc analysis. Results: The results revealed a significant decrease in postoperative pain over time across both the groups (p = 0.000). Group A and B exhibited a comparable reduction in pain scores from baseline to post-intervention (P = 0.139). Group B required significantly less rescue analgesia within the first 24 hours (P = 0.014). Conclusions: Propolis and NaOCl are equally effective endodontic irrigants in reducing pain intensity after endodontic treatment of premolars with SIP. Propolis has better pain control during the initial postoperative period. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05974748). Abbreviations: NaOCl: Sodium Hypochlorite, SIP: symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, VAS: visual analog scale Keywords: analogue pain scale, sodium hypochlorite, propolis, pulpitis, root canal irrigant. Citation: Tahira T, Rao AZ, Naz F, Hasan A, Mubashir M, Rao ZA. Comparison of analgesic properties of propolis with sodium hypochlorite as an endodontic irrigant: a randomized controlled trial. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2025;29(1):139-147. DOI:  10.35975/apic.v29i1.2665 Received: September 11, 2024; Reviewed: November 08, 2024; Accepted: December 15, 2024