Using a special mouthwash made from bee resin for a week can raise nitrate levels in the blood, which might help lower blood pressure.

Scientific Claim

A 7-day use of 2.5% propolis mouthwash significantly increases plasma nitrate levels by 7 µmol/L in healthy adults, which may contribute to blood pressure regulation through nitric oxide pathways.

Original Statement

“However, a significant increase of plasma nitrate (+7 µmol/L, p = 0.047) and a decrease in systolic BP (−2 mmHg, p = 0.022) was observed in this group compared to the baseline.”

From study:The comparative effect of propolis and chlorhexidine mouthwash on oral nitrite-producing bacteria and blood pressure regulation

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

definitive

Can make definitive causal claims

Assessment Explanation

This is a randomized controlled trial with direct measurement of plasma nitrate levels before and after intervention. The p-value of 0.047 indicates statistical significance, supporting definitive language for this specific quantitative finding.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

The comparative effect of propolis and chlorhexidine mouthwash on oral nitrite-producing bacteria and blood pressure regulation

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2025

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

The comparative effect of propolis and chlorhexidine mouthwash on oral nitrite-producing bacteria and blood pressure regulation

Score: 67

DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2024.2439636

Similar Assertions

Using a bee resin mouthwash for a week can slightly lower systolic blood pressure (by about 2 points), but it's unclear if this small change actually improves health outcomes.

87%

Using a bee resin mouthwash for a week doesn't change the levels of important substances in saliva like pH, nitrite, or sugar levels.

83%

Using a bee resin mouthwash for a week doesn't change how well blood flows to the forearm during a temporary blood flow restriction test.

82%

Using a bee resin mouthwash for a week doesn't change the types or numbers of bacteria that produce nitrite in the mouth.

81%

Using a bee resin mouthwash for a week doesn't significantly reduce plaque buildup or gum bleeding, suggesting it might not work as well as antibacterial mouthwash for short-term oral hygiene.

78%