Comparative In Vitro Analysis of Propolis and 3% Hydrogen Peroxide as Cerumenolytic Agents in Children
Abstract
Abstract: Cerumen impaction is a common otologic problem that can impair hearing and predispose individuals to external ear infections. This in vitro study aimed to compare the cerumenolytic effects of propolis and 3% hydrogen peroxide using spectrophotometric absorbance measurements at 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes. A total of 48 cerumen samples were collected from children at Panti Asuhan Putri Aisyiyah Medan and divided equally into two treatment groups. Absorbance values were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests due to non-normal data distribution. Propolis demonstrated a progressive increase in absorbance over time, reaching its highest effect at 30 minutes, whereas hydrogen peroxide showed minimal changes with no significant time-dependent pattern. Comparative analysis revealed that propolis produced significantly higher absorbance values than hydrogen peroxide at all time points (p < 0.001), indicating superior cerumen dissolution. These findings suggest that propolis may serve as a more effective and potentially safer alternative to hydrogen peroxide for cerumen management. Further in vivo and clinical studies are recommended to validate its therapeutic applicability and long-term safety.
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DOI (PDF): https://doi.org/10.30596/bf.v12i1.27682.g14636
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JURNAL BULETIN FARMATERA
Gedung Kampus 1 Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) Lantai II, Laboratorium Farmakologi dan Terapi Fakultas Kedokteran UMSU Jalan Gedung Arca No. 53 Medan Sumatera Utara Indonesia, Kode Pos 20217.
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