Background: Rising antibiotic resistance underscores the need for alternative therapies for bacterial infections, including those affecting the respiratory tract. Syrian propolis, a natural bee product traditionally used for infection management, holds potential as a supportive treatment in ENT-related disorders. Objective: This study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of an aqueous extract of Syrian propolis from Masyaf apiaries (Hama province) against pathogens linked to respiratory tract infections, comparing its effects to standard antibiotics.

Methods: The aqueous propolis extract, prepared at 95°C for two hours, was tested via agar well diffusion against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gramnegative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Antibiotic sensitivity was assessed using the disc diffusion method, comparing propolis to antibiotics like Imipenem, Vancomycin, and Ciprofloxacin.

Results: The propolis extract showed robust antibacterial activity, with stronger effects against Gram-positive bacteria (inhibition zones: 18-20 mm) than Gram-negative strains (12-17 mm). Against Staphylococcus aureus, a common ENT pathogen, its efficacy matched Imipenem and Vancomycin, surpassing most antibiotics except Oxytetracycline. For Pseudomonas aeruginosa, implicated in chronic respiratory infections, propolis outperformed most antibiotics except Imipenem, Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin, and Gentamicin. These results highlight propolis as a promising adjunctive therapy for respiratory infections.

Conclusion: Syrian propolis exhibits significant antibacterial potential against pathogens causing ENT-related respiratory infections, offering a natural supportive therapy amid growing antibiotic resistance. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in patients, potentially advancing its role in otolaryngology therapeutics

Chadi Khatib is an inventor and academic specializing in phytotherapy, with 22 patented inventions, including the Herbal Antidote for Chelating Heavy Metals and Slimming Herbal Mixture, registered at the Syrian WIPO Branch. Holding a PhD (Aleppo University, 2014) and master’s degrees (Damascus University, 2018; Aleppo University, 2010), their research focuses on pharmacognosy, medicinal plants, and Arabic science history. he has taught at Manara and Al-Andalus Universities (2015–2024) and contributed to events like the 6th Arab Pharma Expo (Jordan, 2024), Beirut Innovation Show (2021), and Oxford’s summit of leaders - Phytotherapy Session (2010).  Named a WIPO change-maker (2024) and Arab Creativity Ambassador (Dubai, 2025), he has earned IFIA’s Special Award (2023), gold medals at Albassel Fair (2023), iCAN (2022), and IDEA Invention (2022), and JCI’s Top Young Person (2021). he review for the Journal of Ethnopharmacology and have held roles with the Syrian Pharmacists Syndicate (2015–2019), Arab Pharmaceutical Board (Sudan, 2018), and Everest International (USA, 2020–present). Awards include WIPO certificates (2020–2021) and medals from Croatia (2014), China (20218), and Canada (2024). They advance phytotherapy globally