Abstract
This study screened the available evidence for the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of propolis, a natural herbal resin bee product, against a selection of three bacterial species of relevance to oral diseases. For this purpose, papers dealing with laboratory studies assessing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) or the agar diffusion method to analyze the antimicrobial properties of propolis on three oral pathogens (S. mutans, P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum) and a yeast (C. albicans) are reviewed. Overall, a positive antimicrobial effect could be shown. However, when compared to the commonly used control substances (e.g., specific antibiotics, antiseptics and antifungals), propolis appeared less effective, depending on the bacterial strain, and required higher concentrations than the control substances, in order to show a measurable effect. Nevertheless, propolis as a natural herbal resin bee product can be considered as a natural antiseptic agent within the range of other herbal products, like sanguinarine. Therefore, it may be a valuable compound of non-synthetic, natural origin for patients seeking complementary agents and alternatives for “hard” chemicals.
Highlights
Bacteria are recognized to be a main causative factor for the development of periodontitis and caries
Caries and periodontitis represent the most common pathological conditions, which are caused by the biofilm-forming bacteria and yeasts of dental plaque
Antimicrobials are useful to support these efforts by effectively inhibiting the formation or removing established biofilms
Summary
Bacteria are recognized to be a main causative factor for the development of periodontitis and caries. The main treatment target remains the effective reduction of the supra- and subgingival pathogenic flora, mostly by mechanical means. A variety of chemical means, like antibiotics and antiseptics, have been introduced as an adjunct to mechanical therapy [1,2]. Alongside well-investigated and established chemicals frequently used in gingivitis/periodontitis prophylaxis and treatment protocols, like chlorhexidine or iodine, natural products may represent a suitable alternative, exhibiting less or no side effects [5]. Herbal bee products, like honey and propolis, have a great potential to be used as adjuncts to mechanical periodontal treatment and infection control, as well
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