Propolis Research Articles

The use of propolis as an antimicrobial in livestock – an overview

Abstract. The purpose of the present study was to review scientific reports on propolis used in livestock, to analyze them and to make appropriate summaries and conclusions. Propolis is a natural resinous substance collected by honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) from different plant parts such as buds, branches, leaves and exudates. Propolis is a known source of polyphenols and the flavonoids which have been widely studied as biochemical markers for botanical origin and to explain their antioxidant capacity as a key factor in chemoprevention. Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer biological activities of propolis are known. Propolis has been used as a remedy in traditional medicine systems all over the world, mainly to treat wounds, burns, sore throat and stomach ulcer, etc. Modern science has confirmed the antimicrobial and antiviral action of propolis and has discovered numerous other beneficial pharmacological properties of bee glue: immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, antitumor, and many others. For this reason, a significant number of products containing propolis have been developed and commercialized: medical devices, over-the-counter preparations, health foods and beverages, cosmetics. Recently, studies on the effects of propolis on animal husbandry and animal health have increased due to many issues, such as organic animal breeding, feeding or treatment methods, reducing the use of antibiotics. One of these areas is the use of propolis to improve the growth performance and productivity of the livestock. Propolis has been determined to have antibacterial and antiviral effects in humans and animals.

In vivo evaluation of pharmacological properties of Argentine stingless bee geopropolis

BackgroundPropolis is a natural product that has been widely utilized as medicine and dietary supplement because of its broad biological activities. However, although meliponide hive products have many advantages, meliponiculture has not yet become popular in Argentina, and few scientific studies on its chemical composition and/or its bioactive properties were reported, so the use of stingless bee propolis Argentine in popular medicine continues to be based on empirical knowledge.Our work aims to evaluate in vivo anti-inflammatory, antitussive and expectorant activities, and acute toxicity of the Argentine geopropolis ethanol extracts of two stingless bee’s species, Scaptotrigona jujuyensis Schrottky and Tetragonisca fiebrigi Schwarz. Wistar male rats were used for all in vivo studies. Anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated through carrageenan-induced edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation. Antitussive activity was assessed against ammonia-induced cough. Expectorant activity was measured by volume of phenol red in the rats’ tracheas. The extract doses tested were 125, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg (p.o.). The safety was evaluated with test of acute toxicity (48 h).ResultsThe results showed that S. jujuyensis and T. fiebrigi propolis (1000 mg/kg) significantly reduced the carrageenan-induced edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation 3 h post-dosing. In the ammonia liquor-induced cough, both propolis significantly enhanced the latent period and reduced cough frequency as compared with those of the negative control. However, they did not increase the expulsion of red phenol in the treated rats.ConclusionsThis study shows that ethanol extracts of S. jujuyensis and T. fiebrigi propolis have anti-inflammatory and antitussive effects. These findings would justify the use of geopropolis in medicine as a potential phytotherapeutic product.Graphical abstract

Study of the effect of Bee Propolis on some biochemical, immunological traits and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens (Ross 308)

This study was conducted to know the effect of adding Bee Propolis to a diet in some biochemical, immunological traits and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens, where 225 unsexed broiler chicks were used, The chicks were randomly divided into five treatments, each treatment was 45 birds, and each treatment was divided into three replicates, each replicate of 15 birds, the Bee Propolis material was added with the diet and at levels (0, 2, 2.5, 3& 3.5 g Bee Propolis/kg feed) and for treatments T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 respectively. The chicks were raised for 35 days, and during the study period, we reached the following results: a significant difference (P<0.05) for the treatment T1 in glucose, uric acid, AST (Aspartate amino transferase) and height significant (P<0.01) in cholesterol concentration compared to the rest of the studied treatments, and a significant excelled (P<0.05) for the T2 treatment in the ALT (Alanine amino transferase) concentration compared with the rest of the treatments studied, The results also indicated that there was significant (P<0.05) increased for T3 and T5 in the protein level, a significant increased (P<0.05) for the T3 in IgG (immunoglobulin Gama) and IgM (immunoglobulin Mua) and T5 in IgA (immunoglobulin Alpha), a significant superior (P<0.05) for T1 and T2 in E.coli bacteria in jejunum and superior T5 in lactobacilli in jejunum and ileum meanwhile height significant (P<0.01) for T1 and T2 in E.coli bacteria in ileum this is at 14 days for age, while in 35 days for age significant superior for T1 and T2 in E.coli, T4 and T5 in lactobacilli in jejunum and ileum.

PROSPECTS FOR APPLICATION OF A WATER-SOLUBLE FORM OF PROPOLIS

Показаны результаты изучения антибактериальной и противовирусной активности водорастворимой формы прополиса в отношении некоторых штаммов бактерий и вирусов, вызывающих респираторные и диарейные заболевания животных. Полученные данные позволяют рекомендовать водорастворимый раствор прополиса использовать как высокоактивную экологически безопасную субстанцию при конструировании ветеринарных препаратов. Ключевые слова: антибактериальная активность, противовирусная активность, культура клеток, прополис, водорастворимая субстанция.

Antioxidant Variability of Propolis Collected from Different Zones in Hives

Antioxidant Variability of Propolis Collected from Different Zones in Hives

Emulgels Containing Carbopol 934P and Different Vegetable Oils for Topical Propolis Delivery: Bioadhesion, Drug Release Profile, and Ex Vivo Skin Permeation Studies.

Topical administration can enable a more efficient therapy based on the improved bioavailability and patient compliance. Wounds and infections can lead to modifications of skin physiology and body protective function. Propolis (PRP) is utilized for skin protection and treatment. However, PRP extracts do not show suitable rheological characteristics and can cause irritation, pain, ulceration, and healing difficulties when they are administered on the harmed skin. Emulgels composed of Carbopol 934P (C934P) and different vegetable oils have been proposed for propolis extract release and may be a good strategy for topical delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioadhesive properties, PRP release profile, skin permeation, and retention, by Franz's diffusion cell and photoacoustic spectroscopy (PS), of these emulgels. Formulations were composed of C934P and passion fruit oil (PF), sweet almond oil (SA), or andiroba oil (AO). PRP or by-product extracts were added to the systems, drug release profile was investigated, and porcine ear skin was utilized for analyses of bioadhesive properties, skin permeation, and retention. All formulations displayed similar bioadhesive force (0.05-0.07N); PRP release was modified (prolonged), dependent on formulation composition, and mainly governed by diffusion. PS and analysis using diffusion cell showed that the systems could provide dermal permeation and retention, which was more effective for formulations containing AO. Considering the importance of propolis for many skin therapies, the emulgels containing AO for PRP delivery are worthy of biological studies and further clinical evaluation.

Promising Anti-Protozoan Activities of Propolis (Bee Glue) as Natural Product: A Review

Propolis (bee glue) is a resinous mixture of different plant exudates that possesses a wide range of biological and antimicrobial activities and has been used as a food supplement and in complementary medicine for centuries. Some researchers have proposed that propolis could be a potential curative compound against microbial agents such as protozoan parasitic infections by different and occasionally unknown mechanisms due to the immunoregulatory function and antioxidant capacity of this natural product. In this review, we concentrate on in vitro and in vivo anti-protozoan activities of propolis extracts/fractions in the published literature. In Leishmania, propolis inhibits the proliferation of promastigotes and produces an anti-inflammatory effect via the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production. In addition, it increases macrophage activation, TLR-2, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-17 production, and downregulation of IL-12. In Plasmodium and Trypanosoma, propolis inhibits the parasitemia, improving anemia and increasing the IFN-γ, TNF-α, and GM-CSF cytokines levels, most likely due to its strong immunomodulatory activity. Moreover, propolis extract arrests proliferation of T. cruzi, because it has aromatic acids and flavonoids. In toxoplasmosis, propolis increases the specific IgM and IgG titers via decreasing the serum IFN-γ, IL-1, and IL-6 cytokines levels in the rats infected with T. gondii. In Cryptosporidium and Giardia, it decreases oocysts shedding due to phytochemical constituents, particularly phenolic compounds, and increases the number of goblet cells. Propolis inhibits the growth of Blastocystis, possibly by apoptotic mechanisms like metronidazole. Unfortunately, the mechanism action of propolis' anti-Trichomonas and anti-Acanthamoeba is not well-known yet. Reviewing the related literature could highlight promising antimicrobial activities of propolis against intracellular and extracellular protozoan parasites; this could shed light on the exploration of more effective drugs for the treatment of protozoan parasitic infections in the near future.

Unveiling the Properties of Thai Stingless Bee Propolis via Diminishing Cell Wall-Associated Cryptococcal Melanin and Enhancing the Fungicidal Activity of Macrophages.

Cryptococcus neoformans, a life-threatening human yeast pathogen, has the ability to produce melanin, which is one of the common virulence factors contributing to cryptococcal pathogenesis. This virulence factor is closely associated with the cryptococcal cell wall, specifically chitin and chitosan polysaccharides, a complex structure that is essential for maintaining cellular structure and integrity. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of two stingless bee (SLB) propolis from Tetragonula laeviceps and Tetrigona melanoleuca against cell wall-associated melanin in C. neoformans, and its immune response in RAW 264.7 macrophage. The ethanolic extract of SLB propolis (EEP) has strongly exhibited anti-cryptococcal activity. Moreover, EEP from both sources reduced chitin/chitosan and melanin production against C. neoformans in a dose-dependent manner. Likewise, the mRNA expression level of CDA1, IPC1-PKC1 and LAC1 genes involved in the cryptococcal melanization pathway was significantly decreased at 2 mg/mL in EEP treatment. Additionally, pretreatment with EEP prior to yeast infection dramatically reduced intracellular replication of C. neoformans in RAW 264.7 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. This study might be a new insight to use a natural powerful source, not only acting to target cell wall-associated molecules, but also being capable to explore a novel strategy by which dysregulation of these molecules leads to promote immunomodulatory activity.

Apitherapy for menopausal problems.

Apitherapy, a method from the field of complementary and alternative medicine, claims that all health problems including menopausal problems can be cured using bee products, especially honey, bee-collected pollen, propolis, and royal jelly. This study was to investigate the recommendations of protagonists of holistic apitherapy and compare these to the current evidence. Since holistic apitherapy is only promoted in books and apitherapeutical congresses, we identified books on the topic in English, French, and German language via bookseller platforms and the JUSTfind system of the Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Germany, which comprises 337 databases from the EBSCO Discovery Service. Only 29.5% (n = 38) of the apitherapy books mentioned the topic of menopausal problems. Among these, there were 24 different recommendations. Royal jelly is the number one recommended therapy, followed by pollen, the combination of pollen and royal jelly, and propolis. All other recommendations are mentioned just once. The recommendation regarding royal jelly must be regarded as correct. Strictly speaking, evidence regarding bee-collected pollen is poor, since all studies on pollen did not investigate pollen directly, but pollen extracts and these pollens came from pollen that was anemophilous but not entomophilous. Royal jelly and pollen could be interesting treatment options in cases of menopausal symptoms. In order to promote bee products for menopausal symptoms with a good conscience trials, comparing bee products against other options, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, C. racemosa extracts, and/or yoga should be initiated, since these methods have already proven their value.

Lessons from Exploring Chemical Space and Chemical Diversity of Propolis Components

Propolis is a natural resinous material produced by bees and has been used in folk medicines since ancient times. Due to it possessing a broad spectrum of biological activities, it has gained significant scientific and commercial interest over the last two decades. As a result of searching 122 publications reported up to the end of 2019, we assembled a unique compound database consisting of 578 components isolated from both honey bee propolis and stingless bee propolis, and analyzed the chemical space and chemical diversity of these compounds. The results demonstrated that both honey bee propolis and stingless bee propolis are valuable sources for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development.

La importancia de los factores socioculturales en la competitividad de la empresa rural. El caso de la empresa apícola Miel Tierra Grande

La presente investigación analiza si los recursos de índole sociocultural que posee una empresa inserta en el medio rural tienen influencia en su competitividad y desarrollo. El objeto de estudio es una organización rural productiva denominada Miel Tierra Grande, localizada en la comunidad de Hueyitlalpan del estado de Guerrero. Su giro es la apicultura, dedicada a la producción de colmenas para la extracción de miel y sus derivados como polen, propóleo y jalea real, que son transformados para generar otros productos desde el ramo alimenticio hasta productos para el cuidado e higiene personal. Para analizar su competitividad, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas; la primera a uno de los socios de la empresa encargado de la planta de producción; ocho entrevistas a habitantes de la localidad, y una al comisario. Además, se realizaron seis visitas para observar el proceso de producción, distribución y comercialización de los productos. En cuanto a los aspectos sociales y culturales que poseen las organizaciones rurales, se realizó una búsqueda de bibliohemerografía para asentar las bases teóricas. La empresa rural analizada posee un estilo particular de organización derivado de las características socioculturales de la población; se trata de una de las empresas más importantes de la región centro del estado. Se detectó que factores socioculturales como la religión, la relación con el entorno, la población, las relaciones familiares y el conocimiento local influyen en la construcción de una forma de organización en la empresa rural, todo lo cual la hacen capaz de ser competitiva. Se redefinió el concepto de competitividad aplicado a las empresas rurales; aquí se trata de la capacidad que tiene un sistema organizado de individuos para generar bienes o servicios de calidad a costos mínimos, que estén en posibilidad de mantenerse en el mercado (local, regional, nacional o extranjero), con la finalidad de lograr un beneficio económico y social.

Can Propolis, the Natural Disinfectant of Bees, be Used As an Effective and Healty Disinfectant for Hatching Eggs?

The aim of this study was to investigate how the incubation parameters and microbial activity of the eggshell were affected by the disinfection of breeding quail eggs with water-based propolis extract in two different concentrations, 0.1% formalin, and distilled water prior to storage. A total of 480 hatching eggs of Coturnix coturnix (Japanese quail) were used and they were divided into a total of 5 groups (1 control and 4 separate treatment groups). Following the disinfection, the eggs were stored as 3 groups with different periods of storage, namely 7, 14 and 21 days before the incubation. In order to determine any microbiological activity, 100 eggs were used and aerobic-mesophilic bacteria counts were performed in a total of 5 groups on day 0, week 1, week 2 and week 3 for E. coli, yeast and mold, and Staphylococcus aureus. It was observed that the eggs stored for 3 weeks lost more weight in the pre-development period as compared to those stored for 1 and 2 weeks (P<0.01). Egg weight loss rates had a negative effect on hatching (P<0.01). Total amount of aerobic-mesophilic bacteria was low in the propolis group, medium in the 0.1% formalin group, and high in the water and control groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, it was found that the total amount of aerobic-mesophilic bacteria was higher in the shells of the eggs stored for 3 weeks as compared to those with a storage time of 1 and 2 weeks, which pointed to a statistically very significant relationship between the storage time and the total number of aerobic-mesophilic bacteria (P<0.01). On the other hand, yeast and mold growth varied according to treatment groups and storage time. The results suggest that propolis use does not have any negative effect on the incubation performance, to the contrary it keeps the microbial load in check during periods of storage and that it is safe to use in hatcheries.

Co-administration of Aluminum Sulfate and Propolis Regulates Matrix Metalloproteinases-2/9 Expression and Improves the Uterine Leiomyoma in Adult Rat Model.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aluminum sulfate (alum) with propolis (PR) on uterine leiomyoma (UL) in rat model. One hundred and four female Wistar rats (180-200g) were allocated into two main groups of control (Co, n = 8) and experiment (UL model [estradiol benzoate 200μg/kg/IM twice/week/8weeks] with/without treatment) defined in 13 subgroups with/without treatment with coil oil (UL + COi), PR (100 or 200mg/kg) as UL + PR100 or 200, alum (35, 75 or 150mg/Kg) as UL + AL 35, 75, or 150, and PR (100mg/kg or 200) with alum (35, 75, or 150mg/Kg) as UL + PR100 or 200 + AL35, 75, or 150. Subgroups received doses of therapeutics for 14days (IP). In the end, rats were sacrificed, and the uteri were isolated for molecular and histopathological investigations. The myometrium thickness, collagen contents, and gene expression of MMP-2 and 9 increased significantly in experimental groups with/without treatment (P˂0.05). PR administration (100 and 200mg/kg) alone or with alum (35 and 75mg/kg) significantly decreased myometrium collagen contents and the gene expression and protein concentration of MMP-2 and 9 compared with UL and UL + Coi subgroups (P˂0.05). Alum (75mg/kg) with PR (200mg/kg) could improve UL features and reduce MMP-2 and 9 gene expression.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN PROPOLIS LEBAH TERHADAP GAMBARAN HISTOPATOLOGI HEPAR MENCIT (Mus musculus) BETINA YANG DIPAPAR LOGAM BERAT PB ASETAT [Pb(C2H3O2)2

Lead acetate in the hepatobiliary system may cause peroxidation catalysis of unsaturated fatty acids, reduce nitrogenoxide and increase hydroxyl radical. Lead acetate produces oxidative stress characterized by free radical formation and inhibits lipid peroxidation. Giving antioxidants can neutralize free radicals from the detrimental effects that arise on the process or excess oxidation reactions. The purpose of this research was to find out how the effect of bee propolis on histopathologic images of hepatic mice (Mus musculus) of females exposed to lead acetate [Pb(C2H3O2)2]. The subjects were 25 mice (Mus musculus) mushulus of BALB/C strain with average weight 25-30 gram and 8 weeks old, divided into 5 treatment groups, each consisting of 5 heads per group. The K- group was given a Tween 80 solution at a doses of 0.5 mg/kgBW for 20 consecutive days. The K+ group, which was given only lead acetate at a doses of 10 mg/kgBW orally for 10 days. P1, P2, and P3 were given 10 mg/kgBW lead acetate solution orally for 10 days. The following 10 days were given bee propolis with doses of P1 200 mg/kgBW, P2 400 mg/kgBW, and P3 800 mg/kgBW. On the 21th days the mice were dissected, to observe the extent of the damage. All data were performed using a statistical test with Kruskal Wallis test and if there was a marked difference between treatment groups (p&lt;0.05), then the Mann-Whitney test was followed. The results obtained that bee propolis can repair hepatic cell damage in mice (Mus musculus) of females exposed to lead acetate. Increased dose of bee propolis is ineffective in repairing hepatic cell damage in mice (Mus musculus) of females exposed to lead acetate.

Optimized extraction based on the terpenoids of Heterotrigona itama propolis and their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Terpenoids are the main components of stingless bee propolis, their biological activities have not been fully quantified and investigated. In this study, the single-factor design and response surface methodology were applied to optimize the terpenoids extraction process in Heterotrigona itama (also called H. itama) propolis. Furthermore, the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of terpenoid-rich extract were evaluated. The results showed with 95% ethanol/5% water, a material-liquid extraction yield of 1:30g/ml, and extraction 72hr for three extractions, the highest terpenoids content in H. itama propolis of 46.44±0.07%. The H. itama propolis terpenoid-rich extract showed relative low antioxidant effect but inhibited inflammatory response by decreasing the inflammatory mediators iNOS, IL-1β, IL-10, and increasing the antioxidant mediators HO-1. This study provided experimental parameters for the terpenoids optimal extraction from H. itama propolis and revealed their strong anti-inflammatory activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: H. itama stingless propolis is a newly founded stingless bee propolis type recently. H. itama stingless propolis has abundant terpenoids, however, scant information were provided regarding its extraction optimization. In this study, we investigated and obtained the optimal extract parameters of terpenoids in H. itama propolis，and demonstrated their strong anti-inflammatory activities; however, their antioxidant activities are relatively low. This study provided theoretical basis for the usage of H. itama stingless propolis in industry.

Analysis of Anti-inflammatory Effect on Odorless Korea Propolis

Analysis of Anti-inflammatory Effect on Odorless Korea Propolis

Aktywność biologiczna roślinnych produktów pszczelich pochodzących z Gór Sowich

Introduction. Herbal bee products, including honey, propolis and pollen, are wide applied in various branches of industry due to their natural origin and biological activities. Bee products exhibit e.g. antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activity. In addition, honey, propolis and pollen characterize diverse and complex chemical composition. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine antioxidant and antibacterial activity of honey, propolis and pollen from the Sowie Mountains. Material and methods. In the study, honey, propolis and pollen collected from an apiary located in the Sowie Mountains were used. The tested bee products were extracted with ethanol, and the obtained extracts from bee products were used to determine their antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The antioxidant potential of bee products were evaluated applying DPPH· free radical scavenging activity assay. The antimicrobial activity of the tested bee products was determined by the point-diffusion method against 13 strains of pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the total content of phenolic compounds in the tested bee products was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Results. Among the tested bee products, propolis exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The antiradical activity of propolis was equal to 96% approx. activity of Trolox, the standard antioxidant used in this study. Propolis had the highest total phenol content. All bee products showed antagonistic activity against all tested bacterial strains, however, propolis was characterized by the highest antibacterial activity. Conclusions. The obtained results indicate that among the tested bee products (honey, propolis and pollen), the highest antioxidant and antibacterial activity showed propolis. The high biological activity of propolis is associated with the high content of phenolic compounds.

Effects of Solvent and pH on Stingless Bee Propolis in Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Ultrasound-assisted extraction was used to extract propolis from a dark and resinous substance harvested from a beehive of Heterotrigona itama, which is commonly known as stingless bees. The propolis extracts were prepared using ethanol and water at different pH values of 3, 6, and 9. The yield of the ethanolic extract was significantly higher than the water extract, but there were no significant differences at different pH values. The ethanolic extract was found to have a lower 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity than the water extract at pH values of 6 and 9. However, the acidic propolis extracts, particularly the ethanolic extract, were found to have the highest antioxidant capacity. The addition of 20% polyethylene glycol 400 in the solvent systems was unlikely to improve propolis extraction. This can be seen from the antioxidant capacity and metabolite profile of the propolis extracts. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS)-based high throughput screening of the propolis extracts showed them to have small metabolites of hydrocarbons, esters, terpenes, and alkaloids, as well as high antioxidative 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol. The detection of mangostin, mangiferin, and a few flavanones in the acidic ethanolic extract by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry LC–MS/MS proved its high antioxidant capacity compared to the water extract.

A Bioguided Approach for the Screening of Antibacterial Compounds Isolated From the Hydroalcoholic Extract of the Native Brazilian Bee's Propolis Using Mollicutes as a Model.

Nature is a vast source of medicinal substances, including propolis, which has been extensively investigated. Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees from the exudates of plants that they collect and modify in their jaws; it is a rich and complex matrix with secondary metabolites of diverse botanical origins. The objective of this study was to apply an in vitro bioguided approach using as a model system the mollicutes with a sample of propolis from the Brazilian native bee Melipona quadrifasciata (mandaçaia) in order to identify potential new molecules with antimicrobial activity. A crude hydroalcoholic extract was obtained and submitted to liquid-liquid partitioning with solvents of different polarities, generating four different fractions: aqueous, dichloromethane, butanol, and ethyl acetate fractions. The antimollicute activity assays served as a basis for the bioguided fractionation. The dichloromethane fraction was the most promising, exhibiting a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 μg/mL against Mycoplasma pneumoniae. After purification by column liquid chromatography, a subfraction presenting MIC of 15.6 μg/mL against Mycoplasma genitalium was highlighted. The fractions were also tested against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS), several volatile compounds were identified in the non-polar fractions of this propolis. However, the more purified molecules had no better antimollicute activity than their original subfraction. Apparently, the synergism among its compounds is largely responsible for the antibacterial activity of the propolis of this native Brazilian bee.

Herbal Medicines: An Adjunct to Current Treatment Modalities for Periodontal Diseases

&lt;p&gt;Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases affecting oral health causing alveolar bone loss, tooth loss and bad breath with much prevalence in the age group of 35 &amp;ndash; 44 years. Remedies such as toothpastes and mouthwashes are available in the market for its cure however; these are associated with side effects such as tooth staining by chlorhexidine-based mouthwash and altered taste sensation. Excessive use of mouthwashes also alters the normal biological flora of the oral cavity. Therefore, herbal alternatives for the cure of periodontal disease may be of an effective therapeutic significance with less side effects on oral and systemic health. This review summarizes the effective role of herbal medicaments such as Acacia nilotica (gum Arabic), Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Salvadora persica (Miswak), Eugenia caryophyllata (Clove), Nigella sativa (Kalonji), Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Propolis resin (Bee Glue) in the treatment of periodontal disease, thus emphasizing the current need of herbal medicines as better alternatives.&lt;/p&gt;