Efficacy Of Propolis Research Articles

Efficacy of propolis and royal jelly in attenuating cadmium-induced spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis dysregulation, causing infertility in rats.

Bee-derived pharmaceutical products, including propolis (PRO) and royal jelly (ROJ), possess outstanding pharmacological properties. However, their efficiency in counteracting the deleterious influences of cadmium (Cd) in testes and the relevant mechanisms entail further investigations. Therefore, this study sheds light on the therapeutic efficacy of PRO and ROJ against testicular dysfunction and infertility induced by Cd. Toward this end, 30 mature male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups (5 animals/group), including (I) control, (II) Cd, (III) PRO, (IV) ROJ, (V) PRO + Cd, and (VI) ROJ + Cd groups. Furthermore, antioxidant factors, semen quality, hormonal levels, steroidogenic enzymes, and genotoxicity were assessed. Moreover, histopathological and ultrastructural attributes and offspring rates were investigated. The Cd-treated group revealed marked reductions in reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) with an amplification of lipid peroxidation in testes, indicating disruption of the antioxidant defense system. Furthermore, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and DNA damage were significantly heightened, implying inflammation and genotoxicity, respectively. Moreover, steroidogenic enzymes, including 17β-Hydroxy Steroid Dehydrogenase 3 (HSD17b3), 3β-Hydroxy Steroid Dehydrogenase 2 (HSD3b2), 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1), and steroid 5α-reductase 2 (SRD5A2) were markedly diminished accompanied with disorders in luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone. Besides, spermatozoa quality was reduced, associated with a diminution in the diameter of seminiferous tubules. By contrast, PRO or ROJ significantly protected and/or counteracted the Cd-induced pathophysiological consequences, ameliorating antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers, steroidogenic enzymes, hormonal levels, and sperm properties, along with lessening DNA impairments. Critically, histological and ultrastructural analyses manifested several anomalies in the testicular tissues of the Cd-administered group, including the Leydig and Sertoli cells and spermatozoa. Conversely, PRO or ROJ sustained testicular tissues' structure, enhancing spermatozoa integrity and productivity. Interestingly, treatment with PRO or ROJ improved fertility indices through offspring rates compared to the Cd-animal group. Our data suggest that PRO is a more effective countermeasure than ROJ against Cd toxicity for securing the delicate testicular microenvironment for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.

Potential Benefits of Propolis in Large and Small Animal Practices: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Propolis is a resinous substance from a mixture of different plant parts and molecules bees compose. This narrative review article explored the application of propolis in large and small animal practices in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Propolis is applied in different pharmaceutical forms. Due to its numerous biological actions, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiulcer, antitumor, and immunomodulatory, propolis can improve animal health and production. Propolis could be used as an alternative treatment for many diseases, such as mastitis, lumpy skin disease, foot and mouth disease, reproductive disorders, and diarrhea in cattle. Moreover, it could improve weight gain in cattle. In equine, propolis has been used as a local anesthetic and for treating dermatomycosis, chronic bronchitis, and skin wounds. In pigs, propolis has been used to treat enzootic pneumonia and as a prophylaxis for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in weak pigs. Propolis has been applied to treat caseous lymphadenitis and parasitic diseases in sheep and goats. Furthermore, it improves the immune status of kids and the health status of late pregnant ewes. In dogs and cats, propolis has been applied to treat otitis externa, eye diseases, Cushing’s syndrome, and dermatophytosis. In dogs, propolis can treat transmissible venereal tumors. Moreover, propolis positively affects animal production, average daily gain and milk yield in sheep, growth of calves, lambs, and piglets, and cow’s milk nutritional quality. On the other hand, the addition of propolis to the diet of feedlot bulls and pigs has no effect on their feed intake, hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters, nutrient digestibility, microbial synthesis, and carcass characteristics. Based on the available clinical studies, propolis has potential benefits for animal health in cattle, equine, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, and cats. According to the available literature, propolis is a natural promising agent that can alternate conventional pharmaceuticals, particularly antibiotics. It improves animal health and production with no adverse effects and low cost. Most conducted studies on the efficacy of propolis on animal health and production are in vitro. Due to its scarcity, further controlled clinical trials are recommended to evaluate the exact usefulness of propolis in veterinary medicine and to obtain reliable conclusions on the benefits of propolis in animal health and production.

Comparative evaluation of mouthwashes containing propolis and chlorhexidine for controlling inflammation resulting from plaque accumulation in patients with chronic gingivitis.

Limited data are available on the effect of mouthwashes containing Iranian propolis on plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) in patients with chronic gingivitis. The present study compared the effects of propolis and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes in patients with chronic gingivitis due to plaque accumulation. In the present interventional study, 28 patients 18‒50 years of age with generalized chronic gingivitis were assigned to two groups (n=14). Periodontal parameters, including PI and GI, were determined in all the subjects at baseline. Groups A and B received CHX and propolis mouthwashes, respectively. All the subjects used the mouthwashes for two weeks. Then all the parameters were evaluated gain. Independent t-test was used to compare the periodontal parameters between the two groups. Paired t-test was used for intra-group comparisons. Statistical significance was defined at P<0.05. Two weeks after using the mouthwashes, the mean PI in the CHX group (21.71±1.63) was significantly lower than that in the propolis group (33.91±5.96). However, the mean PI and GI in the propolis group decreased significantly compared to the baseline (P=0.00). Propolis significantly decreased the mean plaque and gingival inflammation in patients with chronic gingivitis. Although the reduction in PI in the propolis group was a little less than in the CHX group, the efficacy of propolis in reducing GI was comparable to CHX.

Efficacy of propolis and triple antibiotic paste as intra-canal medicaments for revascularisation of immature teeth in dogs: a comparative study.

Revascularisation is a therapeutic approach for treatment of immature teeth with necrotic pulp. The conventional protocol includes application of triple antibiotic paste (TAP). The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of propolis and TAP as intra-canal medicaments for revascularisation of immature teeth in dogs. This study was conducted on 20 immature (open-apex) canine teeth in mixed breaded dogs. First, the teeth were exposed to oral environment, followed by intra-canal cleaning and shaping 2weeks later.. The teeth were divided into two groups. The TAP group received paste comprising of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and minocycline (at a concentration of 100µg/mL), while propolis (15% w/v) was used in the other group. The revascularisation procedure was done by means of sodium hypochlorite, EDTA and distilled water as final irrigant. After dehumidifying and induction of bleeding, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was applied At 6-month follow-up, radiographs were evaluated by two observers regarding root length and thickness, intra-canal calcification, periapical lesions, and apex formation. Data were analysed by the Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. There was no significant difference between the TAP and propolis groups in root length or root thickness increase, calcification, related lesions, or apex formation (P > 0.05). Findings of the present study in experimental animals revealed that the efficacy of propolis as an intra-canal medicament is comparable to that of triple antibiotic paste for revascularisation therapy.

The effect of Brazilian Green Propolis extract on inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis: A randomised double-blind controlled clinical trial

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on dialysis display a low-grade systemic inflammatory burden. Nutritional interventions designed to activate the cytoprotective nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and inhibit nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) have been proposed to mitigate this burden. Several bioactive compounds have been investigated to achieve this, including propolis, a resin produced by Apis mellifera bees. Considering the safety and efficacy of propolis, it could be a strategy to benefit these patients. Still, there are no studies using propolis in patients with CKD on peritoneal dialysis (DP), and clinical studies to support this application are lacking. Hypothesis/PurposeThe objective and novelty of the present study are to evaluate the effects of propolis supplementation on inflammatory markers in patients with CKD on PD. Study designA longitudinal, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with CKD patients on PD. MethodsThe patients were randomised into two groups: propolis that received four capsules of 100 mg (400 mg/day), containing concentrated and standardised dry EPP-AF® Brazilian green propolis extract) or placebo, four capsules of 100 mg (400 mg/day), of magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and microcrystalline cellulose, for two months. Plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were evaluated by ELISA. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses were performed to evaluate the transcriptional expression levels of Nrf2 and NF-κB in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a lipid peroxidation marker, was measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Routine biochemical markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), were analysed using commercial kits. Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) was measured with a doppler ultrasonography device. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT04411758. ResultsA total of 19 patients completed the study, ten patients in the propolis group (54 ± 1.0 years, five men, 7.2 (5.1) months on PD) and 9 in the placebo group (47.5 ± 15.2 years, three men, 10.8 (24.3) months on PD). The plasma levels of TNF-α reduced significantly (p = 0.02), and expression of Nrf2 showed a trend to increase (p = 0.07) after propolis supplementation. ConclusionEPP-AF® Green Propolis extract (400 mg/day) supplementation for two months appears as a potential strategy to mitigate inflammation, reducing TNF-α plasma levels in CKD patients on PD.

A comparative study on the effect of propolis and dentine bonding agent in treating dentine hypersensitivity.

To find out if there is a difference in the efficacy of propolis and seventh-generation dentine bonding agent in reducing dentine hypersensitivity. The randomised, single-blind study was conducted at the Department of Periodontology, Dow International Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from December 2018 to November 2019, and comprised patients with complaint of dentine hypersensitivity who were divided in group A which received 30% ethanolic extract of propolis, and group B which received dentine bonding agent. Recordings of dentine hypersensitivity were obtained at baseline, before and after the application of experimental agents, and on days 7, 15 and 30. The response was measured using the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the 52 patients, 19 (36.5%) were males and 33 (63.5%) were females. The overall mean age was 29.9 ± 6.5 years. Majority of the subjects were students i.e. 16 (30.8%) and housewives i.e. 11 (21.2%), while drivers, teachers, businessmen etc. constituted of 25 (48%) subjects. Significant reduction of dentine hypersensitivity was observed in both groups (p<0.05). Intergroup comparison showed non-significant differences (p>0.05). Propolis and dentine bonding agent had significant effect in reducing dentine hypersensitivity. The difference between the two was not significant.

The protective efficacy of propolis against multi heavy metals-induced oxidative stress and hepato-renal damage in the males of albino rats

The protective efficacy of propolis against multi heavy metals-induced oxidative stress and hepato-renal damage in the males of albino rats

Effect of propolis on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of propolis on glycemic indices in type 2 diabetic patients. Design/methodology/approach Web of science (ISI), Embase, Scopus and PubMed were systematically searched to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of propolis intake on glycemic controls in type 2 diabetic patients, from inception up to September 1, 2020. A random-effects model was used to pool weighted mean difference (WMD). Meta-regression was performed to detect the potential sources of inter-study heterogeneity. Findings Seven trials were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to controls, propolis intake significantly improved serum fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD = −13.62 mg/dl, 95% CI = [−23.04, −4.20], P = 0.005, I2 = 58.5%) and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) (WMD = −0.52%, 95% CI = [−0.86, −0.18], P = 0.002, I2 = 64.0%). In contrast, receiving propolis did not change serum insulin (WMD = −1.46 (uIU/ml), 95% CI = [−2.94, 0.02], P = 0.05, I2 = 75.0%) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD = −0.98 (%), 95% CI = [−2.00, 0.04], P = 0.06, I2 = 82.3%) compared to controls. Originality/value The present meta-analysis demonstrated that propolis intake significantly reduces serum FBS and HbA1c in diabetic patients but does not alter serum insulin and HOMA-IR. Further large-scale RCT’s are needed to approve these effects.

Algerian propolis: between protection of normal cells and potentialisation of the anticancer effects of doxorubicin against breast cancer cells via P-glycoprotein inhibition and cell cycle arrest in the S phase.

Breast cancer is a common cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Studies have shown that breast cancer is a heterogeneous tumor with varying response to treatments. The clinical use of doxorubicin (Dox) in the treatment of cancer is limited by its cardiotoxicity which results in often fatal heart failure and the development of multidrug resistance. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies and targets are underscored. Propolis has been reported to show a broad spectrum of biological activities including anticancer activity. In this study, we investigated the role of propolis on the antitumor effects of Dox on breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and its ability to provide protection against Dox-mediated damage on normal cells (MRC-5). Modifications in cell viability, apoptosis induction, cell cycle progression and permeability glycoprotein (P-gp) activity of breast cancer cells in vitro were evaluated. Propolis combined with Dox inhibited cell growth in a dose dependent manner by inducing cell cycle arrest in the S phase and caspase-dependent apoptosis. In the presence of propolis, the IC50 of Dox against MDA-MB-231 cells decreased by 10-fold. The increased sensitivity of cancer cells to the combined treatment was explained by the capacity of propolis to cause a significant increase in Dox content in MDA-MB-231. Very interestingly, Algerian propolis showed its ability to inhibit efficiently P-gp function in comparison with verapamil, reference P-gp modulator, which proves the efficacy of propolis to reverse the problem of multidrug resistance. Our results showed also that propolis could protect normal cells from deleterious effects of Dox by amelioration of cell viability. In conclusion, the obtained results indicate that Algerian propolis potentiated the antitumor effects of Dox on breast cancer cells and could reduce the problem of multidrug resistance. Therefore, Algerian propolis may be an effective agent in a combined treatment with Dox for increased therapeutic efficacy against breast cancer. Clinically, our results are relevant because with this combined therapy it may be possible to counter the problem of cancer cell resistance while reducing the problem of toxicity on normal cells.

Removal efficacy of propolis/calcium hydroxide medicaments from the root canal.

Objective:To compare the removal efficacy of propolis and calcium hydroxide medicaments from the root canal using manual irrigation with sodium hypochlorite.Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics, College of Dentistry, King Faisal University for two months. Thirty single-rooted upper or lower permanent anterior teeth with sound root and closed apex were selected. After cleaning and shaping of canal by protaper rotary, teeth were randomly divided into two groups. In group “A,” propolis paste was placed while calcium hydroxide was placed inside root canals in group “B,” followed by temporary restoration. After seven days, intracanal medicament was removed using 25 # K file and irrigated canal by 5 ml of 3.0% sodium hypochlorite. A final irrigation of 2-ml of 17% EDTA for three minutes followed by 1-ml of normal saline was performed. A diamond disc was used to cut the crowns of the teeth from cemento-enamel junction and divide the roots into two halves. These sectioned halves were then observed under a stereomicroscope at 7X magnification and analyzed using Adobe Photoshop. Magnetic lasso tool was used to calculate the percentage of residual medicament in the canals by comparing the pixel proportion of the medicament with the total pixel proportion of the canal. Paired t-test was used to see the difference in the number of remaining remnants between propolis and calcium hydroxide. A p-value of less than 0.5 was considered statistically significant.Results:A statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.001) was observed in the percentage of remaining remnants between propolis (23.22%) and calcium hydroxide (38.58%) after thorough irrigation with sodium hypochlorite.Conclusion:Propolis is superior to calcium hydroxide in terms of their removal potency from the root canal after thorough irrigation with sodium hypochlorite.

Efficacy of propolis in remineralising artificially induced demineralisation of human enamel - An in-vitro study

ObjectiveIn this in vitro study, we aimed to analyse the enamel-remineralisation potential of propolis. Materials and methodsTwenty enamel blocks (N = 20) were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10). In group 1 (control), enamel blocks were brushed with artificial saliva (AS). In group 2, they were brushed with propolis oil. All the blocks were demineralised by exposing them to 6 wt% citric acid (pH: 2.2) for 5 min. Brushing was performed inside a tooth brushing simulation machine with manual toothbrushes. Each sample received 5,000 linear strokes. Surface microhardness analysis was performed for each sample at three time intervals (pre-demineralisation or baseline, post-demineralisation, and post-remineralisation) to obtain the Vickers hardness numbers (VHNs). ResultsAn enhancement in the microhardness of the enamel samples was observed after brushing with propolis oil when compared with brushing using AS alone. In group 1 (control group), the mean baseline VHN was 583.66. It decreased to 116.23 after demineralisation and increased to 184.02 after remineralisation. The mean baseline VHN of group 2 was 506.91. It decreased to 317.60 after demineralisation and increased to 435.19 after remineralisation. The VHN values of both the groups revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in inter-group and intra-group comparisons. ConclusionBrushing of enamel blocks with propolis led to a greater enhancement in their microhardness levels when compared with the control group. Future studies are essential to validate the exact mechanism of the beneficial effects of propolis on enamel.

Biochemical Composition of Propolis and Its Efficacy in Maintaining Postharvest Storability of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Propolis, also called “bee-glue,” is a natural resinous substance produced by honeybees from plant exudates, beeswax, and bee secretions in order to defend the hives. It has numerous phenolic compounds with more than 250 identified chemical compounds in its composition, which are also known to significantly vary according to the plant sources and season. Moreover, it has a long history in the traditional and scientific medicine as having antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and wound healing effects since 300 BC. In addition to its nutritional and health-promoting effects, it has been reported to improve the postharvest storability of fresh fruits, vegetables, and processed food products. Herein, the biochemical composition and the efficacy of propolis in maintaining the postharvest storability of fresh food products were discussed to provide comprehensive guide to farmers and food processing and storage sectors and to scientists. This review paper also highlights the important points to which special attention should be given in further studies in order to be able to use propolis to develop biopreservatives industrially and for quality preservation during storage.

Comparative clinical efficacy of propolis mouthrinse in the management patients with chronic generalized gingivitis: a randomized clinical trial

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of propolis and chlorhexidine digluconate containing mouthrinse on a plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation in 14-day period in patients with generalized chronic gingivitis. Materials & Methods: Thirty subjects were randomly divided into three groups of ten subjects each, which received a propolis-containing mouthrinse, or Saline (a negative control) or Chlorhexidine (a positive control). Plaque and gingival indexes were recorded at baseline and at the end of the 14th days. Results: Chlorhexidine was the most effective in reducing gingival index compared to the other groups and no significant differences were observed between propolis and saline groups (P 0.05). Conclusion: Propolis mouthrinse is promising agent as an alternative to other antimicrobial agents in the mechanical plaque control and gingivitis treatment, but further randomized controlled trials are needed with increased number of individuals. Clinical Significance: Mechanical plaque control mechanism plays an essential role in reducing microbial burden among patients with gingivitis. However, microorganisms present at many areas of the oral cavity are not mechanically reachable. Therefore, a chemical mechanism; in conjunction with mechanical procedures can play an important role the management of gingival diseases.

Propolis and Its Potential to Treat Gastrointestinal Disorders.

There are a number of disorders that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Such disorders have become a global emerging disease with a high incidence and prevalence rates worldwide. Inflammatory and ulcerative processes of the stomach or intestines, such as gastritis, ulcers, colitis, and mucositis, afflict a significant proportion of people throughout the world. The role of herbal-derived medicines has been extensively explored in order to develop new effective and safe strategies to improve the available gastrointestinal therapies that are currently used in the clinical practice. Studies on the efficacy of propolis (a unique resinous aromatic substance produced by honeybees from different types of species of plants) are promising and propolis has been effective in the treatment of several pathological conditions. This review, therefore, summarizes and critiques the contents of some relevant published scientific papers (including those related to clinical trials) in order to demonstrate the therapeutic value of propolis and its active compounds in the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.

Efficacy of Propolis on the Denture Stomatitis Treatment in Older Adults: A Multicentric Randomized Trial.

Our hypothesis tested the efficacy and safety of a mucoadhesive oral gel formulation of Brazilian propolis extract compared to miconazole oral gel for the treatment of denture stomatitis due to Candida spp. infection in older adults. Forty patients were randomly allocated in a noninferiority clinical trial into two groups. The control group (MIC) received 20 mg/g miconazole oral gel and the study group (PROP) received mucoadhesive formulation containing standardized extract of 2% (20 mg/g) propolis (EPP-AF®) during 14 days. Patients were examined on days 1, 7, and 14. The Newton's score was used to classify the severity of denture stomatitis. The colony forming unity count (CFU/mL) was quantified and identified (CHROMagar Candida®) before and after the treatment. Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups. Both treatments reduced Newton's score (P < 0.0001), indicating a clinical improvement of the symptoms of candidiasis with a clinical cure rate of 70%. The microbiological cure with significant reduction in fungal burden on T14 was 70% in the miconazole group and 25% in the EPP-AF group. The EPP-AF appears to be noninferior to miconazole considering the clinical cure rate and could be recommended as an alternative treatment in older patients.

Extraction Method Plays Critical Role in Antibacterial Activity of Propolis-Loaded Hydrogels

Extracted propolis has been used for a long time as a remedy. However, if the release rate of propolis is not controlled, the efficacy is reduced. To overcome this issue, extracted propolis was added to a cryogel system. Propolis collected from southern Brazil was extracted using different methods and loaded at different concentrations into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyacrylic acid hydrogels as carrier systems. The material properties were investigated with a focus on the propolis release profiles and the cryogel antibacterial properties against 4 different bacteria, namely: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas putida. Swelling studies indicated that the swelling of the hydrogel was inversely related to propolis content. In addition, propolis release studies indicated a decreased release rate with increased propolis loading. PVA and PVA/polyacrylic acid–loaded propolis were effective against all 4 bacteria studied. These results indicate that the efficacy of propolis can be enhanced by incorporation into hydrogel carrier systems and that hydrogels with higher concentrations of propolis can be considered for use as bactericide dressing.

Heat shock protein 70 mRNA expression and immune response of heat-stressed finishing broilers fed propolis (bee glue) supplementation

Abstract. This 2×2 factorial experiment investigated the efficacy of propolis (bee glue; BG) in ameliorating heat-stress-induced impairment of growth performance, the hematological profile, intestinal morphology, and biomarkers of heat stress in broilers. Two hundred and forty 21-day old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were allocated to four experimental treatments in six replicates of 10 birds each. The main factors were composed of diet (basal diet or addition of 3 g kg−1 of BG) and temperature (thermoneutral or heat stress). Broilers subjected to heat stress had reduced average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI); a higher heterophil level and heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and a lower lymphocyte level; upregulated mRNA expression of 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) levels in heart, kidney, and breast muscle; and shorter jejunal villus height, deeper crypt depth, and a lower ratio of villus-height-to-crypt-depth compared with those broilers raised in thermoneutral conditions. Supplemental BG increased ADG, jejunal villus height, and the villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio and decreased the feed-to-gain ratio and creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels in breast muscle compared with the birds who received control diets. The inclusion of BG in diets significantly decreased the mRNA expression of HSP70 levels in heart, kidney, and breast muscle in birds subjected to heat challenge. These results indicate that the BG-supplemented diet was effective in partially ameliorating adverse effects in resistance to heat stress in broiler chickens.

The in Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy of Propolis against Four Oral Pathogens: A Review

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.

Efficacy of Propolis and Cinnamon Oil Coating in Controlling Post-Harvest Anthracnose and Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) during Cold Storage

Brazilian green propolis extract (PP) and cinnamon oil (CM) as edible coatings can be used to maximize chilli shelf life due to their antifungal properties. Antifungal effects and quality control of 5 % PP, 0.1 % CM and the combination of PP and CM incorporated with 5 % gum arabic (GA) as base coating were investigated in vitro as well as in vivo. Coated chillies were stored in cold storage of 13 ± 2 °C (80–90 % relative humidity (RH)) for 28 days and 5 days at simulated marketing conditions (25 ± 2 °C, 60–70 % RH). Study revealed that PP and CM alone had fungicidal effect against Colletotrichum capsici, causal organisms of chilli anthracnose. However, combined treatment of PP and CM showed the most promising results against C. capsici with 100 % inhibition on mycelia growth and spore germination. In vivo studies revealed that combined treatment of PP and CM showed a significantly (p < 0.05) lower disease incidence (14 %) and severity score (1.5) after 33 days of storage, as well as a significant delay in the changes of weight loss, firmness, peel colour and soluble solids concentration compared with other treatments. It could be concluded that 5 % PP combined with 0.1 % CM incorporated with 5 % base coating of GA is an effective bio-fungicide for postharvest anthracnose control and retaining the quality of chilli.

The effect of propolis on bacterial population isolated from necrotizing single canal tooth with chronic apical periodontitis versus chlorhexidine gluconate

Propolis is a sticky resinous material collected from flowers and plants or other botanical sources by honey-bee. It has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Effective debridement of the root canal system with chemical irrigants prior to obturation is the key to long-term success of endodontic therapy. An equally effective, but safe irrigant is desirable. The purpose of this study was to compare the antibacterial efficacy of propolis and chlorhexidine 0.12% as root canal irrigants on the bacterial isolates of necrosed teeth with apical chronic periodontitis. Seventeen necrosed single canal teeth with apical chronic periodontitis were used. After cavity preparation, two samples were taken of each canal and transferred to the lab in immediate media. After 3 to 5 days of incubation in presence and absence of irrigants in aerobic or anaerobic condition, the colonies were counted as CFU/ml. According to results, the mean percentages of bacterial growth inhibition in presence of chlorhexidine in aerobic and anaerobic conditions were 82.6 and 79% respectively, while in presence of propolis were 29.42 and 46.4%, respectively. It is revealed that in each condition chlorhexidin was significantly more effective than propolis also it is more effective in aerobic than anaerobic condition, non-significantly. Propolis is significantly more effective in anaerobic than aerobic condition. It can be concluded that propolis and chlorhexidine 0.12% have antimicrobial activity against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Chlorhexidine is a superior root canal antibacterial agent than propolis even though the antibacterial effect of propolis on the growth of aerobic and anaerobic is apparent. Key words: Antibacterial, chlorhexidine 0.12%, propolis, root canal irrigants.