Antimicrobial effects of propolis extract on the most prevalent oral pathogens: An in vitro study
Dr. Momen-Beitollahi J.,1 Dr. Mansorian A., 1 Dr. Esmaili M., 2 Dr. Amanlou M.,3 Mohamadnia A.,4 Dr. Bahrami N. 5 1 Assistant Professor, Oral Medicine Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran University / Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran. 2 Dentist. 3 Associate Professor, Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University / Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran. 4 Supervisors in National Research Institute of Tuberculosis & Lung Diseases. Shahid Beheshti University / MC. Tehran, Iran. 5 Dentist, Dental Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry. Tehran University / Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran. (Received 1 March, 2008 Accepted 22 Feb, 2009) Abstract Background and Aim: Topical and systemic antimicrobials are widely used in dental practice. Likewise, antimicrobials may be used in order to reduce the count of oral pathogens before oral surgery in immune compromised patients or other high risk patients as well. Propolis is a wax- or resin-like substance that is collected by bees from fresh flowers, or other botanical sources, and used to reinforce the structural stability of the hive, acting as a barrier in preventing diseases and parasites from entering the hive. Given that there are differences in Propolis property produced around the world, the aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial effects of the Propolis produced in Hamedan province, Iran, with Nystatin (antifungal drug) and Chlorhexidine (antibacterial mouthwash). Materials and Methods: By using whole technique, the antimicrobial effect of 30% ethanol extract of Propolis was demonstrated against S. mutans, C. albicans and A.a.commitans. The antimicrobial effects of Ethanol-extract of Propolis and Chlorhexidine solution were evaluated at eight different times against S.mutans, C.albicans and A.a.commitans. The 70º ethanol was used as control. Results: The microorganisms under investigation in this study revealed close susceptibility to various concentrations of Propolis extract, and the complete clear zones revealed remarkable effect. For other bacteria, different degrees of susceptibility to Propolis were observed. Conclusions: Based on these findings we may conclude that 30% ethanol extract of Propolis is very effective on oral pathogenic microorganisms (such as Streptococcus mutants, Candida albicans and Actinobacillus a. commitans). Key words: Propolis - Candida albicans - Antibacterial activity - Oral microorganism. Corresponding Author: Dr. Bahrami N., Dentist, Dental Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry. Tehran University / Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran. e.mail: nbahrami@farabi.tums.ac.ir | 
