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The inhibitory activity of typified propolis against Enterococcus species

Bernard J Moncla1, Peter W Guevara, James A Wallace

  • 1School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Departments of Oral Biology and Endodontics, 3501 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.

Zeitschrift Fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of Biosciences
|August 15, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study shows that propolis, a natural bee product, effectively inhibits Enterococcus bacteria from human and animal sources. Brazilian propolis demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis, including those from endodontic treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Natural Products Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Endodontics

Background:

  • Propolis is a natural bee-derived resin with known antimicrobial properties.
  • Enterococcus species are significant pathogens in human and animal infections, including refractory endodontic cases.
  • Understanding the antimicrobial spectrum of propolis is crucial for its therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of propolis against various Enterococcus isolates.
  • To characterize the chemical composition of the propolis used.
  • To determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of propolis against susceptible bacteria.

Main Methods:

  • Propolis typification using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify key constituents like prenylated compounds, cinnamic acid derivatives, and flavonoids.
  • Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) via the agar dilution method.
  • Testing against Enterococcus isolates from human, animal (pig-tailed macaques), refractory endodontic treatments, and Lactobacillus-containing food supplements.

Main Results:

  • HPLC analysis confirmed prenylated compounds, cinnamic acid derivatives, and flavonoids as major propolis constituents.
  • All human and animal Enterococcus isolates exhibited MIC values of 1600 microg/mL.
  • Propolis demonstrated inhibitory effects on Enterococcal species from both human and animal origins.
  • Human isolates of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis, particularly from refractory endodontic cases, were found to be susceptible to Brazilian propolis.

Conclusions:

  • Brazilian propolis possesses significant antimicrobial activity against human and animal Enterococcus isolates.
  • Propolis is a viable natural agent for combating Enterococcus infections, including challenging endodontic cases.
  • Further research into propolis-based therapeutics for infectious diseases is warranted.

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