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Evaluation of Antibacterial Effect of Propolis and its Application in Mouthwash Production
Rahman Nazeri1, Marzieh Ghaiour2, Shima Abbasi3
1Faculty of Dentistry, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Objectives:
Our purpose was to determine the antibacterial properties of propolis and to evaluate its use as an antibacterial mouthwash with minimal complications.
Materials And Methods:
In this experimental laboratory study, an alcoholic propolis extract was prepared. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was calculated for four bacterial species including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) using agar dilution. According to the MIC, a propolis antibacterial mouthwash was produced and compared to water, chlorhexidine (CHX), and Listerine using laboratory rats for clinical examination. Salivary specimens of rats were collected at 12 hours, 1 week, and 2 weeks after using the mouthwash and examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and repeated measures ANOVA (α=0.05).
Results:
The results of agar dilution by the number of colony-forming units showed the lowest MIC for S. aureus and the highest for L. acidophilus. Our RT-PCR findings indicated that water alone had no effect on the level of oral bacteria. Propolis mouthwash showed a significant difference with CHX and Listerine (P<0.05) in terms of the number of S. mutans, E. faecalis, and L. acidophilus colonies, while CHX and Listerine were less efficient. There was no significant difference between CHX and propolis (P=0.110) regarding S. aureus colonies, but Listerine had a lower efficacy than either (P<0.05).
Conclusion:
According to the results, propolis mouthwash was more efficient against the studied oral bacteria compared to CHX and Listerine.
Insights
Propolis mouthwash demonstrated superior antibacterial properties against common oral bacteria compared to chlorhexidine and Listerine. This natural alternative offers effective oral hygiene with fewer complications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Oral bacteria contribute to various dental conditions.
- Antibacterial mouthwashes are crucial for oral hygiene.
- Propolis, a natural resin, possesses known antimicrobial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain the antibacterial efficacy of propolis.
- To evaluate propolis as a mouthwash formulation.
- To compare propolis mouthwash with standard agents.
Main Methods:
- An alcoholic propolis extract was prepared and its Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis.
- A propolis mouthwash was formulated based on MIC values.
- Comparative analysis with chlorhexidine (CHX) and Listerine was performed in rats using RT-PCR to quantify oral bacteria levels.
Main Results:
- Propolis exhibited varying MICs, with highest activity against S. aureus and lowest against L. acidophilus.
- Propolis mouthwash significantly reduced S. mutans, E. faecalis, and L. acidophilus compared to CHX and Listerine.
- Efficacy against S. aureus was comparable between propolis and CHX, with both outperforming Listerine.
Conclusions:
- Propolis mouthwash is a highly effective agent against key oral bacteria.
- Propolis offers a promising natural alternative to conventional antibacterial mouthwashes.
- Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
