The potential use of propolis as a cariostatic agent and its actions on mutans group streptococci

• Published in: Journal of ethnopharmacology Vol. 125; no. 1; pp. 1 - 9
• Main Authors: Libério, Silvana A., Pereira, Antônio Luís A., Araújo, Maria José A.M., Dutra, Richard P., Nascimento, Flávia R.F., Monteiro-Neto, Valério, Ribeiro, Maria Nilce S., Gonçalves, Azizedite G., Guerra, Rosane N.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier Ireland Ltd 17-08-2009; Amsterdam; New York: Elsevier; Elsevier
• Subjects: animal pathogenic bacteria; antibacterial properties; bacterial adhesion; Biological and medical sciences; Cariostatic agent; chemical composition; Data processing; Dental caries; Dental Caries - microbiology; disease prevention; extracts; General pharmacology; geographical variation; hexosyltransferases; Humans; literature reviews; Medical sciences; medicinal properties; oral administration; Pharmacognosy. Homeopathy. Health food; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; plate count; Propolis; Propolis - chemistry; Propolis - pharmacology; quality control; saliva; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus mutans - drug effects; Streptococcus mutans - growth & development; EE; BUT; BHI; MIC; CHL; Propolis; EP; MBC; ET; Streptococcus mutans; Cariostatic agent; HX; EEP; Dental caries; MGS; GTF; EA; Stomatology; Pharmacognosy; Dental disease; Dental carie; Animal origin; Medicinal plant; Streptococcaceae; Folk medicine; Plant origin; Bacteria; Micrococcales
• ISSN: 0378-8741; 1872-7573
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.04.047

Propolis is a resinous substance made by bees. It possesses many biological activities, and many studies have reported its potential application in the control of dental caries. However, variability in the chemical composition of propolis is a potential problem in its quality control, especially since propolis has already been incorporated into products for oral use. Therefore, a critical analysis of the available data on propolis is warranted. The present review discusses the
in vitro and
in vivo studies published in the period between 1978 and 2008 regarding the effects of propolis on
Streptococcus mutans growth, bacterial adherence, glucosyltransferase activity, and caries indicators. Several investigations carried out with crude propolis extracts, isolated fractions, and purified compounds showed reductions in
Streptococcus mutans counts and interference with their adhesion capacity and glucosyltransferase activity, which are considered major properties in the establishment of the cariogenic process. Data from
in vivo studies have demonstrated reductions in
Streptococcus mutans counts in saliva, the plaque index, and insoluble polysaccharide formation. These findings indicate that propolis and/or its compounds are promising cariostatic agents. However, the variation in the chemical composition of propolis due to its geographical distribution is a significant drawback to its routine clinical use. Thus, further studies are needed to establish the quality and safety control criteria for propolis in order for it to be used in accordance with its proposed activity.