Brazilian Red Propolis Is as Effective as Amoxicillin in Controlling Red-Complex of Multispecies Subgingival Mature Biofilm In Vitro

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Brazilian Red Propolis (BRP) extract on seven-day-old multispecies subgingival biofilms. Mixed biofilm cultures containing 31 species associated with periodontal health or disease were grown for six days on a Calgary device. Then, mature biofilms were treated for 24 h with BRP extract at different concentrations (200–1600 µg/mL), amoxicillin (AMOXI) at 54 µg/mL (positive control) or vehicle (negative control). Biofilm metabolic activity was determined by colorimetry, and bacterial counts/proportions were determined by DNA–DNA hybridization. Data were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s tests. Treatment with BRP at 1600, 800 and 400 μg/mL reduced biofilm metabolic activity by 56%, 56% and 57%, respectively, as compared to 65% reduction obtained with AMOXI. Mean total cell counts were significantly reduced in all test groups (~50–55%). Lower proportions of red, green and yellow complex species were observed upon treatment with BRP (400 µg/mL) and AMOXI, but only AMOXI reduced the proportions of Actinomyces species. In conclusion, BRP extract was as effective as AMOXI in killing seven-day-old multispecies biofilm pathogens and did not affect the levels of the host-compatible Actinomyces species. These data suggest that BRP may be an alternative to AMOXI as an adjunct in periodontal therapy. In vivo studies are needed to validate these results.

Classic vs. Novel Antibacterial Approaches for Eradicating Dental Biofilm as Adjunct to Periodontal Debridement: An Evidence-Based Overview

“…However, some studies indicated that AMX + MET were not efficient in reducing the bacterial count [ 66 , 67 ]. Nevertheless, most of the studies consistently reported that the combination of these two antibiotics was superior to using either of them alone, particularly against red complex bacteria [ 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 ]. Similar results with regard to these bacteria were obtained with other antibiotics including azithromycin (AZM) [ 68 , 71 ], minocycline [ 72 ], and active organic ingredients of mouthrinses [ 73 , 74 , 75 ].…”

In Vitro Activity of Propolis on Oral Microorganisms and Biofilms

“…[ 17 ]. In vitro, antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity by selected propolis were shown [ 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

Antibacterial Activity of Propolis Extracts from the Central Region of Romania against Neisseria gonorrhoeae

“…Its composition includes resin, waxes, essential oils, pollen, and various other organic compounds, all in all more than 50 constituents [31][32][33][34]. Propolis has attracted the interest of researchers for its pharmaceutical properties, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potential [35,36]. Pinocembrin, chrysin, pinobanksin, apigenin, and kaempferol were the predominant flavonoid derivatives identified in Polish ethanol extracts of propolis samples exhibiting a strong antioxidative action in vitro against bacteria and fungi, while the pcoumaric, ferulic, and caffeic acids were the main polyphenolic components identified there [37].…”