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

Abstract

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.

The anti-caries activity and toxicity of an experimental propolis-containing varnish

“…Greater scientific knowledge of the chemical composition of various types of propolis has helped envision their potential use and application in dental practice. 8,9,26,27 Previous studies have reported the strong antimicrobial activity of propolis against several bacteria of the oral m icrobiome, i ncludi ng S. mutans. 1,2,28,29,30,31 As confirmed in our study, propolis and some of its isolated compounds, such as apigenin and tt-farnesol, 11 have been found to display a major effect on microbial virulence (e.g., polysaccharide production and acid tolerance), rather than affecting unspecific or specific microbiome viability, considered a highly desirable quality.…”

“…7 Among these, propolis is one such product that stands out for its biological properties, mainly as an antimicrobial, with direct application in dentistry. 8,9 Its anti-caries mechanism of action is associated with inhibition of glucosyltransferases and downregulation of specific genes associated with stress survival and tolerance in S. mutans. 10 Moreover, some flavonoids, terpenoids, isoflavones and other phenolic acids contained in propolis were found to diminish S. mutans acid production and tolerance.…”

The Potential of Several Fluoride-Based Varnishes as Remineralization Agents: Morphological Studies, Dentin Surface Hardness, and Crystallinity Tests

“…Fluoride is available in a variety of dosage forms including sodium diamine fluoride (SDF), nanosilver fluoride (NSF), and propolis fluoride (PPF) [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Previous studies using SDF have shown that SDF consists of silver (Ag) and fluoride (F); silver acts as an antimicrobial agent and fluoride plays a role in enhancing remineralization as a strong anticaries agent [11].…”

Mechanisms of action underlying the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of propolis: a brief review

“…In fact, various biological properties have been demonstrated and attributed to different types of propolis, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-infl ammatory, anesthetic, wound healing, immunomodulatory, antiproliferative and anticariogenic activities (Dobrowolski et al, 1991;Ivanovska et al, 1995;Moura et al, 1999;Kujumgiev et al, 1999;Isla et al, 2001;Chen et al, 2004;Simões et al, 2004;Duran et al, 2006;Medic-Saric et al, 2009;Araujo et al, 2010;Sforcin, 2007;Libério et al, 2009;Pagliarone et al, 2009, Paulino et al, 2003.…”