Antimicrobial Activity of Propolis against Streptococcus mutans Compare with Chlorhexidine

Introduction: Propolis is a compound produced by bee’s which exerts antibacterial action against oral microorganisms especially streptococcus mutans. Propolis has different concentrations which exhibit different properties like antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antioxidant.

Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial activity of propolis was first demonstrated through disk diffusion method and broth dilution method. In the disk diffusion method, 5 grams of propolis was diluted with 50ml of ethanol in an eppendorf tube. Different concentrations of propolis (ie) 50mm, 40mm, 30mm were added to sterile discs using a micropipette and were exposed to the bacteria and the results were observed. In the broth dilution method, different concentrations of propolis 1g, 1.25g, 1.5g were taken and dissolved in ethanol. Then 5ml of sterile distilled water was added to the propolis solution. The above solution was autoclaved for 1 and half hours. It was then exposed to the bacteria for half an hour and results were observed.

Results: This study was conducted to assess the antimicrobial activity of propolis against Streptococcus mutans in comparison with 0.2% chlorhexidine. When microorganisms were exposed to propolis for 24 hours, it affected the bacterial viability. There was a complete elimination of bacteria with propolis. Antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine was evaluated and a similar result was obtained. Thus when we compare the antimicrobial activity of propolis and chlorhexidine there was no significant difference with a p value of 0.01 which is statistically significant.

Conclusion: This study showed a positive inhibitory influence of propolis with respect to the Streptococcus mutans.