Propolis, a natural substance produced by bees, was found to have antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens, according to a recent study.
A recent narrative review, published in the International Dental Journal, examined the applications of propolis in preventive dentistry, periodontics, oral medicine, and restorative dentistry, incorporating data from 104 studies (46 laboratory studies, 5 animal studies, and 53 human clinical studies).
Laboratory studies demonstrated propolis exhibited antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens. Clinical studies indicated propolis-containing products may be beneficial for plaque control, reduction of pathogenic microbial counts, and management of periodontal tissue inflammation. Specific propolis-containing products, such as mouthwash, toothpaste, chewing gum, and dental varnish, were evaluated for biofilm control and dental caries prevention.
Studies also assessed propolis for managing recurrent aphthous stomatitis, chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis, and cavity disinfection after caries removal. Despite the positive outcomes, the majority of the studies had methodological flaws, including a lack of blinding and inadequate control over covariates, rendering results inconclusive. Thus, the investigators noted further well-designed clinical studies are necessary to establish the clinical efficacy of propolis in dental care.
The researchers highlighted the need for additional studies on the safety of propolis, optimal concentrations, and extraction methods. Standardizing propolis extracts will help enhance quality control and ensure reproducibility in future research, they concluded.
A full list of disclosures is available in the original study.