Propolis Antimicrobial Activity against Periodontopathic Bacteria

Propolis extract antimicrobial activity against periodontopathic (ATCC) bacteria was investigated “in vitro”. Bacterial strains tested were: Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella melaninogenica, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Capnocytophaga gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the strains tested was determined using the method of broth dilution with the propolis extract in serial concentrations. Results showed MIC of 1 μg/ml for Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Capnocytophaga gingivalis; and 0.25 μg/ml for Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella melaninogenica, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Some superinfectant organisms were also tested: Candida albicans susceptibility to propolis ethanolic extract was demonstrated at a concentration of 12 μg/ml. The MIC for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (wild types) was 14 μg/ml. All periodontal pathogens and superinfectants tested were susceptible to the propolis extract. The positive results suggest that the propolis extract should be further tested as an adjuvant to periodontal therapy.