Journal of Stomatology
eISSN: 2299-551X
ISSN: 0011-4553
Journal of Stomatology
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SCImago Journal & Country Rank
1/2025
vol. 78
 
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abstract:
Original paper

Antioxidant and antibacterial potentials of four indigenous propolis extracts against oral tooth decay pathogens, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans

Naheed Mojgani
1
,
Masoumeh Bagheri
1
,
Mojtaba Moharrami
2
,
Narges Vaseji
3
,
Mohammad-Reza Sanjabi
4
,
Omid Hosseini
5
,
Mona Khoramjouy
5
,
Roghayeh Kiani
5
,
Seyed Abdulmajid Ayatollahi
5

  1. Department of Biotechnology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
  2. Department of Honeybee Diseases Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
  3. Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Animal Science, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
  4. Department of Agriculture, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran
  5. Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
J Stoma 2025; 78, 1: 6-14
Online publish date: 2025/03/19
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Introduction:
Propolis, a natural resin-like substance, collected by bees from plant sources is known for its power­ful anti-oxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Objectives:
The study aimed to investigate the key functional constituents and antimicrobial efficacy of four Iranian propolis samples against tooth decay pathogens, i.e., Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.

Material and methods:
Ethanolic propolis extracts (EEP) were analyzed for their total phenols, flavonoids, radical scavenging capacity, and hemolytic activity. Antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory, and bactericidal/ fungicidal concentrations were determined by micro-dilution assays. Combined effects of all four EEP (MEEP) against the pathogens were also investigated. Biofilm inhibition assay was conducted to evaluate EEP efficacy against S. mutans and C. albicans biofilms.

Results:
Significant variations in antimicrobial activity of EEP against both pathogens were observed. EEP-K and EEP-D showed the strongest antimicrobial activity against S. mutans (21.22 ± 1.15 and 125 µg/ml, respectively) and C. albicans (19.87 ± 1.22 mm and 150 µg/ml, respectively). MEEP samples appeared the most effective against both pathogens compared with EEP samples. S. mutans was more susceptible to all tested propolis extracts compared with C. albicans, and EEP-K completely eliminating S. mutans biofilms at concentrations ≥ 100 µg/ml. EEP-D reduced C. albicans biofilms by 80% at 125 µg/ml. Antioxidant activity and phenolic/flavonoid content varied among the propolis samples, with no observed hemolytic activity up to concentrations of 250 µg/ml.

Conclusions:
Iranian propolis extracts possess significant antibacterial and antifungal activities against oral pathogens, making them potential candidates for using in dentistry to improve oral health. Further research is warranted to explore the key phenolic compounds responsible for the bioactivity of indigenous propolis in order to utilize their therapeutic potential in promoting oral hygiene.

keywords:

propolis, tooth decay, antimicrobial activity, biofilm inhibition, antioxidant activity

 
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