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

Abstract We investigated the anti-caries effects of an experimental propolis varnish in vivo, and further tested its toxicity against fibroblasts. Fifty-six SPF female Wistar rats were infected with Streptococcus mutans UA159 (SM) and allocated into four groups (n = 14/group): G1, propolis varnish (15%/PV); G2, chitosan varnish (CV/vehicle); G3, gold standard (GS/Duraphat®); and G4, untreated. The animals received a single varnish application on their molars and were submitted to a high cariogenic challenge (Diet-2000, 56% sucrose, and 5% sucrose-added water, ad libitum) for 4 weeks. Total cultivable microbiota and SM were counted, and smooth-surface and sulcal caries were scored. PV, CV and GS cytotoxic effects were tested against fibroblasts. The data were analyzed using ANOVA with the Tukey-Kramer test (p ≤ 0.05). Total microbiota and SM counts did not differ among the treatments (p = 0.78), or in relation to the untreated group (p = 0.52). PV reduced development of smooth-surface enamel caries compared with the untreated group (p = 0.0018), with no significant difference from GS (p = 0.92); however, the PV effects were no longer observed when the dentin was affected. Neither PV nor GS prevented enamel sulcal lesion onset, but GS significantly reduced the severity of dentinal sulcal lesions (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed in fibroblast viability between PV and GS (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, PV prevented smooth-surface enamel caries and showed low cell toxicity. Nevertheless, due to the high cariogenic challenge, its effects were not sustained throughout the experiment. Further studies are encouraged to establish a protocol to sustain the long-term anti-caries activity of PV in the oral cavity.

Efeito de verniz de própolis em Streptococucus mutans e em modelo experimental de cárie / Effect of propolis varnish in Streptococcus mutans and in dental caries experimental model

Produtos naturais são fontes de agentes terapêuticos eficazes e inovadores, oferecendo diversos princípios ativos a serem testado, favorecendo a descoberta e desenvolvimento de novos produtos. A própolis tem efeito antimicrobiano comprovado sobre bactérias cariogênicas, atraindo muitos estudos para esse fim. Este trabalho avaliou o efeito do verniz experimental de própolis em modelo experimental de cárie dentária e na redução de Streptococcus mutans (SM) na saliva e em biofilme de crianças de 8 a 11 anos utilizando uma única aplicação do produto. No experimento em modelo animal de alto desafio cariogênico, 56 ratas wistar foram infectadas com SM e alocadas em quatro grupos (n=14): G1 - verniz de quitosana (veículo); G3 - Duraphat...

Phase II study with mounthrinse containing 5% of propolis for three-months: compliance, appreciation and acceptability of the product / Estudo fase II com colutório contendo própolis 5%: aderência, apreciação e aceitabilidade do produto

A placa dentária é considerada um fator etiológico chave associado a gengivite decorrente. A sua remoção pode ser difícil em pacientes que possuam coordenação motora deficiente ou quaisquer outros problemas. Então, ouso do bochecho como adjunto da escovação no controle da placa bacteriana e da gengivite pode aumentar os benefícios no controle de placa dental. Um estudo de fase II foi utilizado para avaliar a aderência, a apreciação e a aceitabilidade de um enxaguatório bucal sem álcool contendo 5% de própolis verde (EPV 5%) no controle de placa e gengivite durante três meses. Cada indivíduo, ao final do estudo, respondeu a um questionário sobre a apreciação e aceitabilidade do enxaguante bucal. Vinte e um pacientes completaram o estudo, apesar de a maioria deles terem considerado o sabor do EPV 5% desagradável. Eles ficaram satisfeitos com o produto e apontaram as mudanças positivas na saúde bucal após o período de tratamento. Sendo assim, a adesão foi satisfatória (≥80%) sem diferença estatisticamente significante entre os períodos de bochecho da manhã da noite.

Dental plaque is considered a key etiological factor associated with arising gingivitis. Its removal can be difficult in pacients with lack of coordination or any other problems. Then, the use of mouthrinse as adjunct to toothbrushing in control of plaque and gingivitis might increase the benefits of controlling dental plaque. A phase II study was used to evaluate the compliance, appreciation and acceptability of an alcohol-free mouthwash contain 5% green propolis (MGP 5%) in control of plaque and gingivitis for three months. Each subject, at the end of the study, answered a questionnaire about appreciation and acceptance of the mouthwash. Twenty one subjects completed the study, although most of them felt the taste of MGP 5% unpleasant. They were satisfied with the product, pointing positive changes in the oral health after the treatment period. Then, the compliance was satisfactory (≥ 80%) with no statistically significant difference between the periods of rinsing in the morning and at night