Propolis antimicrobial activity against periodontopathic bacteria

Propolis extract antimicrobial activity against periodontopathic (ATCC) bacteria was investigated ôin vitroö. 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 ìug/ml for Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Capnocytophaga gingivalisl; and 0.25 ìg/ml for Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella melaninogenica, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobactaerium nucleatum. Some superinfectant organisms were also tested: Candida albicans susceptibility to proprolis ethanolic extract was demonstrated at a concentration of 12 ìg/ml. The MIC for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (wild types) was 14 ìg/ml. All periodontal pathogens and superinfectants tested were susceptible to the propolis extract. The positive suggest that the popolis extract should be further tested as an adjuvant to periodontal therapy.