Healing Effect of Propolis in Medicine and Dentistry: A review
Abstract
Propolis is a natural product derived from plant resins collected by honeybees. Propolis has maintained its popularity over a long period of time.  The pharmacologically active molecules are flavonoids, phenolic acids, and their esters. Propolis has a degree of anti microbial action against fungi such as Candida Albicans and some bacteria including a range of oral micro organisms and viruses and may be as effective as acyclovir against herpes simplex virus. In addition, propolis and its components have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory activities, and antitumor activity. In dentistry, Propolis has been used in dentifrices, as a storage medium for teeth that have avulsed, in periodontal therapy . Its use in canal debridement for endodontic procedures has been explored. Because of its strong, anti-infective activity, propolis has often been called a natural antibiotic.†Many studies show its strong inhibitory effect on a wide variety of pathogenic organisms.Propolis extract used as mouth rinse procure  anti microbial activity against streptococcus mutans present in the oral cavity. Subgingival irrigation with Propolis extract as an adjunct to periodontal treatment may also be more effective than scaling and root planning alone. Propolis extract possesses anti-plaque activity and improves gingival health. The extract might be used as an alternative measure to prevent periodontal and gingival problems.It has promising role in future medicine as well as dentistry.
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