Honeybee Propolis Extract in Periodontal Treatment: A Clinical
and Microbiological Study of Propolis in Periodontal Treatment
Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate by clinical
and microbiological parameters the effect of subgingival irrigation with
propolis extract.
Materials and Methods: Twenty patients diagnosed with chronic
periodontitis, each presenting three non-adjacent teeth with deep pockets, were
selected. Subgingival plaque sampling and clinical recording (at baseline) and
scaling and root planing was performed. Two weeks later the selected
periodontal sites were submitted to one of the following treatments: Irrigation
with a hydroalcoholic solution of propolis extract twice a week for 2 weeks
(group A); irrigation with a placebo twice a week for 2 weeks (group B); or no
additional treatment (group C). Clinical and microbiological data was collected
at baseline and after 4, 6, and 8 weeks.
Results: A decrease in the total viable counts of anaerobic
bacteria (P=.007), an increase in the proportion of sites with low levels (≤10
5 cfu/mL) of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P=.044), and an increase in the number
of sites negative for bleeding on probing was observed in group A sites as
compared to group B and C sites.
Conclusion: Subgingival irrigation with propolis extract as
an adjuvant to periodontal treatment was more effective than scaling and root
planing as assessed by clinical and microbiological parameters.