Antibacterial effect of propolis and honey on oral bacteria.

PURPOSE: To investigate the antibacterial properties of propolis and honey against oral bacteria in vitro and in vivo.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro study: The antibacterial effects of propolis and honey on oral streptococci were determined using the broth method. Clinical study: The short-term antibacterial effect of propolis solution and honey on salivary total bacteria and Streptococcus mutans was tested in 10 volunteers.
RESULTS: Propolis demonstrated an antibacterial effect both in vitro on isolated oral streptococci and in the clinical study on salivary bacterial counts. Honey induced bacteria growth at low concentrations, while at high concentrations honey had an inhibitory effect on bacterial growth in vitro. Salivary counts of total bacteria and Streptococcus mutans were lower for 1 hour after application of honey. The antibacterial effect of the honey tested may be attributed to its osmolarity effect.