INFLUENCE OF PROPOLIS ON CARIES - AN IN VIVO STUDY IN RATS

Propolis is well known by its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a hydro-alcoholic suspension of propolis daily consumed on caries using an infected rats model. With this purpose, Wistar rats were infected with a suspension of S. mutans (CCT1901) strain cells previously to the experiment baseline. Then the animals were divided in two groups: Control group (n=10) which were fed with a cariogenic diet (sucrose 56% and powdered skim milk 28%) and drinking water ad libitum. Experimental Group (n=10) were fed with the same diet and water containing propolis (1mg/ml). After 90 days, the animals were sacrificed and the molar teeth caries lesions were registered and analyzed (Chi-square test, α=0,05). Even though the number of caries lesions did not vary between groups, no lesions with score 3 (partial or total coronal destruction) in experimental group were observed, against 12 observed in control group. Although propolis did not avoid caries, it has influenced on caries process since the number of teeth with score 3 were not observed in experimental group which received propolis in daily diet.