Abstract

Propolis has been shown to be possibly an appropriate alternative as an intracanal medicament due to its antibacterial properties. The aim of present study was to compare the activity of calcium hydroxide and propolis against Lactobacillus, Enterococcusfaecalis, Peptostreptococcus and Candida albicans. This experimental study was conducted to evaluate antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract of propolis and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) powder mixed with saline solution. Agar diffusion test and dilution methods were used to compare the results. There were separate plates to control diffusion of two substances in agar and antimicrobial activity of solvents. Figures of diameter of inhibition zone and minimal inhibitor concentration (MIC) and minimal bacterial concentration (MBC) were calculated. Paired T-test was used to compare the MIC differences. Propolis was more effective against Lactobacillus, E. faecalis andPeptostreptococcus with 8.6984 mm compared with 7.0833 mm mean diameter of inhibitory zone for Ca(OH)2. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001) indicating that Ca(OH)2 was less effective against experimental microorganisms. The inhibitory zone of the two drugs demonstrated stronger effect of propolis on contaminating microorganisms. The MIC of propolis for all studied microorganisms was at least 4 times less than calcium hydroxide. Propolis was more effective than calcium hydroxide againstLactobacillus, E. faecalis and Peptostreptococcus. In ADT For C. albicans, larger inhibition zone observed around calcium hydroxide, could be due to low diffusion potentiality of propolis in agar compared to calcium hydroxide whereas, MIC demonstrated higher antifungal activity for propolis. Propolis was more effective against C. albicans in spite of its smaller inhibitory zone. 

Key words: Propolis, calcium hydroxide, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus faecalis,Peptostreptococcus, Candida albicans.