Propolis Protects Against Oxidative Stress in Human Saliva

Journal of ApiProduct & ApiMedical Science, Vol. 2 (2) pp. 72 - 76

Oxidative stress plays an important role in periodontal health and disease and it is important to find natural compounds to control the oxidative stress in the periodontal area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of Apis mellifera propolis (AmP) and Melipona favosa propolis (MfP) on the Fenton reagent-induced oxidative stress of human saliva.

Human saliva was incubated for 10 min at 37°C in the presence of Fenton reagent, to induce the oxidative stress, and propolis ethanolic extract dilutions. After the incubation, the salivary total antioxidant activity was assayed by the ABTS method. It was found that the Fenton reagent caused a decrease in salivary antioxidant activity.

AmP dilution protected and even increased the salivary total antioxidant activity after the Fenton reagent-induced oxidative stress. MfP only protected the salivary total antioxidant activity against oxidative stress.

In conclusion, propolis could be used to maintain and even increase the antioxidant capacity of saliva during an oxidative stress.