Effect of Trigona sp. propolis addition to antibacterial activity of glass ionomer cement against Streptococcus mutans growth

Dental caries was known caused by various factors. One of them is cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). An effort that we can do as therapeutic action for against dental caries is restoration. Until now, glass ionomer cements (GIC) are the most commonly used by dentist as dental material for restoration. This material has an antibacterial effect against a small spectrum of microorganisms and a low bactericidal potential. Recently, many in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that propolis, a natural resinous material collected by honey bees from various plant, has potential for use in the treatment of bacterial diseases because of it antibacterial activity. Therefore the aim of the present study was to investigate whether adding ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) might influence the antibacterial activity of conventional GIC used as restorative filling toward S.mutans growth. Raw propolis was collected from honey bee combs in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Propolis was subjected to maseration process to get EEP, which was then diluted to 2.5%; 5%; and 10% concentrations. Aquadest and GIC liquid were also used as negative and positive control solution. 0.1 ml EEP from each concentration was added into 0.1 ml GIC liquid. After that, paper disc was soaked in each liquid test and inserted in medium Mueller Hinton agar containing cultured S.mutans followed by incubated for 24 and 48 hours at 37°C. Antibacterial activity was reflected by the diameter of the inhibition zones which occurred around the paper disc. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and LSD tests with significance level of 5%. The results showed that after incubated for 24 and 48 hours, there was significant difference (P<0.05) between inhibition zone of GIC which added with 5% and 10% EEP compared negative and positive control. In conclusion, that addition of 5% and 10% EEP solution to GIC liquid increased GIC antibacterial activity toward S.mutans growth in vitro.