Background: Propolis is a natural biocompatible material that has been widely studied in dentistry because of its inflammatory, anti-microbial and immunomodulatory properties. One of the active components is caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). CAPE is effective in stimulating collagen as well as inhibiting the inflammation and degeneration of dental pulp. Purpose: To investigate the post-administration of propolis extract as pulp capping material enhances odontoblast-like cell thickness and type 1 collagen expression in Wistar rats (Rattus Norvegicus) Methods: This research was a true experimental design with a posttest-only control group design. Sixty-three Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups, with each group consisting of 21 rats: Group I: Positive control; no capping material was administered; Group II: CAPE was administered; Group III: 11% of the propolis extract was administered. All samples were filled with glass ionomer cement. Seven rats from each group were sacrificed after days 7, 14 and 28 of post-pulp capping administration, and their afflicted teeth were subsequently extracted for histologic analysis. Results: No significant difference was seen in odontoblast-like cell thickness after the application of CAPE and propolis on days 7 and 14 (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was noticed on day 28 (p < 0.05), with the thickness of odontoblast-like cell in CAPE being thinner than that in propolis. A significant difference in the expression of type 1 collagen was observed on days 7, 14 and 28 after the application of the propolis extract compared with CAPE (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The post-administration of propolis extract as a pulp capping material could enhance odontoblast-like cell thickness and type 1 collagen expression in Wistar rats.

Previous research states that adding propolis to powdered dental materials can increase the mechanical strength of the material. To analyze the differences and correlation of dentin elastic moduli and pH value after the exposure of calcium hydroxide, a mixture of propolis and calcium hydroxide, also a mixture of propylene glycol (PG), calcium hydroxide, and propolis. The dentine of bovine incisors was exposed into various compositions of a mixture of propolis, PG, and calcium hydroxide. The measurement of pH value and dentin elasstic moduli was performed after 7 days. To find difference among groups, one-way ANOVA was used, and Honestly significant difference (HSD) Tukey to compare each groups, followed by Pearson to define the correlation. A statistically meaningful difference was recorded between the groups (P < 0.05), and there was correlation between dentin elastic moduli and pH value. The more alkaline the environment, the more rigid the dentin.

Background: One purpose of operative dentistry is the maintenance of healthy pulp by reducing the need for root canal treatment and the possibility of undesirable scenarios such as tooth loss. Propolis is a plant-derived substance that contains a resin produced by honeybees belonging to the Apis mellifera species. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a combination of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and propolis extract on odontoblast-like cell proliferation in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). Methods: This research constituted a true experimental laboratory-based investigation with post-test control group design. Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups. The first molar pulp of each sample was perforated on occlusal surfaces using a low speed round bur. On day 3, the samples were divided into six groups (n=10): Group I: control; Group II: Ca(OH)2 + 11%; propolis extract; Group III: Ca(OH)2 + aquadest, and on day 7: Group IV: control; Group V: Ca(OH)2 + 11% propolis extract; Group VI: Ca(OH)2 + aquadest. All samples were filled with restorative material. They were subsequently sacrificed after 3 and 7 days post-pulp capping administration and the afflicted tooth extracted for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The resulting data was subjected to statistical analysis to ascertain the proliferation of odontoblast-like cells. The significance of differences between the groups was determined by a one-way ANOVA test followed by a post hoc Tuckey HSD. A p-value <0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: On day 3, a significant difference existed between group II (Ca(OH)2–propolis) and group I (control group) and group III (Ca(OH)2–aquades), whereas Ca(OH)2–propolis revealed that the proliferation of odontoblast-like cells was higher. Meanwhile, on day 7, there was a significant difference between all groups whereas, with regard to Ca(OH)2–propolis, the proliferation of odontoblast-like cells in group V was higher. Conclusion: Application of combination of Ca(OH)2-propolis extract can increase the proliferation of odontoblast-like cells in pulp tissue on days 3 and 7.