Proliferative Effect of Malaysian Propolis on Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth: An In vitro Study

Aims: To investigate the effect of Propolis on viability of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth via 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

Study Design: Cell based experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: The Craniofacial Science Laboratory located at the School of Dental Sciences, University of Science, Malaysia (USM) Health Campus, between June 2014 and September 2014.

Methodology: Different concentrations of Malaysian Propolis (groups 1, 2 and 3) diluted in culture media were used to treat on culture of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth. Pure culture media and culture media with Ethanol solvent were used as controls. MTT assay was done after 72 hours and the cell viability indices for Propolis-treated stem cells and respective controls were read via absorbance-rays 4 hours afterwards.

Results: Cell viability indices in Group-1 that has high Propolis concentrations showed significant reduction from control. In Group-2, stem cell viability in the lowest concentration of Propolis significantly increased. Cell viability in Group-3 all showed significant increase except for one concentration. One Way ANOVA was used for determination of significant difference in tested concentrations of Propolis. Differences were considered significant at (P = .05). The cell viability indices were significantly higher in culture media with lower concentrations of Propolis in comparison to control.

Conclusion: Propolis at low concentrations maintained and caused a significant increase in stem cell proliferation. Additional studies are necessary to investigate the optimal concentration of Propolis to enhance stem cell proliferation and its differentiation effect.