Updates in the Analytical Isolation of Indian Propolis Chemical Constituents, and their Role in Dental Pharmacology - A Review

Background: Natural products are rapidly gaining popularity in the medical sector for curing several diseases. The biomedical application of natural products in treating a wide range of systemic diseases including oral diseases has been reported. Previous studies delineated the importance of propolis of foreign origin as a significant pharmacological agent such as antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. For instance, prominent clinical reports concluded an enhanced quality of life with the use of propolis in cancer patients with mucositis, whereas an adverse effect was invoked after radiotherapy or chemotherapy. These reports delineated its efficacy as a safe and therapeutic natural product modality in cancer patients to prevent mucositis. However, there are no reports to delineate whether the isolated chemical extracts or constitutions of Indian propolis can exhibit disease curing efficacy against several systemic and oral microbial diseases. Objective: The current review emphasized the origin, and properties of Indian propolis and the diverse bio-pharmacological applications of its different solvent extracts. Material and Methods: Studies on Indian propolis, its “phyto-constituents,” “pharmacology,” in vitro activity on “oral pathogens”, and its application in dentistry searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases up to December 2020. Results: The search identified 72 records; 21 full-text articles which met the eligibility criteria were assessed and studied. Conclusion: The antimicrobial efficacy of this “nontoxic” resinous material in various bio dental pharmacologies with recent clinical and preclinical reports was delineated which benefits medical doctors, dentists, and researchers to execute further research.