Biocompatibility of propolis in subcutaneous tissue of rats: A possible biomaterial for cavity cleansing

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to histopathologically analyze, in subcutaneous connective tissue in rats, a propolis solution for cavity cleansing and its toxicity through hemolytic and Artemia franciscana tests. METHODS: Fifteen male rats were selected and randomly distributed in three experimental periods (07, 30 and 45 days), in which each animal received the four treatment groups in rounds: Group I – Propolis I; Group II – Propolis II; Group III – Calcium Hydroxide Water and Group IV – 2% Chlorexidine; the sides of the tube were the control group. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed, in terms of biocompatibility, that all materials presented a significant reduction of the inflammatory infiltrate and an increase of the thickness in the collagen fibers. It may be suggested, in decreasing order of biocompatibility, the use of following materials: calcium hydroxide-water, 2% chlorexidine, propolis I and propolis II. RESULTS: In the cytotoxicity test using A. franciscana, the propolis extract showed high toxicity when tested at concentrations and in the hemolytic activity test the propolis I extract showed greater activity than propolis II. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests the use of propolis as a cavity cleansing solution for shallow and medium cavities similar to 2% chlorexidine.