by Nancy Volkers
InteliHealth News Service

INTELIHEALTH - A compound called propolis may help stop cavities. Propolis is a kind of resin. Bees collect it from trees and flowers. They use it to seal small spaces in a beehive.

Researchers from Portugal reviewed 30 years of published research on propolis. They found that it has been shown to reduce cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. It seems to work by inhibiting an enzyme that makes the bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) stick together.

However, the authors caution that the make-up of propolis is not the same from hive to hive. The way propolis is prepared for use in toothpastes also varies a lot. The authors say this makes it hard to know what ingredient in propolis is responsible for reducing cavities.

The authors say that propolis has not been proven safe and effective, and that more study is needed. Propolis already is used in some toothpaste, and at least one mouth rinse. It also is in some sore-throat lozenges.

Experts warn that people with allergies or asthma should avoid propolis. It has caused allergic reactions in several people.

The review appears in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.