The cytotoxicity test of calcium hydroxide, propolis, and calcium hydroxide‑propolis combination in human pulp fibroblast

Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) is the gold standard material used for pulp‑capping but still has a high failure rate. Thus, an alternative material is needed, one of which is propolis. The combination of Ca(OH)2 propolis is expected to have better quality and to be biocompatible. The aim of this study is to investigate the viability of human pulp fibroblast after the administration of Ca(OH)2, propolis, and its combination. Human pulp fibroblast culture derived from premolar teeth of 16‑year‑old patients, were divided into seven groups: Group 1 (10 µg Ca(OH)2); Group 2 (10 µg propolis); Group 3 (15 µg propolis); Group 4 (20 µg propolis); Group 5 (Ca(OH)2‑propolis 1:1); Group 6 (Ca(OH)2‑propolis 1:1.5); and Group 7 (calcium hydroxide‑propolis 1:2). They were placed in a 96 wells plate and put into incubator for 24 h. The 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide test was conducted to calculate the viability of human pulp fibroblasts. The data were analyzed statistically using Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Levene’s test, one‑way analysis of variance, and Tukey‑honestly significant difference (P < 0.05). The number of living human pulp fibroblast after the administration of Ca(OH)2 and propolis combination is greater than the application of Ca(OH)2 or propolis with significant different between groups (P < 0.05). The viability of human pulp fibroblasts after the administration of Ca(OH)2‑propolis combination is greater than that of the application of Ca(OH)2 and propolis alone