Propolis as a natural remedy :An update

There is a great trend to use natural materials as a cure for many diseases. Alternative medicine has made a lot of contributions to modern medical practice. Propolis is a Greek word meaning “defender of the city”. It is the glue that honey bees use to seal their hives. Propolis has a strong historical background. It has been used in different cultures and civilizations. Propolis has antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal effects. Its anti-cancer effect has also been observed. Propolis has also been used in dentistry for surgical wound healing, rool canal treatment, pulp capping and tooth hypersensitivity. Different commercial propoiis products are available in market. Propolis has a promising role in future medicine. Further research is needed in its application in clinical dentistry.Corresponding Author: Dr. Khalid Almas, Assistant Professor, Division of Periodontics, Deptartment of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, P.O. Box 60169, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia. Email: Kalmas@ksu.edu.s