[In vitro antibacterial activity of Chilean propolis against Helicobacter pylori].

INTRODUCTION

Propolis is a natural product derived from beekeeping. It has anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulant and antibacterial properties on grampositive and gramnegative bacteria. However, little is known regarding its activity on Helicobacter pylori. This bacteria colonizes about half of the world's population and is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer and gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory activity of 22 propolis extracts from nine of the 11 beekeeping Chilean regions on 10 strains of H. pylori isolated from gastric mucosa.

METHODS

The antibacterial activity of the extracts was determined using the well diffusion method and diffusion disks.

RESULTS

100% of the extracts were active on the tested strains, showing inhibition halos equal to or greater than 15 mm by both methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show an effective anti H. pylori activity of propolis. However, additional microbiological studies are needed before a potential clinical utility of these natural products is warranted.