New approach to the use of propolis against dermatomycosis

Abstract

In recent years, propolis extract (PE) has demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of a bioadhesive thermoresponsive system containing 16% propolis (BTSP 16%) against Microsporum canis, Nannizzia gypsea, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum. We also evaluated PE alone against the same strains. The results showed that both PE and BTSP 16% significantly reduced the fungal viability of all evaluated strains. In addition, they interacted with the biofilm of these species in different stages of biofilm formation. We observed that the bioadhesive and thermoresponsive properties of BTSP 16% prolonged propolis presence at infection sites, leading to positive results against planktonic fungal cells and mature biofilms. These characteristics make this formulation a valuable alternative treatment for dermatomycosis.

Keywords: Propolis; antifungal; biofilms; dermatophytes; therapy.