Ohki Pharmaceutical Develops Propolis Extract to Improve Oral Microflora

Japan: Ohki Pharmaceutical, a Japanese pharmaceutical and health food manufacturer, has announced the registration of its patent for a new oral health care material that promotes good bacteria in the oral cavity and kills bad bacteria. The company’s “KB Propolis Extract (R)” is a proprietary ingredient extracted from propolis that has strong bactericidal and antibacterial properties. 

It leaves good bacteria in the oral cavity and only kills bad bacteria, specifically periodontal bacteria, without affecting indigenous bacteria. The patent was granted on October 24, 2022, and its novelty and specificity were cited as reasons for its acceptance.

Propolis: a Natural Antibiotic

Propolis is a natural mixture of tree resin collected by bees and bee secretions that bees use to sterilize their hives. Bees chew the resin and use it to smooth the hive’s interior, keeping the inside sterile. Propolis is also known as a “natural antibiotic” that is safe for humans and has strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. 

Ohki Pharmaceutical has been working with Meikai University and Kinki University to research propolis and its effects on oral health. They discovered that propolis has the ability to kill only bad bacteria while leaving good bacteria in the oral cavity.

Meikai University conducted research on propolis’s antibacterial action against caries-causing bacteria, periodontal disease bacteria, halitosis bacteria, and inflammatory bacteria. They also found that it has biofilm formation inhibitory action, toxicity, anti-inflammatory action, and gingival cell inhibitory action. Meanwhile, Kinki University found that propolis has halitosis inhibitory action and can prevent gum recession.

KB Propolis Extract 

Ohki Pharmaceutical’s “KB Propolis Extract (R)” is a result of 12 years of research. The extract has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, bad breath control, and gum recession prevention effects. The company selected the original mass of propolis and was particular about the production area and the type of honeybee. 

They extracted and analyzed it repeatedly until they found the golden ratio of two specific components in propolis that is essential to “retain good bacteria and sterilize only bad bacteria.” This ratio is the basis for the patent granted to Ohki Pharmaceutical as an oral microflora improving agent.