Propolis Group Research Articles

Effects of propolis supplementation on prooxidant-antioxidant balance, oxidative stress biomarkers, and body composition in obese patients with NAFLD: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: Oxidative stress is one of the main hits in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Propolis (PRP), a natural substance made by bees from plant extracts, has been reported to have antioxidant properties. The present clinical trial investigated the effect of Iranian PRP on prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), oxidative stress biomarkers, and body composition in obese patients with NAFLD. Methods: In the present double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial, 44 obese patients with NAFLD were randomly allocated to either Iranian PRP (1500 mg/d) or placebo (1500 mg/d) accompanied by a calorie-restricted diet (CRD) for eight weeks. PAB, oxidative stress biomarkers, and body composition were assessed at baseline and the end of the study. Results: There was a significant reduction in PAB levels over the trial in both groups. However, the between-group difference was not significant at the endpoint. At the end of the study, the inter-group comparison showed a significant decrease in serum glutathione peroxidase level in the placebo group compared to the PRP group after adjusting for confounding variables based on models 1 (P=0.027) and 2 (P=0.028). No significant within- or between-group differences in other studied oxidative stress biomarkers were found. Moreover, no between-group differences were observed for body composition and dietary intakes of energy and antioxidant micronutrients. Conclusion: Iranian PRP supplementation (1500 mg/d) for eight weeks could prevent the reduction of glutathione peroxidase levels compared to the control group. However, it could not affect other oxidative stress biomarkers, body composition, or dietary intakes of energy and antioxidant micronutrients.

Potential Antitumor Mechanism of Propolis Against Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma A431 Cells Based on Untargeted Metabolomics.

Propolis is a sticky substance produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera) through the collection of plant resins, which they mix with secretions from their palate and wax glands. Propolis can inhibit tumor invasion and metastasis, thereby reducing the proliferation of tumor cells and inducing cell apoptosis. Previous research has shown that propolis has an inhibitory effect on skin squamous cell carcinoma A431 cells. Nevertheless, its inhibitory mechanism is unclear because of many significantly different Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways between the ethanol extract of the propolis (EEP) group and the control group of cells. In this study, the main components of EEP and the antitumor mechanism at an IC50 of 29.04 μg/mL EEP were determined via untargeted metabolomics determined using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‒MS/MS), respectively. The results revealed 43 polyphenolic components in the EEP and 1052 metabolites, with 160 significantly upregulated and 143 significantly downregulated metabolites between cells treated with EEP and solvent. The KEGG enrichment results revealed that EEP significantly inhibited A431 cell proliferation via the steroid hormone biosynthesis and linoleic acid metabolism pathways. These findings may provide valuable insights for the development of targeted therapies for the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Investigation of the Effects of Ozon and Propolis on the Healing of Bone Defects: An Experimental Study

Background/aim: This study explores the effects of ozone and propolis on the healing of critically sized bone defects at both the histologic and molecular levels, and the locations and concentrations of osteopontin and osteonectin during healing; both proteins play roles during bone healing. Materials and methods: This study used 56 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats of an average weight of 350 g, divided into four groups of 14: a control group, a topical ozone group (O), a topical ozone + systemic propolis (O + PO) group, and a systemic propolis group (PO). Seven rats from each group were sacrificed at the end of week 4 and the other seven at the end of week 6. Tissues were subjected to histologic and immunohistochemical examinations in a fixative solution. The results were analyzed using the statistical software package SPSS 23 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences—IBM). Results were considered significant at the 95% confidence level (P<0.05). Results: Graft sections were immunostained for osteonectin. Staining was low in the control group but moderate in the other three groups; the differences were significant. The three experimental groups did not differ significantly. Graft sections were also immunostained for osteonectin. At 4 weeks, staining was low in the control group but moderate in the other 3 groups. At 6 weeks, stronger staining was apparent in the 3 experimental groups. At both 4 and 6 weeks, the differences between the control and experimental groups were significantly different, but the differences among the experimental groups were not. Conclusion: The authors' results are compatible with the literature. Ozone and propolis, given separately or together, improved bone healing, increased bone formation, and reduced bone destruction. However, further research is required.

Effectiveness of Propolis on Experimental Colitis Model In Rats

Aim: This study investigated the therapeutic potential of propolis in an experimental colitis model induced by acetic acid in female Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were divided into five groups: a control group and four experimental groups. Colitis was induced in the second, third, and fifth groups by rectal administration of 1 ml of 4% acetic acid. The third group received rectal propolis solution (50 mg/ml), while the fourth group was given only rectal propolis solution. The fifth group received 1 ml of olive oil rectally after the onset of colitis. Stool consistency and weight loss were monitored, and colon tissue samples were collected for microscopic and macroscopic evaluation. The levels of MDA, MPO, and caspase-3 in tissue, as well as TNF-α and IL-10 levels in blood samples, were examined. Results: The group administered propolis showed a significant decrease in microscopic and macroscopic scores compared to the other experimental groups. The levels of MDA, MPO, and caspase-3 in the tissue, as well as TNF-α and IL-10 levels in blood samples, were significantly decreased in the propolis group compared to the other experimental groups. Weight loss and stool consistency also showed improvement in the propolis group compared to the other experimental groups. Discussion: Propolis may have therapeutic effects in experimental colitis induced by acetic acid. The decrease in oxidative damage and inflammation seen in the propolis group indicates that it may be a useful therapeutic agent for colitis treatment.

Effects of Propolis Supplementation on Gut Microbiota and Uremic Toxin Profiles of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

Propolis possesses many bioactive compounds that could modulate the gut microbiota and reduce the production of uremic toxins in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effects of propolis on the gut microbiota profile and uremic toxin plasma levels in HD patients. These are secondary analyses from a previous double-blind, randomized clinical study, with 42 patients divided into two groups: the placebo and propolis group received 400 mg of green propolis extract/day for eight weeks. Indole-3 acetic acid (IAA), indoxyl sulfate (IS), and p-cresyl sulfate (p-CS) plasma levels were evaluated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography, and cytokines were investigated using the multiplex assay (Bio-Plex Magpix®). The fecal microbiota composition was analyzed in a subgroup of patients (n = 6) using a commercial kit for fecal DNA extraction. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was then amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using short-read sequencing on the Illumina NovaSeq PE250 platform in a subgroup. Forty-one patients completed the study, 20 in the placebo group and 21 in the propolis group. There was a positive correlation between IAA and TNF-α (r = 0.53, p = 0.01), IL-2 (r = 0.66, p = 0.002), and between pCS and IL-7 (r = 0.46, p = 0.04) at the baseline. No significant changes were observed in the values of uremic toxins after the intervention. Despite not being significant, microbial evenness and observed richness increased following the propolis intervention. Counts of the Fusobacteria species showed a positive correlation with IS, while counts of Firmicutes, Lentisphaerae, and Proteobacteria phyla were negatively correlated with IS. Two months of propolis supplementation did not reduce the plasma levels of uremic toxins (IAA, IS, and p-CS) or change the fecal microbiota.

Protective effect of propolis in protecting against radiation-induced oxidative stress in the liver as a distant organ

Stresses caused by ionizing radiation can also damage tissues and organs through the circulatory system. In this study, we aimed to determine the radioprotective effect of propolis, a natural and powerful antioxidant product, against oxidative liver damage caused by cranial irradiation. Thirty-two male albino Sprague–Dawley rats, divided into four groups, were designed as sham group, irradiation (IR) group, propolis plus IR, control group of propolis. Biochemical parameters were measured in liver tissue of rats. While Total enzymatic superoxide scavenging activity (TSSA) and non-enzymatic superoxide scavenging activity (NSSA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities of all groups were statistically significantly higher than rats receiving only-irradiation, Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in the IR group was significantly lower than in the sham control group and IR + propolis group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the IR group was found to be significantly higher than both the sham control group and the propolis control group, but lower than the IR + propolis group. Malondialdehyde level and xanthine oxidase activity were higher in the IR group than in the other groups. Compared to the sham control group, in the group treated with propolis, a significant elevation in antioxidant parameters, specifically TSSA, NSSA, SOD, and GST activities, was noted, with corresponding increases of 32.3%, 23.2%, 47.6%, and 22.6%, respectively. Our findings show that propolis can be a radioprotective agent against ionized radiation damage by increasing antioxidant activity and reducing oxidant stress in liver tissue.

Comparison of matrix metalloproteinase levels in periodontal pockets treated with chlorhexidine and propolis

Natural antimicrobial products are attracting interest in the treatment of periodontal diseases due to their minimal or nonexistent side effects. Propolis, a complex resin content produced by bees, has drawn particular interest for its antibacterial effects, including inhibitory effects on periodontopathogenic bacterial species. This study compared the effects of propolis, a natural product, and chlorhexidine, the gold standard antimicrobial agent, on MMP-1 and MMP-9 levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Subgingival irrigations of chlorhexidine and propolis solutions were performed in selected deep periodontal pockets of periodontitis patients along with scaling and root planing. The treatment protocol was administered three times at one-month intervals starting from the initial day of the study. GCF MMP-1 and MMP-9 levels, along with clinical periodontal parameters, were evaluated before and after treatment. The study results showed that a statistically significant decrease in clinical periodontal parameters in both groups (p<0.001). Biochemical analysis revealed a statistically significant decrease in levels of GCF MMP-1 and MMP-9 in both groups (p<0.005). Additionally, the decrease in GCF MMP-1 levels was found to be significantly greater in the propolis group compared to the chlorhexidine group (p<0.001).

Alteration of Sublingual Gland after Exposure to 6-Mercaptopurine in Male Rat: Potential Efficacy of Propolis

Objective: Chemotherapeutic drugs not only have a therapeutic effect, but also cause serious damage to healthy organs. In this study, we investigated on the possible efficacy of propolis (PS) on the sublingual gland tissues exposed to 6-mercaptopurine (6MR) in male rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were allocated to four groups: control (KON), PS, 6MR, 6MR+PS. At 12 days of trial, sublingual glands of all rats were immediately dissected and analysed using the stereological technique and histological examination. Results: Our findings revealed a significant increase in the total volume of stroma and significant decrease in the total volume of the total volumes of mucous acini, straited ducts, interlobular ducts, and intralobular ducts in the 6MR group than the KON group (p<0.05). A significant decrease was also found in the mucous cell number and the serous cell number in the 6MR group than the KON group (p<0.05). In the 6MR+PS group, we observed that the total volume of stroma, as well as the mucous cell number and the serous cell number were increased compared to the 6MR group (p<0.05). Besides, the total volumes of mucous acini, straited ducts, interlobular ducts, and intralobular ducts were significantly increased in the 6MR+PS group than the 6MR group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results showed that 6MR treatment caused toxicity in sublingual gland tissues, as well as PS application improved such changes in sublingual glands exposed to 6MR.

Propolis Reduces Inflammation and Dyslipidemia Caused by High-Cholesterol Diet in Mice by Lowering ADAM10/17 Activities.

Atherosclerosis is one of the most important causes of cardiovascular diseases. A disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM)10 and ADAM17 have been identified as important regulators of inflammation in recent years. Our study investigated the effect of inhibiting these enzymes with selective inhibitor and propolis on atherosclerosis. In our study, C57BL/6J mice (n = 16) were used in the control and sham groups. In contrast, ApoE-/- mice (n = 48) were used in the case, water extract of propolis (WEP), ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP), GW280264X (GW-synthetic inhibitor), and solvent (DMSO and ethanol) groups. The control group was fed a control diet, and all other groups were fed a high-cholesterol diet for 16 weeks. WEP (400 mg/kg/day), EEP (200 mg/kg/day), and GW (100 µg/kg/day) were administered intraperitoneally for the last four weeks. Animals were sacrificed, and blood, liver, aortic arch, and aortic root tissues were collected. In serum, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and glucose (Glu) were measured by enzymatic colorimetric method, while interleukin-1β (IL-1β), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A2 (Lp-PLA2) were measured by ELISA. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-12 (IL-12) levels were measured in aortic arch by ELISA and ADAM10/17 activities were measured fluorometrically. In addition, aortic root and liver tissues were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically (ADAM10 and sortilin primary antibody). In the WEP, EEP, and GW groups compared to the case group, TC, TG, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, PLA2, MPO, ADAM10/17 activities, plaque burden, lipid accumulation, ADAM10, and sortilin levels decreased, while IL-10 and PON-1 levels increased (p < 0.003). Our study results show that propolis can effectively reduce atherosclerosis-related inflammation and dyslipidemia through ADAM10/17 inhibition.

Protective Effects of Iraqi Propolis on Carbimazole-Induced Reduction of Sex Hormones in Female Adult Rats

Background:: Propolis (PR) is used as a health supplement and is widely used in foods and drinks in many parts of the world. This study aimed to know the possible reproductive toxicity effect of the antithyroid drug carbimazole (CZ) in adult female albino rats and to evaluate the possible protective role of Iraqi PR. Methods:: Twenty-four adult female albino rats were randomized into four groups: control, PR, CZ, and PR + CZ. Rats were orally treated for six weeks. Ovarian biochemical and histopathological analyses were performed. Results:: No change in appearance, no signs of toxicity, and no deaths of animals were reported throughout the study period. There was a significant body weight increase only in the PR group. The CZ group displayed a reduction in serum T3 and T4 levels and a rise in serum TSH levels compared to the control. Also, there was a significant decrease in serum T3, T4, and TSH levels after exposure to PR+ CZ compared to control. Exposure to 0.01mg/g body weight of CZ for six weeks results in a significant reduction of serum LH, FSH, and estradiol (E2) in female rats. At the same time, PR alone or with CZ was found to have no significant effect. Biochemical results were consistent with histopathological results. Conclusion:: Iraqi PR provides a protective effect against the reduction of serum sex hormones induced by CZ. Further studies are required to confirm this effect. PR has no effect on CZ activity in reducing thyroxin levels; however, PR might reduce the effects of CZ on TSH levels. Furthermore, PR alone demonstrated an elevation in the weight gain of animals compared to the control group.

Protective Feature of Anzer Propolis in Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Rats

Aim: The study aims to ascertain whether Anzer Propolis, a natural antioxidant compound, can protect the kidneys from iopromide. Material and Method: This study was done in 2021. Four groups of 32 adult male Wistar albino rats, weighing between 250 and 300 g, were formed. Control (C) group contained eight rats. Intraperitoneal ethanol was administered to the Ethanol (E) group (n=8), 8 g/kg intraperitoneal iopromide to the contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) group (n=8), and a 100 mg/kg dose of Anzer Propolis on the date of application to the Anzer Propolis group (AP) (n=8), as well as the prior day, by gastric gavage and then 8 g/kg iopromide was administered intraperitoneally. Termination was carried out at the 48th hour. Histopathological examination was performed for CIN in the right and left kidneys. Results: Following has been examined as a part of the research: serum urea, creatinine, IL6, interleukin (IL)-1β, total oxidant status (TOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), total antioxidant status (TAS), myeloperoxidase (MPO). TAS had a statistically significant increase in AP, in comparison to CIN, C and E groups (p

Biomarkers of Orthodontic Patients After Use of 1% Brazilian Red Propolis Toothpaste: A Randomized Clinical Study.

To evaluate the salivary biomarkers and plaque index after a treatment with a propolis-contained toothpaste. This is a longitudinal, randomized, double-blind study where 76 participants were randomized into two groups: Group I: Fluoridated Red Propolis toothpaste; Group II: Fluoridated toothpaste. The participants were selected in a municipality without fluoridated public water. All participants received standardized oral hygiene instructions from the same instructor for 3 daily brushings (after breakfast, after lunch, and before bed) for a period of 2 min; Saliva samples were collected before (D0) and after 28 days (D28) of treatment for analysis of pH and total protein, amylase, and IL-10. Saliva was collected in the initial consultation and on return, totaling two collections. All samples were collected under the same conditions, by the same operator and between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM in order to minimize the influence of circadian rhythm on salivary flow. On D0 and D28, the various treatments had no effect on total salivary proteins (G1: P = 0.0746; G2: P = 0.2144), and the pH stayed about the same. Additionally, there was no change in the amylase activity in G1 (P = 0.1877) or G2 (P = 0.4674). Significant decreases in G1 (P < 0.0001) and G2 (P = 0.03) were observed with IL-10. There was no statistically significant difference in the salivary flow between the BRP toothpaste-treated group (P = 0.172) and the commercial fluoridated toothpaste-treated group (P = 0.329). Compared to G2 (P = 0.03), G1 showed a superior decline in the plaque index (P = <0.0001). After 28 days of using the toothpastes, there were no changes in the amylase, pH, or total protein indicators. After 28 days, there was a decrease in the propolis group's IL-10 dose and plaque index.

Comparison of the effect of propolis and Gluma desensitizer on the management of dentin hypersensitivity: A randomized controlled trial.

To compare the effect of propolis and gluma desensitisers on the management of dentin hypersensitivity. The single-blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Operative Dentistry, Dr Ishrat ul Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from October 2020 to September 2021, and comprised patients with dentin hypersensitivity who had pain scores of at least 2 on the visual analogue scale. The teeth were randomised into propolis group A and Gluma group B. Baseline pain scores were assessed using visual analogue scale and Schiff's sensitivity scores and compared with scores immediately after the intervention, and then after one week and one month of the intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Of the 22 patients, 12(54.5%) were females and 10(45.4%) were males. Of the 80 teeth, there were 40(50%) in each of the 2 groups. Significant reduction was observed in dentin hypersensitivity immediately after the application of the desensitising agents (p<0.05). However, after one month, Gluma was more effective than propolis (p<0.05). Both Gluma and propolis were found to be effective desensitising agents, but the effectiveness of propolis decreased over one month. Clinical Trials.gov: NCT04819867.

Comparative effectiveness of Propolis with chlorhexidine mouthwash on gingivitis – a randomized controlled clinical study

BackgroundTo assess and compare the effectiveness of propolis mouthwash with chlorhexidine mouthwash in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis.MethodsA single centre, latin-square cross-over, double masked, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 45 chronic generalized gingivitis subjects who were chosen from the dental clinic of MAHSA University, Malaysia. A total of 45 subjects were randomly assigned into one of the three different groups (n = 15 each) using a computer-generated random allocation sequence: Group A Propolis mouthwash; Group B Chlorhexidine mouthwash; and Group C Placebo mouthwash. Supragingival plaque and gingival inflammation were assessed by full mouth Plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) at baseline and after 21 days. The study was divided into three phases, each phase lasted for 21 days separated by a washout period of 15 days in between them. Groups A, B and C were treated with 0.2% Propolis, Chlorhexidine, and Placebo mouthwash, respectively, in phase I. The study subjects were instructed to use the assigned mouthwash twice daily for 1 min for 21 days. On day 22nd, the subjects were recalled for measurement of PI and GI. After phase I, mouthwash was crossed over as dictated by the Latin square design in phase II and III.ResultsAt baseline, intergroup comparison revealed no statistically significant difference between Groups A, B and C (p > 0.05). On day 21, one-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant difference between the three groups for PI (p < 0.001) and GI (p < 0.001). Bonferroni post-hoc test showed statistically significant difference between Propolis and Chlorhexidine mouthwash (P < 0.001), with higher reduction in the mean plaque and gingival scores in propolis group compared to chlorhexidine and placebo groups.ConclusionsPropolis mouthwash demonstrated significant improvement in gingival health and plaque reduction. Thus, it could be used as an effective herbal mouthwash alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash.Trial registrationThe trial was retrospectively registered on 25/07/2019 at clinicaltrials.gov and its identifier is NCT04032548.

Comparative evaluation of propolis mouthwash with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash as an adjunct to mechanical therapy in improving the periodontitis among perimenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Propolis mouthwash compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash as an adjunct to mechanical therapy in improving clinical parameters in perimenopausal women with chronic periodontitis.MethodologyA double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted by recruiting 144 subjects with mild to moderate chronic periodontitis. After scaling and root planning, subjects were allocated to two treatment groups: 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash and 20% propolis mouthwash twice daily for six weeks. Clinical parameters such as pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were analysed at baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks.ResultThe mean value of PPD in the propolis group was 4.67 at baseline, reduced to 4.01 at six weeks and 3.59 at 12 weeks. While in the chlorhexidine group, the baseline value of 4.65 reduced to 4.44 and 4.25 at six weeks and 12 weeks, respectively. The baseline value of the mean CAL in the propolis group was 4.45. This value was reduced to 4.15 at six weeks and 3.77 at 12 weeks. For the chlorhexidine group, the baseline value of CAL was 4.80, which was reduced to 4.50 and 4.19 at six weeks and 12 weeks. The mean value of bleeding on probing in the propolis group was 77.20, which decreased to 46.30 at six weeks and 14.60 at the final visit. In the chlorhexidine group, the mean value of 77.30 was reduced to 49.60 and 22.80 at subsequent visits.ConclusionThis study concludes that both propolis and chlorhexidine mouthwash positively improve clinical parameters; however, propolis is significantly more effective in improving BOP.Trial registrationID: NCT05870059, Date of Registration: 02/02/2022. (https://beta.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05870059).

Effects of Propolis-Based Herbal Toothpaste on Dentine Hypersensitivity

IntroductionThe objective of this in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of a propolis-based herbal toothpaste with 5% sodium fluoride varnishin obstructing human dentinal tubules; Scanning electron microscopy was utilised to obtain quantitative and qulitative data on tubular obstruction. MethodsThirty-nine extracted human premolar teeth were collected. The cementum layer was removed using a water-cooled diamond bur and the smear layer using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) 17%. Then, the samples were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 13 each), as follows: group 1: dentin discs exposed to the propolis-based herbal toothpaste (Herbex); group 2: dentin discs exposed to 5% sodium fluoride varnish; and group 3: control. Then, all discs were observed and imaged in 4 non-overlapping fields by an electron microscope at 2000× magnification. The topography and number of open, closed, and semi-closed tubules were counted in all images. The data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Friedman test. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS statistic 22.0 software, with a significance level of α = 0.05. ResultsIn pairwise comparisons of the groups considering the percentage of open, closed, and semi-closed tubules, the difference was not statistically significant between the 5% sodium fluoride varnish and propolis groups in the closed and semi-closed tubules, but it was statistically significant with the control group. Additionally, the percentage of open tubules in the propolis-based herbal toothpaste group was significantly lower than in the 5% sodium fluoride varnish and control group. ConclusionsBoth propolis-based herbal toothpaste and 5% sodium fluoride varnish is effective in blocking human dentin tubules to various extents.

Evaluation of calcium hydroxide mixed with propolis by ultrasonic activation as root canal dressing in delayed tooth replantation.

In cases of tooth avulsion, in which the neurovascular bundle responsible for nourishing the dental pulp is break, endodontic treatment is necessary before proceeding with tooth replantation. In this process, various substances have been tested in combination with calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 in an attempt to improve its effectiveness. This study aimed to examine the effects of using a mixture of Ca(OH)2 and 10% propolis, with subsequent application of ultrasonic treatment, on the delayed replantation of teeth in rats. Twenty-four rats underwent a surgical procedure to extract the upper right incisor, leaving it on a surface to dry for one hour. The pulp and periodontal ligament were removed and the teeth were submerged in a 2% sodium fluoride acidulated phosphate solution. The canals were dehydrated using paper cones and the teeth were divided into four groups, according to the type of intracanal dressing: Ca(OH)2 group, Ca(OH)2 group with ultrasonic agitation, Ca(OH)2 and propolis group, Ca(OH)2 and propolis group with ultrasonic agitation. The root canals were irrigated with saline solution and the teeth were reimplanted. Sixty days after reimplantation, the animals were euthanized. With regard to the presence of acute and chronic inflammatory infiltrate in the periodontal ligament, there was no statistically significant difference among some of the groups. Root resorption was identified in all groups, and there was no significant difference between them. It is concluded that the application of intracanal dressing containing Ca(OH)2 associated with 10% propolis, followed by ultrasonic agitation, did not prove to be more effective than the use of Ca(OH)2 alone in the repair process in the delayed replantation of rat teeth. Key words:Tooth replantation, Calcium hydroxide, Propolis, Ultrasound, Intracanal dressing.

Assessment of methomyl-induced adrenal gland disruption in rat fetuses and pups: Potential protective effects of propolis supplementation.

The present study aimed to unravel the possible adverse effects of methomyl on the developing adrenal gland of rat fetuses and pups. Additionally, this study explored the potential improving effects of propolis against these possible hazards induced by methomyl exposure. To achieve that, pregnant rats were divided into four groups: control group, received 1 mL distilled water, propolis group, received 1 mL propolis at a dose of 300 mg/kg, methomyl group, received 1 mL methomyl at a dose of 2 mg/kg, and combined group, received 1 mL methomyl followed by 1 mL propolis, an hour later at the same previous doses. The results revealed that methomyl exposure, during pregnancy and lactation, induced many histological and ultrastructural changes, caused DNA damage and downregulated the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and CYP11B2 genes in the adrenal glands of both rat fetuses and pups. Interestingly, propolis supplementation demonstrated a remarkable ability to mitigate these deleterious effects and restored the histology and ultrastructure architecture of the adrenal glands of both fetuses and pups, as well as decreased DNA damage and upregulated the expression of StAR and CYP11B2 genes in the adrenal gland of rat fetuses and pups. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential hazardous impact of methomyl exposure during pregnancy and lactation on the development of the adrenal gland in rat fetuses and pups, moreover, the study presents a new approach to alleviate these effects through propolis administration which could be used as a dietary supplement to mitigate the adverse effects of methomyl exposure.

Protective role of olive oil extract of propolis on short and long-term administration of tamoxifen in rats.

Tamoxifen (TAM) is an antiestrogenic agent used for adjuvant treatment in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers in the pre/post-menopausal period. This study, it was aimed to determine the effect of olive oil extract of propolis (OEP) on short and long-term administration of TAM in rats. Wistar albino rats were divided into groups with eight animals in each. Groups: control, OEP, TAM, and OEP + TAM. At the end of the experiment, oxidative stress tests were performed with Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA)on blood and tissue samples (liver, kidney, and ovary) taken from rats. After single-dose TAM administration, there was a significant increase in red blood cell, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration levels compared to the control group, a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) value, a significant increase in liver enzymes and fasting glucose values was detected compared with the control and propolis groups. A normalizing effect was observed in the group given OEP and TAM combined. The increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) and the decrease in enzyme activities in tissues are also noteworthy. Propolis application reduced the tissue damage caused by TAM. In addition, improved cytokine levels, which increased with TAM administration. It has been concluded that OEP can be given in supportive treatment, as it improves hematological and antioxidant parameters in TAM treatment.

Effects of propolis-containing nanofibers on corneal wound in rats

The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and is constantly exposed to trauma due to its anatomical location. Propolis is a substance produced by honeybees by mixing the extracts they collect from plants with their secretions. Studies have shown that propolis contains essential biological active substances for the life of organisms, which enhance epithelialization and have strong analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects. In our study, we created a corneal wound with a diameter of 3 mm using a corneal blade. In the experimentally induced corneal wound, no treated the first group, the second group was treated with nanofibers containing propolis produced by the electrospinning method, and the third group treated water-based topical propolis application. Topical propolis was applied once a day for 3 days, while nanofibers containing propolis were applied once following wound formation. Fluorescein staining was performed on the rats eyes every day throughout the study, and photographs were taken to measure the wound sizes. On the third day, the rats were euthanized under general anesthesia, and histopathological examination was performed on their corneas. In terms of bleeding, no significant difference was observed between the propolis and control groups, while a lower level of bleeding was detected in the nanopropolis group. Propolis and nanofibers containing propolis groups showed a significantly positive effect on wound healing compared to the control group.