Propolis Group Research Articles

Effect of Propolis on moderate persistent asthma: A phase two randomized, double blind, controlled clinical trial.

The aims of this study was to determine the effect of Propolis (resinousmixture thathoney beesproduce by mixing saliva andbeeswax) on clinical and physiological findings of moderate persistent asthma. Fifty-two subjects aged 44.6±18.5 years old with moderate asthma and Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) 60-79% of predicted, were enrolled in this clinical trial. We randomly allocated subjects to receive either propolis (75 mg three times a day) or a matched placebo for one month. Primary outcome was Asthma control test (ACT) score and secondary outcomes included dyspnea, spirometry, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and sputum cytology including inflammatory cell. Sputum induction was done by hypertonic saline and cytology slides were stained by Papanicolaou stain. Clinical findings significantly improved after the treatment. ACT scores significantly increased by using propolis (12.8±5.5 before and 18.1±4.99 after the trial), which was significantly higher than the placebo group (14.4±6.6 after the trial). The most significant physiological improvements were significant increases in FEV1, FV1/Forced vital capacity and expiratory flows. FENO showed significant decreases in the propolis group but increases in the placebo group. Cytological examination of sputum showed that the pattern of inflammation was eosinophilic in 44% subjects with an average eosinophil of 7.2±1.01%. Eosinophilia significantly decreased (p<0.05) by using propolis (7.2±1.01 and 4.3±3.1%, before and after treatment, respectively), but it significantly increased (p<0.04) in the placebo group (5.5±2.8, and 11.1±6.6%, before and after treatment, respectively). Propolis improved the clinical and physiological findings of moderate persistent asthma, and it was able to suppress eosinophilic inflammation.

Evaluation and comparison of the effect of 10% sodium ascorbate and propolis solution on the microtensile bond strength and resin tag penetration depth of composite after using 35% carbamide peroxide bleaching agent – An in vitro study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of 10% sodium ascorbate and propolis solution on the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) and resin tag penetration depth of composite after using 35% carbamide peroxide bleaching agent.Materials and Method: Sixty extracted human premolars were divided into five groups with 12 samples in each. Group I samples did not receive bleaching treatment and served as control. Group II samples were bonded with composite 2 weeks later, while those in Group III were bonded immediately after bleaching. The samples in Group IV and Group V were treated with antioxidants 10% SA and propolis solution at the rate of 1ml/min for 10 min, respectively, before composite bonding. The samples were then sectioned mesiodistally into two halves. One half was subjected to MTBS testing using a Universal Testing Machine. The other half was decalcified, sectioned, stained, and viewed under an optical light microscope to assess the resin tag penetration. The results obtained were statistically analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance followed by Post hoc test.Results: Group III showed significantly lower MTBS and resin tag penetration depth of composite compared to all other groups. Group V (propolis group) showed statistical significance with all groups except Group IV (SA group).Conclusion: Treatment with antioxidant propolis solution immediately following the bleaching will help to reverse the compromised bond strength which is comparable with sodium ascorbate.

Body composition, mineral metabolism, and endocrine function of adipose tissue: influence of a nutritional supplement of propolis

Introduction: propolis and its components influence lipid metabolism; however, its effect on body composition and mineral metabolism remains unknown. Objectives: to determine the effect of natural propolis supplementation on body composition, mineral metabolism, and the endocrine function of adipose tissue. Material and methods: twenty albino male Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were divided into two groups of 10 animals each. The rats were fed two different types of diet for 90 days: a standard diet for the control group (group C) and the same standard diet + 2 % propolis (group P). Thyroid hormones, ghrelin, leptin, adiponectin and insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in plasma, body composition (lean mass, fat mass and body water), and mineral deposition in target organs (spleen, brain, heart, lungs, testicles, kidneys and femur) were assessed. Results: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) did not show any differences after supplementation with propolis, while ghrelin and adiponectin decreased (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and insulin (p < 0.01), leptin (p < 0.05) and NEFA (p < 0.05) increased when 2 % propolis was supplied, while weight and body fat were reduced (p < 0.05) and lean mass increased. Lastly, the propolis supplement improves calcium deposition in the spleen, lungs, testes, and femur (p < 0.05). Conclusion: propolis supplementation of the diet (2 %) causes a decrease in the secretion of ghrelin and adiponectin, increasing the release of non-esterified fatty acids and the rate of insulin secretion. In addition, propolis supplementation induces an improvement in calcium deposition in target organs without affecting the rest of minerals, which improves body composition by inducing a reduction in weight and visceral adipose tissue, and improvement in lean mass.

Influence of Propolis, Ozone and Photodynamic therapy in root canal disinfection on resin bond strength to radicular dentin.

The aim of the present study was to assess post space disinfection using different irrigants and their effect on radicular dentin bond to SERC. Forty single rooted mandibular 2nd premolars were collected and disinfected. All samples were decoronated maintaining root length of 12 mm and embedded vertically in acrylic resin. Shaping of the canal was performed using reciprocating system. Canals were dried using paper points and obturated with gutta percha via lateral condensation. Peso-reamers were used to create post space up to 10 mm. The post space was irrigated with 1% NaOCl before being randomly allocated into four groups (n = 10) according to different methods of canal disinfection. Samples in group 1 were subjected to photoactivated disinfection (PAD), group 2 irrigated with ethanol based propolis group 3 disinfected using ozone and group 4 irrigated with 2.25 % NaOCl with 17 % EDTA and ECL. GFP was fitted using SERC. Each sample was cut into 1 mm from coronal, middle and apical and subjected to pushout bond strength (PBS) via universal testing machine. Fracture analysis were confirmed by stereomicroscope at 40x magnification. For comparison of means, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey multiple comparison test was used maintaining the level of significance at p < 0.05. The highest PBS at all three levels were found in group 4, canal disinfected with 2.5 % NaOCl with 17 % EDTA and ECYL. Whereas, the lowest PBS was observed in group 1. Inter group comparison, prosthetic space disinfected with propolis extract showed no significant difference to group 4 canal disinfected with 2.5 % NaOCl with 17 % EDTA and ECYL at all three levels (p > 0.05). Intra group comparison in all experimental groups showed no significant difference was noted in coronal and middle thirds of group 1, group 2 and group 3 respectively (p > 0.05). 2.5 % NaOCl with EDTA and ECL treatment (group 4) remains the gold standard when used as a final canal irrigant. Propolis can be used as potential irrigant for canal disinfectant provided if the composition becomes standardized.

Protective effect of propolis on manganese chloride neurotoxicity of olfactory bulb in adult male albino rat.

Manganese (Mn) is widely used for industrial purposes and exposure to high levels of Mn may cause an irreversible brain disease. Propolis is a natural plant product; it acts as a powerful reactive oxygen species scavenger and improves the neurodegeneration process. In this study 40 adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups 10 rats each: group I (control group), group II manganese chloride (MnCl2) received 10 mg/kg/day/orally for 4 weeks by intra-gastric tube, group III (propolis group) received 50 mg/kg/day/orally for 4 weeks by intra-gastric tube, and group IV (MnCl2 + propolis group) received the same doses with the same duration and route as in groups II and III. Rats were sacrificed after 24 h of last dose. The olfactory bulbs removed, the right bulb cut to be processed for haematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemical staining and the left cut for electron microscopic studies. Results revealed that rat olfactory bulb from MnCl2 group showed darkly stained mitral cells with dark pyknotic nuclei, some show pericellular spaces and vacuolation, dark apoptotic cells in granular cells, neuropil vacuolation and pyknotic astrocyte. Electron microscopic examination showed abnormal granular cell with irregular damaged nuclear membrane, rupture of myelin fibre. Mitral nerve cell with destructed nucleus, many cytoplasmic vacuoles, swollen rough endoplasmic reticulum, vacuolated mitochondria and neuropil were observed. Manganese chloride + propolis group showed improvement compared to MnCl2 group. It was concluded that propolis can ameliorate the toxic changes of manganese chloride on rat olfactory bulb.

Attenuation of carrageenan-induced hind paw edema and plasma TNF-α level by Philippine stingless bee (Tetragonula biroi Friese) propolis.

Despite decades-long existence of the Philippine stingless bee industry, the biological activity of propolis from this native bee species (Tetragonula biroi Friese) remains poorly understood and sparingly investigated. Herein, we examined the potential anti-inflammatory efficacy of Philippine stingless bee propolis using the lambda (λ)-carrageenan-induced mice model of hind paw edema. Thirty (30), six-week-old, male ICR mice were randomly assigned into three treatment groups (n=10/group) as follows: distilled water group, diclofenac sodium group (10 mg/kg), and propolis group (100 mg/kg). All treatment were administered an hour prior to the injection of the phlogistic agent. As observed at 3 h post-injection, λ-carrageenan remarkably evoked the classical signs of hind paw edema exemplified grossly by swelling and hyperemia. The ameliorative effect of propolis became apparent at the onset of 6 h post-injection with a statistically significant finding evident at the 24-h period. This gross attenuation histologically correlated to a considerable and specific reduction of the dermal edema, which mirrored those of the diclofenac sodium group. Furthermore, both propolis and diclofenac sodium significantly attenuated the λ-carrageenan-induced increase in the protein expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) depicting more than two-fold decrement relative to the distilled water group. Altogether, these suggest that Philippine stingless bee propolis also exhibited a promising in vivo anti-inflammatory property, which can be partly mediated through the inhibition of TNF-α.

Protective effects of propolis on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) evaluated by real-time two-dimensional shear wave elastography: A randomized clinical trial.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, while no drugs have been approved for its treatment. The pieces of evidence indicate that propolis as a novel anti-inflammatory agent might be a promising candidate to treat NAFLD. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of propolis on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 54 patients with NAFLD. Patients were randomly assigned to receive propolis tablets at a dose of 250 mg twice daily for 4 months or placebo. The improvement in hepatic steatosis and fibrosis was evaluated using two-dimensional shear wave elastography. Improvement in the hepatic steatosis was significantly higher in the propolis group than the placebo group, even after adjustment for baseline value and changes in weight, energy intake, and physical activity (odds ratio [OR]: 5.67; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.41-22.8; p = .014). A significant reduction was observed on the liver stiffness in the propolis group (-0.65 ± 0.56 kPa; p = .001), whereas it increased in the placebo group (0.27 ± 0.59 kPa; p = .037). Also, the intake of propolis significantly decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels compared with the placebo group (-0.371; 95%CI: -0.582 to -0.16 mg/L; p = .01). Changes in serum levels of fasting blood sugar, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, cholesterol, and triglyceride did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > .05). There was no significant improvement in insulin resistance in both groups (p > .05). Propolis seems to have protective effects on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis and to reduce the serum levels of hs-CRP in patients with NAFLD.

Efficacy of olibanum and propolis medicinal extracts versus metronidazole in Giardia lamblia experimentally infected mice

Giardiasis is a common intestinal infection, recently included by the World Health Organization in the ‘Neglected Diseases Initiative’. Despite the efficacy of nitroimidazoles; the main antigiardial chemotherapeutics, adverse effects and resistance enforced developing non-chemical alternatives. The present study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of ethanol extract of olibanum (OL), propolis (PR), and their combination versus metronidazole (MTZ) against G. lamblia infection. Sixty Swiss male albino mice were randomly divided into 6 groups; 10 mice each,: Group I: normal control (non-treated; non-infected). Group II: infected with G. lamblia cysts, non-treated. On the 6th day postinfection (dPI), the remaining 4 infected groups were treated orally with: Group III: (OL). Group IV: (PR). Group V: combination of (OL+PR). Group VI: (MTZ). These mice were subjected to direct parasitological diagnosis of Giardia trophozoite in intestinal exudate, immunochromatographic test for antigen detection and histopathological studies. After 7 days therapy, complete clearance of Giardia trophozoites were in the combination of (OL+PR) and MTZ groups therapy. Lower percentages of reduction (91%) & (83%) were recorded in PR and OL-treated groups, respectively. Histopathological examination showed marked healing of intestinal mucosa using non-chemical combination and different degrees of dysplasia using MTZ, while partial healing was observed using olibanum and propolis separately. Olibanum, propolis and their combination were proved to enhance the clearance of Giardia trophozoites; with progressive improvement of the histopathological changes of jejunal mucosa, making good non-chemical alternative antigiardial therapeutics sidestepping the obstacles of metronidazole like dysplasia and teratogenicity.

Efficacy and safety of propolis mouthwash in management of radiotherapy induced oral mucositis; A randomized, double blind clinical trial.

Propolis has been used for the management of oral mucositis in a number of studies. Due to lack of sufficient evidence especially in radiotherapy induced oral mucositis, the present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of propolis mouthwash in oral mucositis and dysphagia in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy. This study was a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The patients randomly divided into two groups receiving either the propolis or the placebo mouthwash. Patients were advised to rinse their mouth with 15 mL three times daily for four weeks. Severity of mucositis and dysphagia were evaluated by the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI-CTC) and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), respectively. Thirty patients completed the study. Each group consisted of 15 patients. Although, there is not any significant difference between two groups in the first week of radiotherapy, a significant difference was seen in the second, the third and the fourth week (p = 0.03, 0.02, 0.02, respectively). Dysphagia reported as a mild score in the propolis group only in the fourth week which is significant compared with the placebo group (p = 0.01). There is not any serious adverse effect related to propolis or placebo during the study. It seems that propolis mouthwash is an effective and safe medication for alleviation of oral mucositis and dysphagia in patients under head and neck radiotherapy.

The effects of in ovo injection of propolis solution to broiler hatching eggs on incubation results

Bu çalışma, broyler kuluçkalık yumurtalarının amniyon sıvısına in ovo besleme yöntemi ile propolis ekstraktı enjeksiyonunun kuluçka sonuçlarına etkilerini belirlemek amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Denemede toplam 500 adet Ross 308 döllü broyler kuluçkalık yumurtası kullanılmıştır. Çalışma 5 muamele grubu (negatif kontrol grubu, pozitif kontrol grubu, %5' lik propolis 1 grubu, %10' luk propolis 2 grubu, %15' lik propolis 3 grubu) ve her muamele grubuna ait 4 tekerrürden oluşturulmuştur. Enjeksiyonlar 18. günde her bir muamele grubu için 0.5 ml' lik dozlarda (negatif kontrol grubu (uygulama yok) ve yumurtanın küt tarafından 18 mm derinlikte amniyon sıvılarına uygulanmıştır. Çalışma sonunda in ovo propolis enjeksiyonunun kuluçka sonuçlarından çıkış gücü, iç pip, dış pip ve toplam ölüm oranlarını istatistiki olarak olumsuz etkilediği görülmüştür. Tepside ölüm oranı bakımından muamele grupları arasındaki farklılıklar ise istatistiki olarak önemsiz bulunmuştur (P&amp;gt;0.05). Araştırma bulgularına göre, propolisin kuluçka sonuçları değerlerindeki etkilerinin net olarak tespiti için, en az propolis kaynağı ve uygulama dozu kadar çözücü olarak kullanılacak solventin çalışma başarısı için çok kritik bir faktör olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.

The investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of apitherapeutic agents on heart tissues in nitric oxide synthase inhibited rats via Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester

ABSTRACT Background High blood pressure effects heart and vessels. Development of pathogenesis is the result of oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate the antioxidant effects of propolis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), and pollen on the hearts of rats which chronic nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibited through Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were analyzed on the heart. Material and Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were divided five groups of seven rats in every group; Group I: Control, Group II: L-NAME, Group III: L-NAME+propolis, Group IV: L-NAME+CAPE and Group V: L-NAME+pollen. L-NAME become dissolved in regular saline (0.9% NaCl w/v). The ethanolic extract of propolis (200 mg/kg/days, gavage), pollen (100 mg/kg/days, by gavage), CAPE (50 µM/kg/days, intraperitoneally), and the NOS inhibitor L-NAME (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) had been administered. Results Blood pressure (BP) of rats treated with propolis, CAP,E and pollen statistically significant decreased. Decreasing in BP of the rats of pollen group was more than CAPE and propolis groups (P < .05). PON1 and TAS levels decreased in L-NAME-treated groups (P < .05), but ranges have been better in propolis, CAPE and pollen groups. TOS, ADMA and NF-κB levels increased (P < .05) in L-NAME group; however, these parameters were lower (P < .05) in propolis and CAPE groups (P < .05). Conclusions Vasorelaxant properties and free radical scavenging actions of propolis, CAPE, and pollen may reduce the oxidative stress and blood pressure in the rats chronic NOS inhibited through L-NAME.

Antioxidative role of propolis on LPS induced renal damage

Abstract Sepsis is a systemic infectious disease that leads to shock, organ failure, and death and requires urgent treatment. Animal model studies of sepsis and endotoxemia have revealed that antioxidant compounds prevent the progression of multi-system organ failure and reduce death rate. In the present study aimed to establish the effect of propolis, which has been proven to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in recent years, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced renal damage. 40 Sprague dawley rats were randomly divided into five equal groups (n = 8): Control (0.9% NaCl), LPS (30 mg/kg), propolis (250 mg/kg), propolis + LPS, and LPS + propolis. After completion of the experimental protocol, Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured using blood serum samples obtained from the rats. The kidney samples of the rats were examined histopathologically. As a result, it was determined that LPS increased MDA levels in the blood serum samples and it caused histological changes in the kidney tissue such as tubular damage, mild ischemic injury, ischemic damage in the form of vacuolization, tubular epithelial vacuolization, vascular congestion, and glomerular atrophy. Contrary to these results, MDA levels of serum decreased in the propolis + LPS, and LPS + propolis groups, and also histological findings improved. These results showed that protective effect of propolis against kidney damage caused by LPS.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of oral propolis in patients with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy: a Randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAnti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of Propolis have been proven in many in-vivo and in-vitro studies. Therefore, it seems that it can be used as a complementary therapy along with chemotherapy. This study examined the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Propolis supplement in comparison to a placebo in cancerous patients who received chemotherapy. MethodsBreast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were randomly assigned to two groups; a week prior to chemotherapy, the first group received Propolis (250 mg/ twice daily for 3 months) and the second group received a placebo daily. Serum Oxidant parameters, including the activities of lipid peroxidation products detected as Malondialdehyde (MDA), Protein Carbonyl (PC), 8-hydroxy-2′-Deoxyguanosine (8−OHdG), Serum Pro oxidant-Antioxidant Balance (PAB), and certain immunological factors, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-a), Transforming Growth Factor (TGF –β), interleukin IL-10, IL-1β and IL-2, MMP2 and MMP9 were measured at baseline and at the end of intervention. ResultsA total of 50 patients were included in the study: 26 and 24 patients were randomly assigned to the Propolis group and the placebo group, respectively. The results showed that patients who received placebo showed a marked increase in the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a (P = 0.007), interleukin (IL)-2 (P = 0.04) and Protein Carbonyl (PC) as a biomarker of oxidative stress (P = 0.03), but the Propolis group patients showed no significant increase in oxidant and pro-inflammatory markers (P > 0.05). Also, the Propolis group showed a significant reduction in PAB compared to its baseline level (P = 0.03) but the placebo group did not (P = 0.80). The changes of the measured Oxidant/antioxidant markers, inflammatory and MMPs factors did not show a significant difference between the two groups. ConclusionDaily supplement of Propolis (250 mg/ twice daily) which started a week prior to chemotherapy showed a significant improvement of oxidant/antioxidant balance compared to baseline and a non significant increase in serum concentration of protein carbonyl as a biomarker of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines of TNF-α and IL-2 in these compared to the placebo group, which might reflect anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Propolis.

Can Propolis, the Natural Disinfectant of Bees, be Used As an Effective and Healty Disinfectant for Hatching Eggs?

The aim of this study was to investigate how the incubation parameters and microbial activity of the eggshell were affected by the disinfection of breeding quail eggs with water-based propolis extract in two different concentrations, 0.1% formalin, and distilled water prior to storage. A total of 480 hatching eggs of Coturnix coturnix (Japanese quail) were used and they were divided into a total of 5 groups (1 control and 4 separate treatment groups). Following the disinfection, the eggs were stored as 3 groups with different periods of storage, namely 7, 14 and 21 days before the incubation. In order to determine any microbiological activity, 100 eggs were used and aerobic-mesophilic bacteria counts were performed in a total of 5 groups on day 0, week 1, week 2 and week 3 for E. coli, yeast and mold, and Staphylococcus aureus. It was observed that the eggs stored for 3 weeks lost more weight in the pre-development period as compared to those stored for 1 and 2 weeks (P<0.01). Egg weight loss rates had a negative effect on hatching (P<0.01). Total amount of aerobic-mesophilic bacteria was low in the propolis group, medium in the 0.1% formalin group, and high in the water and control groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, it was found that the total amount of aerobic-mesophilic bacteria was higher in the shells of the eggs stored for 3 weeks as compared to those with a storage time of 1 and 2 weeks, which pointed to a statistically very significant relationship between the storage time and the total number of aerobic-mesophilic bacteria (P<0.01). On the other hand, yeast and mold growth varied according to treatment groups and storage time. The results suggest that propolis use does not have any negative effect on the incubation performance, to the contrary it keeps the microbial load in check during periods of storage and that it is safe to use in hatcheries.

Investigation of dose related effects of propolis on anxiety and some biochemical parameters with sympathetic skin response and increased T-maze

Aim: Propolis has been shown to have anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies on its anxiogenic effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of propolis on anxiety in rats with cold stress via sympathetic skin response (electrodermal activity) and elevated T maze. Methods: Forty Wistar albino male rats were used in the study, divided into four groups: The control group, low dose (10 mg/kg PRO), medium dose (30 mg/kg PRO) and high dose propolis groups (50 mg/kg PRO). Propolis was administered via gavage to all rats except the control group. Twenty minutes after injection, the anxiety scores of the rats were evaluated with an elevated T-maze, and their electrodermal activities (EDA) were measured. At the end of the experiment, some enzymatic and lipid values were measured with malondialdehyde (MDA) in blood samples. Results: The percentage of time spent on open arms and the number of open arm entries were lower in the 10mg/kg PRO group, while an increase was observed in the 30 mg/kg PRO group. EDA values were lower in the 30 mg / kg PRO (P=0.012; P=0.02, respectively) and 50 mg / kg PRO (P=0.013, P=0.02, respectively) groups as compared to the control group. MDA was significantly lower in the 30 mg/kg PRO and 50 mg/kg PRO groups. While AST value increased in the 30 mg / kg PRO group, ALT value decreased. Total cholesterol and triglyceride values were significantly lower in the 50 mg / kg PRO group. HDL value increased significantly after administration of propolis and LDL value decreased significantly only in the 10 mg/kg PRO group. Conclusions: According to the results obtained by EDA and T labyrinth methods, while low and high dose propolis, which was administered to rats after cold stress, showed an anxiogenic effect, medium dose propolis exerted an anxiolytic effect. It also decreased MDA values in the medium and high dose groups and influenced enzymatic and lipid values in favor of the rat. It was concluded that the anxiety-related effects of propolis were dose-dependent.

Does Modification of Amalgomer with Propolis Alter Its Physicomechanical Properties? An In Vitro Study.

Objective To assess if incorporating ethanolic extract of propolis into ceramic-reinforced glass ionomer (Amalgomer CR) might have an influence on its physicomechanical properties. Materials and Methods Three groups were assessed; group I: Amalgomer CR (control) and two experimental groups (II and III) of propolis added to the liquid of Amalgomer CR with 25 and 50 v/v %, respectively. Evaluation parameters were color stability, compressive strength, microhardness, and surface roughness. Representative specimens of each group were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the results, followed by a Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05). Results Nonsignificant color change for both groups of modified Amalgomer CR. Meanwhile, the two experimental groups exhibited a significant increase in both compressive strength and microhardness. Simultaneously, there was a significant difference in roughness values among groups with the lowest roughness values exhibited by the 50 v/v % propolis concentration. Conclusions Modification of Amalgomer CR with 50 v/v % propolis may increase its mechanical properties without compromising its esthetic. Clinical Significance. Modification of Amalgomer CR by 50 v/v % propolis is supposed to be a hopeful restorative material with favorable characteristics.

EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF TWO PROPOLIS FORMULAE ON STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS AND CANDIDA ALBICANS: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus mutans is considered to be the most cariogenic microorganism. However, candida albicans has also been isolated from dental plaque of high caries risk children. Therefore, uses of natural antimicrobial agents such as propolis have been established as an adjunctive approach for oral health care. OBJECTIVES: the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal effects of propolis chewing gum compared to propolis mouthwash. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty high caries risk children aged 6 to 8 were randomly assigned into two groups. Group I received propolis chewing gum and Group II received propolis mouthwash. A baseline and final plaque samples were obtained from each participant before and after intervention respectively within 14 days interval. All participants were asked to refrain from eating or brushing on the sampling days. Samples were sent immediately to the laboratory for microbial assessment. RESULTS: data revealed that both study groups showed significant differences (P≤0.001) in streptococcus mutans and candida albicans counts before and after intervention. But there was no significant difference among the comparative groups. CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that propolis chewing gum and propolis mouthwash can be used as antimicrobial agents.

Mediterranean Propolis from the Adriatic Sea Islands as a Source of Natural Antioxidants: Comprehensive Chemical Biodiversity Determined by GC-MS, FTIR-ATR, UHPLC-DAD-QqTOF-MS, DPPH and FRAP Assay.

There is no systematic report about propolis chemical biodiversity from the Adriatic Sea islands affecting its antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the samples from the islands Krk, Rab, Pag, Biševo and Korčula were collected. Comprehensive methods were used to unlock their chemical biodiversity: headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and hydrodistillation (HD) followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS); Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy (FT-MIR); ultra high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-QqTOF-MS) and DPPH and FRAP assay. The volatiles variability enabled differentiation of the samples in 2 groups of Mediterranean propolis: non-poplar type (dominated by α-pinene) and polar type (characterized by cadinane type sesquiterpenes). Spectral variations (FT-MIR) associated with phenolics and other balsam-related components were significant among the samples. The UHPLC profiles allowed to track compounds related to the different botanical sources such as poplar (pinobanksin esters, esters and glycerides of phenolic acids, including prenyl derivatives), coniferous trees (labdane, abietane diterpenes) and Cistus spp. (clerodane and labdane diterpenes, methylated myricetin derivatives). The antioxidant potential determined by DPPH ranged 2.6–81.6 mg GAE/g and in FRAP assay 0.1–0.8 mmol Fe2+/g. The highest activity was observed for the samples of Populus spp. origin. The antioxidant potential and phenolic/flavonoid content was positively, significantly correlated.

Chemoprotective Effects of Propolis on Aflatoxin B1-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats: Oxidative Damage and Hepatotoxicity by Modulating TP53, Oxidative Stress

Objective: This study aimed to detect hepatic oxidative damage caused by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), as well as to examine how propolis protects against hepatotoxic effects of AFB1. Method: Rats were split into four groups as control group, AFB1 group, propolis group, AFB1+ propolis group. Results: There was significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and tumor suppressor protein (TP53) gene expression, Glutathione (GSH) level, Catalase (CAT) activity, CAT gene expression decreased in AFB1 group in blood. MDA level and Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) activity, GST and TP53 gene expressions increased in AFB1 group, whereas GSH level and CAT activity alongside CAT gene expression decreased in liver. AFB1+propolis group showed significant decrease in MDA level, GST activity, TP53 and GST gene expressions, GSH level and CAT activity and CAT gene expression increased in liver compared to AFB1 group. Conclusion: These results suggest that propolis may potentially be natural agent that prevents AFB1- induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity.

Bee glue (propolis) improves reproductive organs, sperm quality and histological changes and antioxidant parameters of testis tissues in rats exposed to excess copper.

This study was designed to determine the effects of propolis on the sperm quality, antioxidant and histological parameters in the testicular tissues of male Sprague Dawley rats exposed to excessive copper (Cu). In this aim, 24 rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: the control, Cu, Propolis and Cu+Propolis. When compared to control group, Cu administration significantly decreased sperm motility and concentration, increased total abnormal sperm rate. It caused a significant induction the malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduction the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) in testicular tissues. Also, it caused loss, disorganisation and vacuolation of the germinal epithelium, oedema of the interstitial tissues, proliferation of the interstitial cells, spilled immature spermatogenic cells in the lumen of some seminiferous tubules. A large number of active caspase-3-positive stained apoptotic cells and a significant decrease in Johnsen's testicular score were determined. However, significant ameliorations were observed in all sperm characteristics, MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH, seminiferous tubules, number of apoptotic cells and Johnsen's testicular score in Cu+Propolis group. Our results showed that oral supplementation of propolis had curative effect on the sperm quality, antioxidant and histological parameters in the testicular tissues of male Sprague Dawley rats exposed to Cu.