MECHANISMS INVOLVED IN THE ANTIINFLAMMATORY EFFECT OF PROPOLIS EXTRACT

Propolis is a natural product produced by the honey bee. The extract c ontains amino acids, flavonoids, terpenes and cinnamic acid derivative s. In various in vitro models propolis extract was shown to inhibit pl atelet aggregation and to inhibit eicosanoid synthesis, suggesting tha t it might have potent antiinflammatory properties. A 13% aqueous extr act was tested orally in three dose levels (1, 5 and 10 ml/kg) on the carrageenan rat paw oedema model and on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. In both models, the extract showed potent dose-related antiinfla mmatory activity, which compared well with that of diclofenac (as a re ference standard). The extract was then tested on an isolated sensitiz ed guinea pig lung preparation to study its effect on the release of p rostaglandins, leucotrienes and histamine. It is concluded that propol is extract has potent antiinflammatory properties in vivo. Its activit y can be well correlated with its effects on the release of various me diators of inflammation.