The effect of ethanolic extract of propolis on radiation-induced mucositis in rats

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of ethanolic extract of propolis in radiation-induced mucositis in rats.

METHODS: This study was performed in the Dental Faculty, Shahid Rajaee Hospital of Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Mazandaran, Iran from August 2008 to September 2009, It was carried out on 21 male Wistar rats, age 7-11 weeks, and weighing 160–20g. They were divided into 3 groups. Group A received intraperitoneal (ip) injections of 100 mg/kg ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP), group B received ip injections of 200 mg/kg EEP, and the control group (group C) received 10% ethanol (10ml/kg [ip]) just before x-ray irradiation. All rats were irradiated in the head and neck region by an x-ray device at a dose rate of 15 gray (Gy) for 9 minutes and 39 seconds. The daily injection continued for the next 10 days, and the lips and tongues of the rats were examined daily to assess the intensity of lesions induced by irradiation.

RESULTS: In group C, the first signs of ulcers appeared on the first day, while they appeared on the fourth day in group B, and third day in group A. The severity of ulcers was greatest in group C, and least in group B.

CONCLUSION: Propolis is effective in reducing and delaying radiation-induced mucositis in an animal model, however, further study and evaluation is required.