Background:
Propolis (bee glue) is a resinous hive product. It consists of exudate from plants mixed with beeswax and used be bees as glue in general-purpose as sealer and
draught-exclude for beehives. Propolis, used in folk medicine, has attracted researchers attention to elucidate its therapeutic properties, as antioxidant and
anticancer. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the role of propolis in modulating effects of mitomycin C; MMC.
Methods:
Ethanolic solutions of propolis were prepared and administered to albino male mice (Mus musculus) through three types of experiments. In the first, the propolis was
tested alone, while in the second and third experiments, propolis was given orally before and after MMC (pre- and post-treatments, respectively). All experiments
were paralleled by negative and positive controls. The investigated parameters were total count of leucocytes, mitotic index, micronucleus formation and chromosomal
aberrations.
Results:
In the first experiment, the results indicated that 10 mg/kg/day of propolis enhanced the parameters investigated, and a significant increase was observed in the total
count of leucocytes and mitotic index. Also, there was no significant difference in the rate of micronucleus formation and chromosomal aberrations as compared to
negative controls. In the second (pre-treatment) and third (post-treatment) experiments, a similar picture was drawn. However, the dose 10 mg/kg/day was
more effective in this respect.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that propolis may act upon the immunological system and has the potential to inhibit the genotoxic effects of MMC. A further study will be
needed to determine the effects of compounds isolated from propolis and evaluate the synergistic effects on MI and MN.
