Assessment by cytogenetic analysis of the radioprotection properties of propolis extract

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2005;115(1-4):461-4. doi: 10.1093/rpd/nci026.

Abstract

Propolis obtained from honeybee hives has been used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic or immunomodulatory agent. In animal studies, the radioprotector effect of propolis has been attributed to its free-radical scavenging properties. The present study was carried out to show the protective properties of propolis extract against DNA damage induced by gamma irradiation. The evaluation of the radioprotective effect of propolis has been carried out by the analysis of chromosome aberration induction after several doses of gamma rays. The results of an analysis in the presence of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) were compared with the dose-effect calibration curve for gamma-rays by analysis of chromosome aberrations without propolis, a decrease in the radiation-induced chromosome aberrations has been observed to be higher than 50% for all the doses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chromosome Aberrations / drug effects*
  • Chromosome Aberrations / radiation effects*
  • Cytogenetic Analysis / methods*
  • DNA / radiation effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Lymphocytes / radiation effects*
  • Propolis / administration & dosage*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Injuries / blood
  • Radiation Injuries / diagnosis
  • Radiation Injuries / genetics
  • Radiation Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Radiation Protection / methods
  • Radiation Tolerance / drug effects
  • Radiation-Protective Agents / administration & dosage
  • Radiometry / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Radiation-Protective Agents
  • DNA
  • Propolis