Title : Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect of propolis in wistar rats
Abstract:
Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees from buds and leaves of various trees and plants. Historical records of propolis trace back centuries, and since ancient times, it has been used as a remedy. Ongoing research continues to highlight its numerous health benefits. The complex composition of propolis underpins its biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and even antitumor effects, as well as potential benefits for other health conditions. This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of both hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of propolis. The first part of the research involves qualitative screening of the hydroethanolic extract and quantification of its total polyphenols using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, flavonoids via the aluminum trichloride method, and tannins through vanillin assays. Quantitative analysis indicates that the hydroethanolic extract is rich in polyphenols, with a content of 265.83 µg GAE/mg E, expressed as gallic acid equivalents per milligram of extract. It also contains flavonoids at 208.14 µg QE/mg E and tannins at 198.33 µg QE/mg E, expressed as catechin equivalents per gram of extract. The second part of the study assesses the anti-inflammatory activity using an inhibition assay. Results show that the hydroethanolic propolis extract exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity, with inhibition percentages reaching 56.76% at 170 mg/ml, which is higher than that of the aqueous extract, which shows 29.73% inhibition at the same concentration. This work presents findings from the western region of Algeria, focusing on the composition, physico-chemical properties, and anti-inflammatory potential of propolis.
Keywords: propolis, biological activities, composition, bees.
