Evaluation on Scolicidal Efficacy of Propolis

Abstract

Background: Propolis is a resinous material collected by bees from various plants. It has antimicrobial, antioxidative, immunostimulative, and regenerative properties. We determined the scolicidal effect of propolis in different concentrations and various exposure times. Materials and Methods: Tubes containing Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces were supplementedwith different concentrations of ethyl alcohol extract of propolis. At the end of the incubation times, viabilityof protoscoleces was assessed by trypan blue exclusion test. We also applied 5 ml of 1 µg/ml propolis intraperitoneally for determination of side effects and mortality rates. Results: We determined that 1 µg/ml concentration of propolis killed all of the protoscoleces at the end of the 3rd minute. In the in vivo part of the study, intraperitoneal application of propolis did not cause any side effects or mortality. Conclusion: We concluded that this natural agent can be used as a potent scolicidal agent after studies which will determine in vivo efficacy and the effects on liver and biliary tree when injected directly into the common bile duct.

In Vitro Effectiveness of Different Chemical Agents on Scolices of Hydatid Cyst

“…Kismet and Kilicoglu et al determined that 1 µg/ml concentration of propolis [16] (a resinous material collected by bees from various plants) and 10% honey concentrations [17] killed all of the protoscolices at the end of 3 min. In the in vivo part of the study, intraperitoneal application of propolis and honey did not cause any side effects or mortality.…”

Honey prevents hepatic damage induced by obstruction of the common bile duct

“…Moreover, the antibacterial effect of honey on ocular flora has been displayed [18] . Furthermore, the scolicidal efficacy of propolis, which is a resinous material obtained by honey bees from plants or flowers, has been shown in cystic hydatid disease [19] . Recently, it has been found that honey leads to increased levels of NO in biological fluids and to reduced liver enzymes, such as AST and ALT, in blood [20] .…”

The Effects of Scolicidal Agent Propolis on Liver and Biliary Tree

“…We concluded that propolis might be used as a potent scolicidal agent if it would not cause caustic sclerosing cholangitis when injected into the biliary tree. 7 We also designed another study that would compare propolis with other scolicidal agents for the side effects on liver and biliary tree.…”

“…6 In a previous study, we found that propolis was totally effective on protoscolices in low concentrations and short exposure time. 7 This study was conducted to investigate the effects of propolis on the liver and biliary tree by direct injection of propolis into the common bile ducts of the rats.…”