Topical ‘Sydney’ Propolis Protects against UV-Radiation-Induced Inflammation, Lipid Peroxidation and Immune Suppression in Mouse Skin

Abstract

Background: Propolis is a honeybee product that has been used in traditional medicine for antioxidant, immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Here, the potential of the topical application of a crude ethanolic extract of Sydney propolis to protect against UV-radiation-induced impairments associated with an increased risk of photocarcinogenesis has been tested in the hairless mouse. Methods: Solutions providing between 10 and 200 mg/kg propolis were applied to the skin following UV irradiation. The inflammation from exposure to UV (290–400 nm) was quantitated by measurement of increased skinfold thickness; lipid peroxidation was assayed by the induction of thiobarbituric acid reactive species in the skin; immune function was measured by the contact hypersensitivity (CHS) reaction and supported by the changes in epidermal cytokine expression. Results: Propolis protected significantly and dose-dependently against both sunburn oedema and the suppression of CHS, and (at 100 mg/kg) against lipid peroxidation. The overexpression of IL-10 and the depletion of IL-12 characteristic of photoimmune suppression were markedly reduced by propolis. Further, the upregulation of IL-6 was decreased, and the associated induction of haem oxygenase was shown to play a role in propolis skin protection. Conclusions: Sydney propolis was able to effectively reduce cutaneous inflammation, immunosuppression and lipid peroxidation induced by UV exposure. It is concluded that Sydney propolis might have strong beneficial protective effects against photodamage and skin cancer development in humans.

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF PROPOLIS ON GAMMA- IRRADIATED <i>NIGELLA SATIVA</i> EXTRACT INDUCED BLOOD AND IMMUNE CHANGES IN WISTAR RATS

“…In our findings we reported that GRNS inhibited IL-10 secretion and co-addition of propolis normalized such inhibition. The stimulation of IL-10 secretion was reported in study of Cole et al (2010) and is parallel to our findings. NS modulated TNF-α secretion but γ-irradiated NS inhibited TNF-α secretion and propolis normalized it.…”

Cytotoxic constituents of propolis inducing anticancer effects: a review

“…Sydney propolis was able to reduce cutaneous inflammation, immunosuppression and lipid peroxidation induced by UV exposure. [76] Propolis significantly and dosedependently protected against both sunburn oedema and the suppression of contact hypersensitivity, and against lipid peroxidation. The overexpression of interleukin-10 and the depletion of interleukin-12 characteristic of photoimmune suppression were markedly reduced by propolis.…”

Flavonoids as Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Drugs: Mechanisms of Action and Perspectives in the Development of Pharmaceutical Forms

“…There is increased interest in the identification of natural product sources for novel anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that might prove to be of superior efficacy in preventing and/or treating the skin from the photodamage [171,172]. Naturally occurring agents are considered to be less toxic and more effective approaches in controlling various human malignancies [173,174]; thus, a new concept in cosmetics research and development is the use of the so-called "biological filters," such as the potent antioxidants, vitamins, and flavonoids, which can have protective effects against UVR and may also have biologically relevant filtering activity [175].…”

“…It has been suggested that these properties may arise from complex mechanisms or synergistic interactions between compounds [199]. The topical application of a crude de-waxed ethanolic extract of "Sydney" propolis in the Skh:hr-1 albino hairless mouse was effective in reducing inflammation, immunosuppression, and oxidative damage caused by UV exposure [171].…”