Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activities of the Ethanolic Extract of Propolis in Male Mice and Rats

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually used to alleviate pain and Inflammation. The widespread use of NSAIDs has caused the risk and side effects of these drugs commonly increase. This study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) in male mice and rats. In this experimental study, EEP was prepared and administered in doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of body weight. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed by inflammatory models of xylene-induced ear edema and cotton pellet granuloma tests, whereas the antinociceptive potential was assessed by formalin and acetic acid-induced writhing methods. The EEP at doses of 100 (P < 0.05), 200 (P < 0.001) and 400 mg/kg (P < 0.001) significantly diminished the foundation of edema caused by xylene. A significant decrease was seen in granuloma weight in EEP at doses of 200 (P < 0.001) and 400 mg/kg (P < 0.001). The extract caused a significant decrease in licking time at first phase in EEP at 100 (P < 0.01), 200 (P < 0.001), and 400 mg/kg (P < 0.001). A significant decrease was observed (P < 0.001) in licking time at the second phase in EEP at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. In the writhing model, a significant decrease was observed in the number of writhes in EEP at doses of 100 (P < 0.05), 200 (P < 0.001), and 400 mg/kg (P < 0.001). The findings of this research showed that the ethanolic extract of propolis has considerable anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.