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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
08:05
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
40.2K
Effects of stingless bee propolis on experimental asthma
José Hidelbland Cavalcante de Farias1, Aramys Silva Reis1, Marcio Antonio Rodrigues Araújo1
1Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Department of Pathology, Biological and Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), 65085-580 São Luís, MA, Brazil.
Summary
This study shows that a propolis hydroalcoholic extract (PHE) from Scaptotrigona aff. postica bees effectively reduced asthma symptoms in mice. PHE treatment decreased inflammatory cells and improved lung pathology, similar to dexamethasone.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Zoology
Background:
- Bee products, including propolis, have a long history of empirical use for respiratory ailments.
- Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of a propolis hydroalcoholic extract (PHE) from Scaptotrigona aff. postica stingless bees in a murine model of asthma.
- To evaluate the effects of PHE on inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine profiles in an ovalbumin-induced asthma model.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce an asthma-like condition.
- Mice received daily treatment with PHE (50 or 200 mg/kg) or dexamethasone for two weeks.
- Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts, serum cytokine levels (interferon-gamma), and lung histology were analyzed.
Main Results:
- PHE treatment significantly reduced the total number of inflammatory cells in BALF compared to the control group.
- Histological examination revealed decreased peribronchovascular inflammation and reduced infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells in PHE-treated mice.
- Serum levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) were significantly lowered following PHE administration.
Conclusions:
- Propolis hydroalcoholic extract from Scaptotrigona aff. postica demonstrates significant anti-asthmatic properties in a murine model.
- PHE effectively mitigates airway inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cell migration and reducing systemic allergic responses.
- These findings suggest PHE as a potential natural therapeutic agent for managing asthma, comparable in efficacy to dexamethasone.
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