An Intervention Airing the Effect of Iranian Propolis on Epithelial Dysplasia of the Tongue: A Preliminary Study.

INTRODUCTION: Since oral cancer is one of the causes of mortality, the use of materials or methods that can reduce cancer or prevent its progression has particular importance.

AIM: Aim of the study was to evaluate the antitumor effects of Iranian propolis on dysplastic changes of oral mucosa in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 28 Wistar male rats (aged 7-11 weeks, 160±20 g). They were divided into four groups of seven rats. The Group 1 received: 0.5% 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), the Group 2: 0.5% DMBA and 100 mg/kg propolis, the Group 3: 0.5% DMBA and 200 mg/kg propolis, and the Group 4: 0.5% DMBA and 400 mg/kg propolis. DMBA in all groups was administered topically (brush) and propolis was injected intraperitoneally. DMBA was brushed twice on the lingual dorsum three times a week for 20 weeks. Propolis injection just every other day and in the days after DMBA was administered for 20 weeks. Rats were sacrificed, and histological examinations were performed on tongue specimen.

RESULTS: Propolis can reduce the degree of dysplasia in doses 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg compared to control (Group 1) (p=0.017, p=0.02, and p=0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed propolis can dose-dependently prevent DMBA-induced dysplasia of the oral mucosa in animal model.