Effects of hydroalchoholic extract of Iranian Propolis on acute, chronic and visceral pain in mice

Introduction: Propolis is a natural bee product, which has been used in folk medicine for the management of different diseases. Regarding to anti-inflammatory effects of Propolis, in this study we evaluated the analgesic effects of hydroalchoholic extract of Iranian Propolis on acute and chronic pain. Materials and Methods: 192 young adult male albino mice (25-30 g) in 24 groups (n = 8) were used. Propolis (100, 200, and 500 mg/kg), vehicle and morphine as Positive control drug (5mg/Kg) were injected intera- peritoneally 30 min before the pain evaluation tests. Acute and chronic pain was assessed by by using hot plate (HP), tail flick (TF), formalin (FT) and writhing (WR) tests.  Results: Comapred to the control group, Propolis extract in all doeses increased pain tolerance in both the HP and TF (P<0.01). In the FT, Propolis extract decreased the reaction time in neurogenic and inflammatory phases than the control group (P<0.01). Pretreatment with the Propolis extract reduced the number and time of of abdominal writhes in the WR than the control group (P<0.01). Conclusion: The above findings showed that Iranian Propolis have anti-analgesic effects in both acute and chronic models of pain.