Objectives: the aim of this study is to evaluate the healing and anti-inflammatory effects of propolis in critical wound defects in rats ‘ buccal mucosa.
Subjects& methods: 20 adult male albino rats of average weight 150-250 grams were used. Rats were divided into 2 groups
Group I: consists of 10 rats, which were subdivided into 2 sub groups
Sub Group I A: consists of 5 rats, the wounds were left un treated for 3 days
Sub Group I B: consists of 5 rats, the wounds were left un treated for 7 days
Group II: Consists of 10 rats which were subdivided into 2 sub groups
Sub Group II A: consists of 5 rats, the wounds were treated with propolis for 3 days
Sub Group II B: consists of 5 rats, the wounds were treated with propolis for 7 days
The wounds were examined histologically, histochemically and immunohistochemically
Results: Histologiacally, histochemical and immunohistochemical results showed that the healing process was faster in propolis treated rats due to anti inflammatory and anti oxidant effects of Propolis. Immunohistochemical labeling of vimentin in propolis treated groups was higher than un treated groups
Conclusion: Propolis could improve wound healing by stimulating the proliferation of epithelial cells; and fibroblast proliferation, thus improving wound closure and decreasing inflammation (as prolonged inflammation and the release of inflammatory cytokines could cause tissue damage)