The ability of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) to protect mice against gamma irradiation.

Ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) was tested as a protective agent against gamma irradiation in mice. The mice were exposed to 6 Gy gamma irradiation from a 60Co source, and were treated intraperitoneally with EEP, administered before and after their irradiation. While the non-treated mice expired within 12 weeks, the mice that received a series of EEP treatments survived the irradiation, and their leucocyte count as well as their spleens' plaque-forming activity returned to normal. It is suggested that an antioxidant and a free radical scavenger in the EEP are responsible for the radiation protective effect of the extract of this natural product.