Protective Effects of Propolis on Behavioral and Stress Oxidative Changes in Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination Model

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a continuing demyelination inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, we investigated the effect of propolis on locomotor coordination and stress oxidative modifications in the demyelination model induced by cuprizone because of its antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: Mice were nourished with powdered chow, including 0.4% w/w cuprizone for one week and then 0.2% w/w cuprizone for four weeks, for MS induction. Mice were given propolis at various doses (100,150, and 200 mg/kg of body weight) during the last 4-weeks of treatment with cuprizone. Results: Based on our results, the number of falls decreased significantly in 150 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg propolis+cuprizone groups (p < 0.001) but, no significant difference was reported between the 100 mg/kg propolis+cuprizone group and the cuprizone group. The malondialdehyde level decreased significantly in 150 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg propolis+cuprizone (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively), although there was no significant difference in the 100 mg/kg propolis+cuprizone compared to cuprizone group. Glutathione levels increased significantly in 150 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg propolis+cuprizone groups (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, respectively) compared to the cuprizone group. There was no noteworthy difference in glutathione level at the 100 mg/kg propolis+cuprizone concentration as compared to the cuprizone group. Conclusion: Propolis has the potential to be used as an adjunctive drug in multiple sclerosis treatment.