Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Bee Pollen 100% Methanolic Fraction of Total Extract in the Rat Air Pouch Model of Inflammation

Abstract

Research on new drugs with natural origins, low price ,and fewer complications is a priority in pharmacology studies. Pollen which gathered by honey bee has been used as a medicine and food. Limited studies have been done on its anti-inflammatory effects. Aims The purpose of this dissertation was investigating the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis effects of bee pollen in the air-pouch inflammatory model in male rats. Method In order to create air-pouch model, wistar male rats (200-250 g) were anesthetized. In the first and third days, 20 and 10 ml of sterile air was injected at the back of the animal. On the sixth day, inflammation was induced by injection of carrageenan into the pouch. Saline normal was injected into the pouch as control and bee pollen 100% methanolic fraction ( 100, 500, 2500 µg ) simultaneously with carrageenan, 24 and 48 hours later. Three days after induction of inflammation, the rats were sacrificed, the pouch cavity opened and the volume of exudates and leukocyte accumulation were investigated. The granuloma tissue was isolated and weighed. For angiogenesis investigation, the tissue was cut off and homogenized in the Drabkin agent and then centrifuged. The upper solution was filtered with millipore filter and the hemoglobin concentration was determined by spectrophotometer. Results Angiogenesis and granuloma tissue weight reduced by injection of the bee pollen 100% methanolic fraction but has no significant effect on leukocyte accumulation and volume of exudates. Conclusion Bee pollen 100%methanolic fraction showed good effect on tissue weight and angiogenesis. Maybe these effects are due to the flavonoid compounds which are exist in methanolic fraction.