Author(s)

Katarzyna Basista-Sołtys^1*, Barbara Filipek¹, Monika Zadrożna², Barbara Nowak², Agata Pietrzycka², Grzegorz Kazek¹

¹Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical College of Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
²Department of Pharmacobiology, Medical College of Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.

Introduction: Propolis is used in Poland as an active ingredient of some drugs administered externally, dietary supplements and cosmetics. According to the literature, propolis is a non-toxic and safe substance, although it may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the allergenic properties of propolis and Balsam of Peru. Material and methods: The study was conducted according to the OECD Guideline for testing of chemicals-Skin sensitization with use of Guinea pig maximization test (GPMT). Guinea pigs have similar sensitivity to allergens as human body. Sensitization properties of propolis were tested in comparison with sensitization properties of Balsam of Peru because of the possibility of cross-reaction between those two substances. Results: The skin of guinea pigs in the propolis group showed no visible change compared to the control group during the first (48 h) and second observation (72 h). The skin of guinea pigs from Balsam of Peru group showed discrete erythema in only one case at the first observation (8.33% of the animals). During the second observation, no visible changes were observed compared to the control group. Conclusions: Guinea pig maximization test showed no sensitizing properties of propolis and weak sensitizing properties of Balsam of Peru in concentration of 5%.

Propolis, Balsam of Peru, Guinea Pig Maximization Test, Sensitization Properties, Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Basista-Sołtys, K. , Filipek, B. , Zadrożna, M. , Nowak, B. , Pietrzycka, A. and Kazek, G. (2017) Sensitization Properties of Propolis and Balsam of Peru in Guinea Pig Maximization Test (GPMT). Food and Nutrition Sciences, 8, 714-724. doi: 10.4236/fns.2017.87050.