Propolis and related flavonoids as radioprotective agents.

Abstract

Propolis is the resinous substance collected by honeybees from various plant sources that is rich in polyphenols, flavonoid aglycones, phenolic compounds, terpenes, sterols, vitamins and amino acids. This chapter reviews the radioprotective properties of propolis and flavonoids, and their influence on various endpoints of radiation damage. The possible mechanism of radioprotective and haematostimulative action of propolis and flavonoids are presented using in vivo and in vitro studies.