Propolis is a complex resinous product produced by bees Apis mellifera, which has a number of biological activities such as an immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, among others. The purpose of the following study was to perform an in vivo evaluation of the anti-inflammatory properties of a Chilean propolis extract, on the model of atrial edema induced 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13- acetate (TPA) in the mouse auricular pavilion, for later evaluation and histological analysis. The Chilean propolis extract (EPP) used was obtained from an ethanolic, rotaevaporated and lyophilized macerate. It was observed that the EPP significantly decreased edema and inflammatory infiltrate. These results suggest that the ethanolic extract of Chilean propolis possesses potential anti-inflammatory or modulatory effects of the immune system in atrial edema.

KEY WORDS: Inflammation; Chilean propolis; Natural products; Leukocytes.