Prolongation of peripheral nerve block by Marmara Propolis: an experimental rat study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of Marmara propolis on the duration of sensory, deep sensory, and motor block recovery when used alone or in combination with bupivacaine in a rat sciatic nerve block model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): Group Bupivacaine (Group B) received 0.2 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine perineurally; Group Propolis (Group P) received 30 mg/kg of Marmara propolis (0.2 ml) perineurally; Group Bupivacaine + Propolis (Group BP) received a combination of 0.2 mL bupivacaine and 30 mg/kg propolis perineurally; Group Bupivacaine + Propolis intraperitoneally (Group BPip) received 0.2 mL bupivacaine perineurally and 30 mg/kg propolis intraperitoneally. Sensory, deep sensory, and motor function recoveries were assessed every 5 min until full recovery. RESULTS: Group BP showed significantly longer recovery times for all three modalities compared to all other groups (p < 0.001). Group BPip also demonstrated prolonged deep sensory and motor recovery times compared to Groups B and P (p < 0.001). Group P exhibited the shortest recovery times across all measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Marmara propolis, particularly when used in combination with bupivacaine, prolongs sensory, deep sensory, and motor block durations. These findings suggest that propolis may have both local and systemic adjuvant effects in regional anaesthesia applications.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STUDYMarmara propolis significantly prolonged sensory, deep sensory, and motor block durations when administered perineurally in a rat sciatic nerve block model.Intraperitoneal administration of propolis also resulted in prolonged deep sensory and motor block recovery, indicating systemic analgesic activity.The combination of bupivacaine and propolis produced the longest block durations, suggesting a synergistic or adjuvant effect.This is the first study to investigate both local and systemic applications of propolis as an adjunct to regional anaesthesia.Findings support the potential use of propolis as a natural, plant-based adjuvant in peripheral nerve blocks.