BACKGROUND: Monosodium glutamate is commonly used in our foods and reported many physiological effects. Propolis is a natural product widely used in folk medicine due to its bioactive compounds. It is considered one of the richest sources of phenolic acids and flavonoids. METHODS: The phenolic acids and flavonoids content of Saudi Arabian propolis was determined by HPLC analysis. Three groups of albino rats were used in the present study for histological and histochemical studies. Group 1

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... ol group) received 0.9% NaCL, group 2 was given monosodium glutamate (6 mg/g bw) and group 3 received monosodium glutamate (6 mg/g body weight) and propolis (50 mg/kg body weight). RESULTS: The HPLC analysis of the Saudi Arabian propolis revealed presence of predominant phenolic acids; cinnamic, coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, sinapic, and flavonoids; apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin. The rats administered orally with the monosodium glutamate (6 mg/g body weight) and propolis (50 mg/kg body weight) for 8 weeks showed a significant protective effect of propolis in prevention monosodium glutamate induced toxic pathological changes in kidney of the rats. CONCLUSION: The presence of phenolic compounds in the Saudi Arabian propolis is coincided with its role in improving the histological and ultrastructural pictures of kidney treated with monosodium glutamate.