Effects of propolis on biochemical and microbiological parameters in carp (Cyprinus carpio) fillets exposed to arsenic

The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of propolis on biochemical and microbiological parameters in muscle tissues of carp (Cyprinus carpio, Linnaeus 1758) exposed to arsenic. A sublethal concentration of arsenic (0.01 ppm) and/or 0.01 ppm propolis were administered to fish for seven days. Biochemical parameters [pH, lactic acid, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and malondialdehyde (MDA) values] and microbiological changes (mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria count) were determined in fillet of carp in control, arsenic only, propolis only and arsenic+propolis treatment groups. Results showed that the levels of MDA, lactic acid and TVB-N increased (p<0.05) while there were decreases total counts of psychrophilic, mesophilic bacteria and level of pH in arsenic group compared to the control group. Additionally, levels of pH, lactic acid, TVB-N, counts of psychrophilic and mesophilic bacteria in arsenic (0.01 ppm)+propolis (10 ppm) group significantly reduced compared to arsenic group (p<0.05). In conclusion, propolis can affects some biochemical and microbiologic functions and quality in the fillet of carp exposed to arsenic.