Hepatoprotective Effects of Propolis Extract: A Biochemical and Histopathological Approach

Hepatoprotective efficacy of propolis extract (honeybee hive product, 200 mg/kg, p.o.) was studied against carbon-tetrachloride-(CCl 4, 0.15 ml/kg, i.p.) induced biochemical and histopathological changes. Silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug was used as a positive control. Subchronic exposure to CCl 4 for 3 weeks (5 days a week) caused sharp elevation in the activity of liver enzymes i.e. , serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. CCl 4 administration significantly decreased blood glucose level and increased serum proteins. Tissue biochemistry revealed significant reduction in total protein and glycogen contents, alkaline phosphates activity and adenosine triphosphatase along with significant increase in acid phosphatase activity both in liver and kidney. CCl 4 -induced oxidative stress was measured by estimating reduced glutathione level and amount of TBARS formed as an index of lipid peroxidation. Hepatorenal glutathione level showed marked depletion whereas lipid peroxidation was enhanced significantly. Posttreatment of propolis extract after toxicant administration reversed for five days alterations in blood and tissue biochemical variables including liver function test and markers of oxidative stress, which was similar to silymarin-treated positive control. Histopathological studies of liver and kidney showed improved cellular architecture after propolis therapy and confirmed its hepatoprotective efficacy. In conclusion, propolis   extract is a natural product with hepatoprotective properties.