Assessment the Potential Effects of Propolis Water Extract in Stz-Diabetic Rats

The present study was designed to investigate the probable hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of propolis water extract in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in male rats by intraperitoneal injection of single dose (45 mg/kg body weight) of streptozotocin (STZ). After induction of diabetes, rats were orally administered propolis in two separate doses, 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight daily for 6 weeks. Herein, propolis administration significantly improve the hyperglycemic status resulting from diabetes induction, as evidenced by lowered blood glucose, blood glycosylated hemoglobin levels and hepatic G-6-Pase activity, while enhanced serum insulin, blood hemoglobin levels and hepatic glycogen content, compared to the diabetic group. Regarding lipid metabolism, the increased levels of lipid fractions, and the reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol level in diabetic rats were reverted back to normal levels after propolis administration indicating, further, its hypolipidemic effect. Moreover, propolis enhanced the body weight gain and protein metabolism in diabetic rats. In addition, propolis was found to has hepatoprotective effects via improving liver functions in diabetic rats, which was confirmed by decreased serum AST, ALT and γ-GT activities associated with decreased bilirubin level, compared to the diabetic group. Current findings clearly point out the antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective properties of propolis water extract which may be of health benefits in ameliorating various metabolic disorders and complications of diabetes.