Positive effect of a propolis supplement on lipid profile, glycemia, and hepatic antioxidant status in an experimental animal model

Abstract

Introduction: the use of natural nutritional supplements can be used as a coadjuvant therapy since they have several phytochemicals with potential antioxidant effects that could influence lipid and glycemic metabolism. Objectives: to determine the effect of natural propolis supplementation on lipid metabolism and liver antioxidant activity. Material and methods: 20 male Wistar albino rats (8 weeks) were divided into two groups of 10 animals each. Subsequently, they were fed two different types of diet for 90 days: a standard diet for the control group (diet C) and a standard diet + 2 % propolis (diet P). Hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed. The livers were extracted and washed with saline solution, and the cytosolic fractions were prepared fresh for additional analysis of antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Results: after consuming the diet supplemented with propolis, we found a reduction in glucose (p < 0,01), total cholesterol (p < 0,001), GOT (p < 0,05) and GPT (p < 0,01), whereas the propolis supplement induced an increase in the hepatic activity of SOD (p < 0,001), CAT (p < 0,01) and GR (p < 0,05). Conclusion: the present study reveals that a dietary propolis supplement (2 %) can improve the lipid and glycemic profiles, also increasing antioxidant enzimes and reducing the release of liver transaminases.