Effect of Nigerian propolis on glycemia, lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Propolis is used by the Fulani Nomads in Nigeria to manage diabetes. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Nigerian propolis on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced with Alloxan (100mg/Kg). Animals were divided into 6 groups (n=5); Grp. A & B were non-diabetic receiving normal saline and 200mg/Kg propolis respectively. Grp. C, D, E, & F were diabetic receiving normal saline, 150mg/Kg metformin, 200mg/Kg propolis, and 300mg/Kg propolis respectively for 28 days. Hyperglycemia, elevated serum levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), Very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), urea, malonaldehyde (MDA) and decreased levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) were observed in the diabetic
untreated animals. Diabetes had no effect on serum creatinine level. Propolis decreased blood glucose level and serum levels of LDL-C, TC, and elevated HDL-C. AST, ALT, and urea levels decreased. MDA level decreased with increase in SOD and GSH levels. These changes were significant (P<0.05). Propolis of Nigerian origin
possesses hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities in addition to its ability to ameliorate oxidative-stress induced organ dysfunction.

Key words: Nigerian propolis, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress.