The Hepatic Antioxidant Defense Efficacy of IDA Propolis in Aflatoxin B1 Administered Male Rats and Related Histopathological Findings

Aflatoksin B1 Uygulanan Erkek Siçanlarda İda Propolisin Hepatik Antioksidan Savunma Etkinliği ve Histopatolojik Bulgularininin Araştirilmasi

Abstract

Acute and chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis are very common diseases in today’s world. Consequently, the treatment method using natural products has gained prominence in the prevention of liver damage. Apiculture products are known to be effective in the prevention of numerous diseases and treatment of the liver disease in particular. Products such as honey, pollen, propolis and royal jelly have a high antioxidant effect on the human liver and all other body cells. These products, which are collected and concentrated by honeybees in the nature, contain elevated levels of carbohydrates, vitamins, coenzymes, polyphenols, aromatic compounds and phytosterols. Thus, animal tests are reportedly conducted with a view to preventing hepatitis using natural extracts. Research studies involving apiculture products have proven to be effective in the recent years, most of which are focused on using propolis to prevent hepatitis. The present study aims at observing the damages caused by Aflatoxin B1 on rat liver and determining the beneficial effects of propolis on liver tissue.