The Hepatoprotective and Therapeutic Effects of Propolis Ethanol Extract on Chronic Alcohol-induced Liver Injuries

Song-Chow Lin, Yun Ho Lin, Chin Fa Chen, Chia Yu Chung, Shih Hsien Hsu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Propolis designates a mixture of gums, resins and balms, of viscous consistency, which are gathered on certain parts (buds and bark, mainly) of vegetables (especially coniferous trees) by honeybees. They bring this back to the hive, where it is modified and mixed with other substances (essentially their own wax and salivary secretions). In this study, the hepatoprotective and therapeutic effects of propolis ethanol extract on chronic alcohol-induced liver injuries were investigated in rats. 3.125 ml of 99.5% alcohol was added to animal's daily diet for four weeks to induce chronic alcohol liver injuries. After sacrifice, serum transaminases (GOT, GPT), triacylglyceride and hepatic triacylglyceride (HTG) concentration were assayed to observe liver injuries induced by chronic alcohol abuse. In addition, the phenomenon of alcohol induced fatty liver were also observed by histopathological changes. Different doses of propolis ethanol extract were p.o. administered three times per day for three days, after four weeks' alcohol administration. It was found that 10 mg/kg of propolis ethanol extract significantly decreased the elevations of serum GOT, GPT, TG and HTG. In histopathological examination, 30 mg/kg of propolis ethanol extract also remarkably decreased the hepatocellular fatty degeneration, apparent as vacuolization, induced by chronic alcohol abuse.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)325-332
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican Journal of Chinese Medicine
Volume25
Issue number3-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1997

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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