Mineral Content, Antioxidant Properties <i>in vitro</i>, Reduction of Inflammation, and Liver Steatosis <i>in vivo</i> by Ngaoundal Propolis in Wistar Rats Fed an Atherogenic Diet

Abstract

Several studies have reported the benefits of Propolis in the treatment of various disorders such as parasitic infections, bacterial infections, wounds, and burns. The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effects and anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroethanolic extract (EthP) and the fraction powder ≤ 125 µm of Propolis (PP) on atherogenic diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dry Propolis was finely ground, a first part was macerated in a mixture (30:70 v/v water and ethanol) and a second part was fractionated by sieving with a sieve mesh (≤125 µm). The powder fraction≤ 125µm (PP) and Propolis hydroethanolic extract (EthP) obtained were used to characterize the mineral composition <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 20 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups EthP and PP were administered orally to the rats at the same dose (250 mg/kg bw) and fed simultaneously with an atherogenic diet for 45 days. At the end of the experiment, the lipid profile, transaminase aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum, and antioxidants were measured at the organ level (aorta, liver, kidney, and heart). The activities of all parameters were significant (p < 0.05). The results of this study show that Propolis had a significantly (<i>p<0.0001</i>) lower <i>in vitro</i> mineral composition in Iron by 32.56%; in Zinc by 83.21%; in Calcium by 10.82% and in Manganese by 21.40% at the PP level compared to EthP. Antioxidant capacity (DPPH, TAC, and FRAP), which increased with Propolis concentration. High polyphenol content (EthP>PP). Treatment with EthP<sub>250</sub> and PP<sub>250</sub> significantly (<i>p<0.05</i>) reduced serum ALT by 34.27% and 47.36%, creatinine by 67.36% and 37.5%, TG by 63.91% and by 20.18%, IL-17 expression by 50.25% and 100% respectively. HDL-c levels were significantly increased by 47.7% (<i>p<0.001</i>) in serum compared with TN. NO levels increased significantly (<i>p<0.001</i>) by 1.38% and 1.63% in the aorta respectively. MDA levels were significantly reduced by 55.12% (<i>p<0.0001</i>) and 76.09% (<i>p<0.05</i>) in the liver respectively. This study demonstrated the efficacy of Propolis in the management of non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis and its anti-inflammatory capacity.