A STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC PROPOLIS EXTRACT ON LIVER FUNCTION IN RATS EXPOSED TO CARBON TETRACHLORIDE

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of the ethanolic extract of
propolis against liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in adult male albino
rats (Rattus norvegicus strain). To determine the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of CCl₄, an
initial experiment was conducted using four groups (n = 5 per group), which received
increasing oral doses of CCl₄. The animals were monitored for behavioural changes and
mortality. The LD₅₀ was estimated at 4 ml/kg, while 1.25 ml/kg was identified as the
critical toxic dose based on both experimental observations and previous studies.
Following this, 25 rats aged 12–14 weeks and weighing 182 ± 22.5 g were randomly
divided into five groups (n = 5 per group): a negative control group, a CCl₄-intoxicated
group, and three treatment groups receiving different concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3%)
of ethanolic propolis extract. Hepatotoxicity was induced by oral administration of CCl₄
at the toxic dose (1.25 ml/kg) twice weekly for four weeks.
Biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate liver enzyme levels (serum alanine
aminotransferase, serum aspartates aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase, lipid
profile (triglycerides, total cholesterol, Very Low-Density Lipoprotein), and other vital
indicators including urea, creatinine, and uric acid. The CCl₄ group exhibited significant
elevations (P < 0.05) in liver enzyme levels, urea, creat, and uric acid, indicating hepatic
injury. Treatment with the ethanolic extract of propolis, especially at the 1%
concentration, resulted in notable improvements in liver function markers, bringing
values closer to those of the control group (P > 0.05).In conclusion, the ethanolic extract
of propolis demonstrated a significant hepatoprotective effect against CCl₄-induced
toxicity, likely due to its antioxidant constituents, including phenolic compounds and
flavonoids. These findings highlight its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for liver
damage caused by chemical toxins.