nigerian propolis improves blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (hba1c), vldl and hdl levels in rat models of diabetes

Aim/Background: According to our previous studies, propolis of Nigerian origin showed some evidence of hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities in addition to its ability to ameliorate oxidative-stress induced organ dysfunction. This study was carried out to determine whether ethanolic extract of Nigerian propolis improves glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), fasting plasma glucose, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations in rats that have alloxan diabetes. Methods: Diabetes was induced with Alloxan (110mg/Kg). Animals were divided into 5 groups (n=5); Group 1 were non-diabetic receiving normal saline, Group 2 were diabetic but also received only normal saline. Groups 3, 4, & 5 were diabetic receiving 200mg/Kg propolis, 300mg/Kg propolis and 150mg/Kg metformin respectively for 42 days. Results: Hyperglycemia, elevated serum level of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), elevated plasma level of glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and decreased levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) were observed in the diabetic untreated animals. Nigerian propolis decreased blood glucose level and serum level of VLDL but elevated HDL level. These changes were significant (P [J Complement Med Res 2016; 5(3.000): 233-238]