Beneficial Effect of Saharan Propolis on Glucose Metabolism in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

AIMS The aim of the study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of propolis from Saharan region of Morocco. BACKGROUND Propolis is known from ancient times for its beneficial action on health. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Moroccan propolis aqueous extract from the desert region on glycemia and lipid metabolism. METHODS The antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic activities of Moroccan propolis aqueous extract were evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Glycemia was monitored during acute (6h) and subchronic treatments. Histopathological analysis of the liver and the serum lipid profile was also evaluated in addition to the glucose tolerance. RESULTS This work demonstrated that the aqueous extract of Moroccan propolis exhibited a significant antihyperglycemic effect in diabetic rats. Histopathological data demonstrated that propolis acts positively on the liver of diabetic rats. In addition, the preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that Moroccan propolis contains several phytochemicals. Finally, Moroccan propolis had a potent antioxidant activity which may be due to the richness in polyphenols content (90.91 mg EAG/1 g of extract). CONCLUSION The present study shows that Moroccan propolis from the hot desert region possesses a potent antihyperglycemic effect.