Arbutus Unedo Honey and Propolis Ameliorate Acute Kidney Injury, Acute Liver Injury, and Proteinuria via Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Activity in Streptozotocin-Treated Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Honey and propolis have biological and therapeutic effects in various pathological and clinical conditions such as hyperglycemia and diabetes. However, the combined use of honey and propolis has not been reported. The study evaluated the protective effect of Arbutus unedo honey, propolis and their combination in streptozotocin (STR)-induced hyperglycemia, acute kidney injury (AKI), liver injury, dyslipidemia, and proteinuria in male Wistar rats. METHODS: The study identified physicochemical characteristics, mineral and antioxidant content, and antioxidant activity in honey and propolis. Rats were assigned to five groups, with five rats in each group; control, STR-treated, STR-treated + honey (1g/kg/day), STR-treated + propolis (100 mg/day), and STR-treated + honey and propolis. On day 15, blood glucose, insulin, HBA1c, kidney function tests, liver enzymes, lipid profile, hemoglobin, and urine protein, creatinine, glucose, and electrolytes were analyzed. Liver, pancreas, and kidney tissues were studied histologically. The mineral component in honey and propolis was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Honey analysis was performed by HPLC. Chemical characterization of propolis was performed by LC/DAD/ESI-MSn . Measurement of blood and urine parameters was carried out with an automated analyzer (Architect c8000) and XT-1800i Automated Hematology Analyzer. Insulin concentration was determined by Elisa and insulin resistance was estimated by using HOMA-IR. RESULTS: Honey and propolis contain a high quantity of antioxidants and exhibit in vitro antioxidant activity. In STR-treated rats, blood glucose, HBA1c, creatinine, blood urea, liver enzymes, and urine protein significantly increased compared to the control group (P<0.05), while insulin, hemoglobin, and body weight significantly decreased. Histological changes were evident in the pancreas, kidney, and liver tissues. These results indicated AKI, liver injury, and pancreatic injury, which was evident with reducing the number of the island of Langerhans and marked hyperglycemia. The use of honey and propolis significantly (P<0.05) attenuated liver and kidney injury, and proteinuria, and improved level of hemoglobin, HBA1c, and insulin toward the normal range. The combination of honey and propolis was more effective than honey or propolis individually (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: the combination of propolis and honey can prevent STR-induced AKI, liver injury, proteinuria, dyslipidemia, anemia, hyperglycemia, and body weight loss, most likely by their hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities.

Evaluation of antioxidant, diuretic, and wound healing effect of Tulkarm honey and its effect on kidney function in rats.

AIM: The composition and activity of honey depend on its floral origin. Honey collected from Tulkarm was evaluated for physicochemical property and antioxidant content as well as a diuretic and wound healing activity. Its effect on kidney function was evaluated and compared with furosemide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Honey was collected in Tulkarm, Palestine, and its phenol, flavones, and flavonol content were assessed. The antioxidant activity was determined with the use of colorimetric assays, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). Two sets of experiments were conducted. First experiment: 18 rats were used for the evaluation of diuretic activity of honey. The rats received either honey or furosemide. Renal function test, uric acid, and serum and urine electrolytes assay were performed. Second experiment: 18 male mice were used to evaluate the wound healing property of honey. Wounds were created on mice skin and treated daily with honey or Madecassol. Measurements of wounds were performed over a period of 12 days. RESULTS: The physical and chemical parameters of Tulkarm honey are within the limits of the European legislation and fulfilling the criteria described in the standard codex for honey. It contains antioxidant compounds and shows antioxidant activity. Oral honey increased creatinine clearance and urine volume, sodium, and chloride without causing hypokalemia or affecting blood urea, uric acid, or serum creatinine level. The diuretic activity of furosemide was associated with hypokalemia. Topical honey application enhanced wound closure when compared with the Madecassol application. CONCLUSION: The study is the first to report that honey collected from Tulkarm has a considerable diuretic effect without affecting serum electrolytes or kidney function test and exhibits strong antioxidant activity and wound healing property.

Evaluation of antiproteinuric and hepato-renal protective activities of propolis in paracetamol toxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Propolis has a rich source of bioactive compounds and has renal and hepatic protective properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the beneficial effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of propolis against paracetamol-induced liver damage and impairment of kidney function, as well as hematological changes in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six groups of rats were used; the first group was served as a control; the second and third groups were treated by propolis extract at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg.B.WT. respectively; the fourth group was treated by paracetamol (200 mg/kg.B.WT.); the fifth group was treated by propolis (50 mg/kg.B.WT.) for eight days and then received similar dose of propolis for following seven days with paracetamol at a dose of 200 mg/kg.B.WT. daily for the seven days; and the sixth group was treated with propolis (100 mg/kg.B.WT.) for eight days and then received similar dose of propolis for following seven days with paracetamol at a dose of 200 mg/kg.B.WT. daily for the seven days. All the animals were treated for a period of 15 days. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for measurement of the liver enzymes, serum albumin, protein and creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, hematological parameters, and urine volume, protein and albumin. RESULTS: Paracetamol over dose significantly lowered hemoglobin, serum total protein, albumin, and uric acid, while it significantly increased blood creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, white blood cells, and platelet count as compared to the control. However, these alterations were significantly attenuated by the use of propolis extract and the effect was dose dependent. Interestingly, propolis prevented paracetamol induced proteinuria, low hemoglobin and body weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis significantly prevented paracetamol induced renal, hepatic and hematological toxicity and might be useful in the management of liver and renal diseases particularly proteinuria.