Sunday, August 31, 2014

Propolis Detoxifies Kidney of Aluminum Chloride

Yet another study confirming the protective effects of propolis, detoxifying kidneys from aluminum chloride. Other studies have shown its ability to detoxify the liver. This characteristic is also seen with consuming honey which aids in detoxifying the liver. Bee products are protective with no negative side effects and propolis is one of the most important products from honeybees.

Role of propolis (bee glue) in improving histopathological changes of the kidney of rat treated with aluminum chloride
Environ Toxicol. 2014 Sep;29(9):1000-10

Humans are frequently exposed to aluminum from various food additives, therapeutic treatments and the environment, and it can be potentially toxic. This study is aimed to elucidate the protective effects of propolis against aluminum chloride (AlCl3 )-induced histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in kidney tissues of rats. 

Sixty Wistar Albino male rats (average weight 250-300 g) were divided into three equal groups. The first served as a negative control. The second received AlCl3 (34 mg/kg bw, 1/ 25 LD 50). The third were administered AlCl3 (34 mg/kg bw, 1/ 25 LD 50) plus propolis (50 mg/kg bw). Doses were given once daily via a gavage for 8 weeks every day. The results showed that shrunken glomeruli, intraglomerular congestion, loss of apical microvilli, degeneration of mitochondria and widened rough endoplasmic reticulum were also observed in the Proximal Convoluted Tubules of these animals.

Treatment with propolis ameliorated the harmful effects of AlCl3 ; this was also proved histopathologically by the noticeable improvement in the renal tissues. There were also significant variations in the expressed of ki-67 and p53 proteins. It can be concluded that propolis may be promising as a natural therapeutic agent in AlCl3 -induced renal toxicity and oxidative stress in rat kidneys.

1 comment:

  1. Nasreen, thank you for the positive feedback. It feels great to know that these posts are of value. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. :)

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